First it was iPhone apps. Now it is auto apps for connecting to Facebook, travel guides, podcasts and entertainment while in the car.
Coming to a car near you: auto apps for travel, entertainment, but not yet energy use
Who will be first to write a green app?
As electric cars become more popular and charging spots a necessity, up to date info on wait time and location will be key. Why not put it in an easy to use app? What about performance data so that we know how are cars are running? Or a calculation of the energy necessary to reach, say, Minneapolis?
It seems the opportunity for green apps is just around the corner. But other than car companies such as Better Place and Ford, few companies have stepped into the development ring.
Perhaps it is still too early. Electric cars are few and charging stations practically non-existent. But according to the research firm iSuppli, the auto apps competition has begun, with companies such as BMW unveiling app stores with games, travel guides, Twitter links, even connections to Web radio. Nokia anticipates its apps will be used in the car via its cell phones.
With some of the big boys weighing in, it may be time to start scouting out the market.
