Hop into your cars, friends — they’re about to become hot spots on wheels (and not just because of their passengers).
Meet T-Mobile’s SyncUp Drive, branded as an “all-in-one solution for in-vehicle 4G LTE connectivity, driving analysis, vehicle tracking, and maintenance monitoring.” In essence, it’s T-Mobile’s answer to the connected car trend, which promises to transform your vehicle into a mobile Wi-Fi hot spot. And beginning on November 18, you’ll be able to get T-Mobile SyncUp Drive for free with a 24-month, no-cost finance agreement with a 2GB or higher mobile internet plan. Given that SyncUp would normally set you back $150, that’s not such a bad deal.
“With T-Mobile SyncUp Drive, you have a new way to ride on America’s fastest nationwide 4G LTE network,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. “We’re making it radically simple for customers to connect their cars with a complete, all-in-one package — and the best part is that we’re making it totally free at launch.”
To use SyncUp Drive, users need only plug the device into their vehicle’s OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) port. It never needs to be charged, is always on, and can be managed from your T-Mobile smartphone.
With the SyncUp Drive, users will be able to stay connected by way of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi, which runs on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network. They’ll also be able to take advantage of the Drive’s analytics, which will warn drivers of dangerous behavior like speeding, harsh breaking, rapid accelerations, and more.
You can also locate your cars by way of T-Mobile’s new device, either by finding your car on a map, or by locating a vehicle’s real-time driving location. And if your car needs help, the Drive can serve as a virtual mechanic by “providing helpful maintenance reminders and instant notifications about car trouble.”
Developed in partnership with mobile device and telecommunication system provider ZTE, and Mojio, an open platform for connected car apps and services, the SyncUp Drive promises to be a best-in-class Internet of Things solution for your 21st century life. The T-Mobile SyncUp Drive will be available in participating T-Mobile stores and online starting November 18.
