i bought this for my new Chevrolet Colorado in June. It is now September. I haven't been able to use my device for a while. i maybe used it a little more than a month. If you have a emergency brake that resides below this device as in my vehicle. it can be a problematic situatiuon. The reason being is that when you go to set your brake or release it,the pathway of your foot often is only inches from the device and as I learned, no matter how conscious you try to be, often you are in a rush and it's easy to forget, as I soon did and what happened is it was knocked to the floor. Being a snapped together plastic it came apart and now mine doesn't work.I liked the device and was looking forward to its possibilities. I have a
Nest thermostat and the iftt (if this then that) app and was really interested in the whole auto home integration of this device. Also,another issue for me was that most times i would be a 1/4 mile or so away from home before the device would connect by bluetooth to my iphone 5. Accuracy would be close but not completely accurate due to this. As a suggestion to the company( if they read these things), I wish you had an extension cord that plugged into the vehicle diagnostic port of the vehicle and the other end into the device, then it could be attached somewhere on the dash with velcro or something so this would not be an issue and more easily seen and installed. okay thats it.
It's the best consumer OBD2 tracker/logger on the market today.
I've been using it with an iPhone 6+ and have had no issues with the Bluetooth connection. It connects easily and stays connected, even when I'm also using Bluetooth with my Apple Watch and my stereo.
The software for this is really cool, but it also works with 3rd party apps such as DashCommand which provides all kinds of diagnostics and a dashboard of instrument readings.
My only complaint so far is that the safety score tracking docks you for driving over 70 regardless of the speed limit. I wish this was user setting as I'd like to track and dock points only if 75 is exceeded. (Yes, I understand the developers want people driving under 70 due to their gas mileage beliefs, but we'd like the option of changing this).
Also, DashCommand is able to display lateral g-force, so shouldn't Automatic be able to use this data in the safety score?
While I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars, I would recommend this to anyone interested in such a device, and I wouldn't be surprised if this gets updated to 5 out of 5 with firmware updates, app updates, or backend server updates.
EDIT 6/5/2015: I was unaware that the unit does track trips when the iPhone isn't present and then syncs when it's connected. It does do this, which is really cool! You could use this to track when someone is borrowing your car (like the kids) or if you simply forgot your iPhone.
Automatic seems to be pretty responsive to user feedback, which in of itself is a huge plus, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'm editing this review soon to give it 5 stars.
The product works and does what it's meant to do. My only complaint is around the scoring system in the app. I live near toll roads in Texas with speed limits of 75 and 80 mph. If I travel the speed limit, I am docked points for traveling too fast. Other reviews confirm this behavior. I find that I don't even pay attention to the app or it's scores at all now. I'm really only using the device to obtain diagnostic information from the vehicle when it's available. Otherwise, it's easy to use and install. Connection with the phone is simple and reliable.
Inevitably around the time for getting my emissions checked, my check engine light comes on and this year was no exception. I’ve been meaning to get a code scanner and finally stumbled upon this handy little guy. The app is packed with a ton of neat features, including description of the fault code and even links to postings mentioning the specific error.
Be cautious not to get ahead of yourself during the initial set-up. I have a tendency to dive right in with total disregard to the instructions, which leads to difficulty at times. Be sure to install the app and follow the step-by-step guide when setting up for the first time. There’s a specific sequence of actions required for successfully pairing.
I was able to get the fault code (P0141) and quickly determine it’s the o2 sensor after the cat, which I should be able to handle myself. The labor cost savings for the first code ended up off-setting the price of this thing. There are cheaper devices out there but not as packed with real-world applicable features.
I purchased this product over a year ago. I bought it initially for the gas-saving tips and the ability to track my drives. You can even export your trip times and stuff into a CSV file - which is perfect for me since I'm a Lyft driver, and I can mark my trips as business expenditures if I am working.
But the real reason I'm writing this review is because I was in an accident 4 days ago. I was lucky enough to walk away, but my car will never drive again. It was a terrible crash, and literally within 30 seconds of the crash, Automatic had Fire, EMS, and Police notified, as well as sent notifications to my parents and family - so that they were aware of what had happened. It was exactly what I needed and basically saved my life. 5 stars!!
Feature Product
- Decode your check engine light like the pro's with detailed description of issue provided from the app; Clear it for minor issues or if you need an expert the app will provide you well-reviewed mechanics nearby; Product intended for the US only
- In an accident, get immediate assistance from a live agent; Emergency services are called while notifying your loved ones; Available 24/7 in the US and no subscription fees for 2nd Generation adapter
- Stay under the radar with gentle audio warnings that help you stay under the speed limit you designate in the app; They also assist with driving habits to improve hard braking and smoother accelerating
- Coach your teen driver to be a smarter safer driver; Make the first 6 months of unsupervised driving safer, less stressful and more relaxed for bot the parents and teens using the License+ app
- Avoid extra trips to the pump; Subtle adjustments to a commute can make a big impact on our mileage; See the cost and MPG for every trip to find more efficient routes; Tag certain trips for business in the web dashboard for easier expense tracking
Description
The Automatic adapter plugs into just about any car to unlock the data hidden in your car’s onboard computer. The free mobile app (for iPhone and Android phones) pairs with the adapter via Bluetooth to diagnose engine problems, display trip logs and mileage, and even call for help in a crash.
This product is intended for the U.S. only.
I've had this Automatic car adapter installed for a few months. I wish I could add more features to it, but that's really not a negative point because what it does, it does awesome. I'm going to get the 3G connected model for my other car based on my great experience with this one.
Pros:
++ LOVE that it gives me detailed mileage and locations. I fill out a lot of travel expense forms and this helps me to accurately measure my travel without having to guess.
++ I will be using this for my taxes so I can claim miles driven for medical and volunteer purposes.
++ I don't mind the audio beeps when I stop short or hit 75mph or whatever it is. My wife freaked out when she first heard them and didn't know what it was from!
++ I haven't actually tested the accident mode where it alerts people- and I hope I never do- but it's a nice feature to supposedly have.
Cons:
-- I wish this came with an adapter so I can keep my OBDII port available. Some sort of a right angle pass through adapter such that the Automatic gets positioned horizontal toward the front of the car. This would enable my mechanic to still get to the ODBII port without having to disconnect my car reader.
-- My car mechanic (the dealership!) has blamed some random TPMS electrical faults I've had on a ODBII adapter that was connected. Not this Automatic, but another model. It was a farce, because when I had the adapter disconnected I was getting the same errors. Just expect someone to blame this adapter if you run into electrical/signal issues.
-- I wish there was more features to tagging and exporting. I want the software to tag my trips to pre-determined locations as Business, or Medical, or add custom fields like Volunteer. This would better help me get data without having to perform the data reduction myself.
Others:
~~ The device saves all your driving locations. Just be aware of it and don't get it if your concerned where you drive and attempt to lie!
For people like me who enjoy statistics and raw data, this is a great gadget! I purchased this adapter the same week I purchased a Fitbit in the hopes of collecting as much data about my daily life as possible.
First, setup is a breeze. Unbox it, plug it in, install the app, and you're good to go. It walks you through the installation/configuration every step of the way. You'll have it setup in under five minutes!
Second, the app is pretty awesome. It displays an incredible amount of information (check engine light, commute time/distance/gas used, a map of where you have been, and so much more! When I purchased this adapter, I didn't realize that they had a web portal in addition to the app. Unfortunately, the web portal isn't as nice as the app.
I would highly recommend buying this either for yourself, a friend, and/or parent (great Father's day gift, in my opinion).
Pros:
-Tracks everything (including a map of where I've been)
-App is nice and easy to use
-Setup is incredibly easy
-911 assist in case of accident/emergency
-Parked car finder
Cons:
-A little pricey but not too bad
I got 2 of these for my vehicles (2007 Chevy Tahoe & 2013 BMW 3 Series) specifically for easily tracking business mileage. It does a great job for the price. Setup is easy and can function without additional input, logging all your trips and vehicle data automatically through the Bluetooth on your phone. I have it notify me every time I get out of the car to remind me to tag the trip if it was for business.
PROS: Subscription free! Accident detection w/ 911 and loved one notification. Clears CELs. Some cool features that integrate with other internet connect devices (i.e. automatically turn off central air in the house when I drive away and vice versa). Package functions as a very good travel tumbler.
CONS: Can drain battery if left on unused car for weeks at a time. My wife uses the driver score feature as a competition, which penalizes me for enjoying my sports sedan.
I just started using this. Very easy to connect, app is easy enough to use. A few comments about the app:
1. There is a rating system that they use. One of the parameters is speed over 70 MPH. I live in the SF Bay Area and most times, if you are not going over 70 MPH you are going to get honked at. Still, I am trying to stay under 70 but it does significantly impact your score.
2. There is some good information the app provides, but I was hoping for more details. Maybe I'm a car nerd but this app is really for the average consumer. The apps that provide real time stats are all pay apps unfortunately that are separate from teh Automatic app.
3. The app calculates your fuel costs but I can't find where I can edit that cost per gallon. I'd like it to be more accurate.
4. It has a very nice mapping and trip calculation.
5. If you use your car for business it has some nice stats. There are other apps that you can also use for business stuff.
Overall I've been happy with it. I'll update again in a month or so.
*** May 12, 2016 Update ***
I've had a few issues with the update and subsequent data loss from the device. The first time it happened, the app showed I had not drive all week. I did the reset steps and nothing changed. I sent a note to tech support and they told me that there could be a buffering problem. Here is what support said: "I think a process we call data dumping was occurring. When the adapter does not connect to the phone the drive data is cached. On the next successful connection it begins to dump to the phone and then up to our servers. While not visible to you the process can take a few trip to catch up. Each time you end a trip another older trip is send from the phone to the server for processing. Unfortunately for the user all you see is the adapter will connect and if you were to start the car the "Currently driving..." status would appear. The last trip and last parking location would appear to slowly move forward in time but not be current. As of now about 10 older trips have been loaded and the most recent trip ended today at about 7:28AM"
When this happened I think I lost one days data. Well, it's happening again. I did get an update finally but there is missing data again. This buffering problem needs to be fixed or it's not very useful as a tool. I'll leave it at 4 stars for now but if it keeps happening I'll probably start reducing the stars.
I ordered this fantastic device last week and promptly took it on an 800 mile trip. I'm already in love with it. It does so many things I like. It monitors your driving and can give advice against bad habits. For instance it will beep (gently) at you when you break or accelerate too hard. Furthermore after you register your device you have access to an online dashboard that shows the trips you've take. You can see them displayed on the webpage and learn from your driving habits.
If you've got children who drive you can use it to help monitor their habits. You can set a max speed limit and find out when the vehicle exceeds that limit. Whenever they bring the car home it will sync what it's done with your phone, update their data and then be available on the app.
If you like data automation and have used the website ifttt.com before, then you'll be happy to know that the automatic app already has several different ways to interface with ifttt. you can log all of your drives and drive data to google drive. You can user the ignition on or off in combination with geo fencing for some impressive results. You can even update your calendar to report the different times you've driven.
The automatic device can supposedly be used to read or reset engine codes, though I haven't yet seen one to prove that. I really like this device. I did have a few issues with it though, but they're small issues, I think.
1) The the most concerning is the mile per gallon data reported at the end of a trip. I filled up the tank for the first drive with this device and perfectly correlated the mileage reading. Then I filled it back up and my math told me a distinctly different answer. I'm not sure if it takes a while for the device to correctly read the mileage or what but it was annoying.
2) Next up, just moments after I ordered the Automatic, I saw advertisements for the Automatic Gold. Then I asked about a landscape mode for the app and it sounds like new features for the old device aren't a high priority
3) This was the final concern I had. It would be really great to be able to use the automatic device as a separate fuel tracking system. Instead the behavior of the system is that it tracks during the entire drive and that info is not avail ale until you restart the car. Which is okay, but instantaneous would be better.
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