Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. Videos

Samsung’s Connect Auto dongle gives you and nine passengers in-car 4G Wi-Fi

Albert Khoury
Andy Boxall
By and
Mobile World Congress 2024
Read our complete coverage of Mobile World Congress
Samsung’s Internet of Things push continues, but this time it wants to be inside your car. It announced Samsung Connect Auto at Mobile World Congress, a dongle that adds smart connectivity to cars that are, well, dumb. The good news is Samsung will launch Connect Auto in the U.S. with AT&T, and it’ll be here very soon.

It plugs into the OBD-II port, usually found under the steering wheel on cars made after 1996, and connects with an app on your smartphone. It’s not restricted to Android either, and an iOS version will be made. At its most basic, the dongle acts as a 4G LTE hotspot, suitable for up to 10 devices, so unless you drive a bus, everyone in the car will get a Wi-Fi signal.

Recommended Videos

However, functionality goes way beyond that, giving the driver plenty of car data ranging from driving efficiency based on distance, time traveled, fuel economy, driving style, and even alerts if your car gets stolen. If you’re a business or parent loaning out the car to others, a geo-fence and speed limit can be set, and the dongle will notify you if either one is violated.

Related

The onboard 4G LTE data connection sends data and location to a cloud server, which offers “Find My Car” GPS functionality. It can also let car owners know if the car has been suddenly moved, for example by a tow truck. Travel logs and expense reports are useful for company cars and those who work on the go. A virtual mechanic watches over the car and will alert you of any work needed — from oil changes to error codes — and will then guide you to a local repair shop.

Samsung’s striking up partnerships with insurance companies, where good drivers will get cheaper policies based on the data provided by the Connect Auto. The dongle comes with its own software development kit (SDK), so third-party developers will be able to make their own apps. To address privacy concerns, the Connect Auto will also come with the Knox data and security system from its Android phones.

The Samsung Connect Auto will find plenty of competition in the form of Vinli, Automatic, AT&T’s ZTE Mobley, and Verizon Wireless’ Delphi Connect. Samsung hasn’t disclosed the price, but says it’ll be reasonable, and you’ll find it in AT&T’s stores before the summer.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Albert Khoury
Albert Khoury
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Al started his career at a downtown Manhattan publisher, and has since worked with digital and print publications. He's…
The 6 best car phone holders in 2024
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Read more
Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD rear end side profile from driver's side with trees and a metal fence in the back.

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?
Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Read more