Griffin Technology (http://www.griffintechnology.com) has announced CarTrip, an integration of hardware and software that provides realtime driver feedback on everything from fuel efficiency to maintenance codes and environmental impact.
CarTrip’s Bluetooth monitor plugs into the car’s OBD-II port to record and analyze data from the car’s on-board computer. On-board memory stores data, and CarTrip’s expansion SD card slot allows for additional data storage. A built-in sleep feature minimizes power consumption when not in use. CarTrip displays the data on a compatible iOS or Android device, using a friendly (and free) app called CleanDrive. It’s available at the Apple App Store.
CleanDrive monitors the car’s performance, collecting realtime data like fuel consumption, acceleration, top speed and engine diagnostic codes. It crunches the numbers and displays a “Carbon Score” on the iOS or Android device’s screen. Instantaneous, trip, and long-term averages are recorded to give a clear view of how driving habits impact the environment over time.
In addition, CleanDrive will display and reset the diagnostic codes sent by the car’s on-board computer, so that drivers can know what the “Check Engine” light is really saying. CarTrip will be available in the first quarter of the year for US$89.99.
