Major App Developers Sign On To Build Connected Car Apps Through AT&T Drive

DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T is leading the way in providing cars with wireless connectivity and now making it easier than ever for automotive manufacturers to integrate apps from top companies. AT&T announced today six applications to the company's industry leading connected car platform, AT&T Drive. Each app is voice enabled, and geared towards providing drivers with new solutions for better safety, infotainment, and convenience.  The apps will be available to auto manufacturers for inclusion in their connected car options, and will provide drivers with a wide range of services including up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, parking updates, and personalized radio. Developers of the apps include AccuWeather, Glympse, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Streetline, Inc. with the Parker™ app, and Tribune Digital Ventures. Additionally, AT&T announced a sponsorship agreement with TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. for the AT&T Drive Studio.

AT&T Drive is the company's connected car platform – a modular, global solution that allows automakers to pick and choose which services and capabilities are important to them in order to differentiate their solutions in the marketplace. From connectivity and billing solutions to data analytics, infotainment, and firmware over the air updates, AT&T Drive allows auto makers and developers to implement their own innovative and customized connected car solutions. Drive's cloud-based app platform delivers speech-enabled applications designed specifically for cars, so that drivers have access to the information they need while on the road.

"Each of these apps provides an enhanced in-car experience for users while also keeping driver safety top of mind," said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Emerging Devices. "AT&T Drive's app selection was developed so that drivers could make more informed decisions while they are driving to help them point A to point B safely, but do so as efficiently and comfortably as possible."   

Among the new applications is AccuWeather for AT&T Drive, which provides localized current conditions, hourly, and five-day forecasts with Superior Accuracy™ to drivers wherever they go. The AccuWeather app warns against inclement conditions, helps drivers plan and time their trips, and ultimately makes for better and safer journeys.

Glympse, the leading location sharing app, allows connected car drivers to share their dynamic location in real-time with anyone, eliminating the need for phone calls or text messages to let someone know where they are, or when they will arrive. A Glympse is always temporary, so drivers will only share your location for the amount of time they desire. Glympse has a proven track record of success in providing location sharing technology for Fortune 500 businesses and is currently integrated with numerous auto manufacturers worldwide.

iHeartRadio is an all-in-one digital radio service that offers thousands of live radio stations from across the country and the ability to create custom stations based on an artist or song. The application includes large text and touch targets, intuitive menu functions that incorporate the current habits of car radio users, and an interface designed to reduce distracting light during nighttime driving. 

Newsbeat is a mobile news app developed by Tribune Digital Ventures that provides personalized audio streams of the day's top articles from leading newspapers and websites. Newsbeat streams breaking news stories in one minute newscasts along with local traffic, weather and sports updates. Drivers can select topics of interest, trusted publications, and preferred sections as well as follow sports teams, TV shows, or their favorite celebrities for a customized newsfeed.  Once the preferences are set, the app will learn the user's listening behavior and deliver a personalized newscast experience that is unique to each individual.

Stitcher delivers the best radio shows and podcasts on demand. Listeners can stream the latest in news, sports, talk, and entertainment directly to their vehicle or mobile devices.  Featuring personalized recommendations and custom playlists, Stitcher helps talk radio listeners stay informed and entertained while listening on their own schedule — not the schedule of traditional radio.

Parker by Streetline is an award-winning parking guidance application that makes finding and paying for parking easy. The app displays data in real-time from in-ground sensors, from camera-sensing technology, and from gate counters in garages and lots, as well as static data like policy hours, pricing, and location.

AT&T Drive Studio's sponsorship agreement with TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) includes support for navigation system development. Located in Atlanta, the more than 5,000-square foot AT&T Drive Studio features working garage bays, a speech lab, a full showroom to exhibit the latest innovations, conference facilities, and much more. Drive Studio integrates AT&T solutions across multiple companies and serves as a hub where AT&T can respond to needs of automotive manufacturers and the auto ecosystem at large.

AT&T is a leader in wirelessly enabling automobile manufacturers, and connects automotive, consumer and M2M equipment makers through its global SIM platform.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse^® brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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