According to a recent announcement, HARMAN is now offering its Spark smart transportation solution exclusively through AT&T. Many new cars today come with cloud connectivity, diagnostics, security, and infotainment. But most vehicles on the road lack connectivity.
Reportedly, to solve this, AT&T and HARMAN have teamed up on this platform that is designed to work with most 1996 and newer models.
“With HARMAN Spark, just about any car can be transformed into an LTE connected car,” said Chris Penrose, President, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. “You get the most advanced connected services available on new cars plus some that you can’t get anywhere else.”
“Consumers today are looking for simple devices that make their lives efficient and seamless. HARMAN Spark allows them to easily and affordably transform older vehicles into smart cars of the future with connected applications,” added Sanjay Dhawan, HARMAN CTO and President, HARMAN Connected Services.
HARMAN collaborated with Tantalum, an automotive software company, to enable HARMAN Spark with a rich set of features, an ecosystem of services and a payment platform.
Features include:
- Emergency Crash Assistance – Contacts you in the event of a crash to see if you need help.
- Virtual Mechanic – Helps ensure your safety by alerting you if your car needs attention and provides guidance on what to do.
- WatchIt – Lets you know if your car is bumped, towed or moved when you’re not around. Helps authorities locate it if stolen.
- Roadside Assistance Manager – Drop a pin on your location and request help 24/7. Pay through the Spark app and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
- Wi-Fi Hotspot – Connect up to 8 devices from the open road and keep the family happy and entertained while streaming videos and playing games.
- Geofences – Peace of mind for when your loved ones hit the road. Set boundaries on a map and view their location.
- Family share/Fleet manager – Get location of family and business vehicles and monitor vehicle health.
- Parking Reservations – No more circling and looking for a parking spot. Save time and hassles by reserving a space in advance. Pay in the Spark app.
- Driving score and tips – Driving feedback and trip analysis for whoever is behind the wheel. Helps your teen become a safer and smarter driver.
It will cost $79.99. Rate plans start at $5 per month for plans without Wi-Fi. Plans including Wi-Fi are offered as both standalone or as an addition to eligible Unlimited and Mobile Share plans. And, for a limited time, buy a Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+ or Note9 smartphone and Spark for $29.99. HARMAN Spark will be available starting Sept. 28 at AT&T retail stores nationwide and online.
Ken Briodagh is a writer and editor with more than a decade of experience under his belt. He is in love with technology and if he had his druthers would beta test everything from shoe phones to flying cars.Edited by
Ken Briodagh
