TTC #257 Connected Car Driving Simulation Game for Kids

"Are we thereeeee yet?" Grownups no longer will you suffer the ear piercing drama of children on long, or short, car trips. Igor Ponikarchik, CMO-Head of Mobile Unit Bamboo Group, talks to us about how ŠKODA LITTLE DRIVER will keep your kids happy and engaged while actually introducing them to the concept of driver safety.
Igor lets us play with their new connected car app, designed as an interactive game, to teach kids driving basics and main traffic rules. The app simulates every component in real time, by using the data generated by the vehicle while on route. So when mom or dad uses the blinkers, so can the child driving through the app. Kids get points for simulating the correct/safe action and also can teach a thing or two to grownups who may or may not be choosing the safest action.
Igor shows us how their development team integrated the ŠKODA API, creating an app fully compatible with the infotainment system of the car. Using the SmartGate system, ŠKODA Little Driver can analyse the vehicle parameters and all the driver’s actions. The vehicle data is displayed on the screen of user's device in real-time. The player can monitor driving variables (e.g. speed, fuel level, brake status or the throttle position) and repeat driver’s actions. The best part is kids earn points which they can redeem by "trickin" up their car, changing color, rims, etc. When not actually in the car, kids can play at home and learn safety facts about driving. Igor also talked to us about e-School, the company's educational application that redefines the e-learning process for schools, parents and students through mobile technology. Interviewed by Venetia Kyritsi for Tech Talks Central.