Gear: Volvo Penta adds the cloud to its Easy Connect app
Boats are heading down the same path as connected cars, with owners able to access their vessel’s data wherever they have an internet connectionVolvo Penta is about to roll out an updated version of its Easy Connect engine management system that can stump up data to smartphones and tablets anywhere they have an internet connection.
The update, available in Australia from March, will upload data such as engine management and travel data via the internet. It means owners will be able to recall the data on Apple handheld devices and Android-based smartphones and tablets any time they need to access it.
"Our aim is to give boat owners the ability to connect and engage with their boat in a simplified and intuitive way – whether they are out on the water or back on land,” Easy Connect program manager Maria Andreasson said.
“Already, we are seeing the trend, that – like cars – boats are becoming smarter and more connected. We are delivering ongoing updates to Easy Connect with a focus on the smart, connected boats.”
Always available data
The upgraded system will store information about the engine, boat and trips on the cloud, the shared global computing network that acts as an always-on, always-accessible data hard drive.
“This enables users to access boat data across multiple devices, creating a seamless experience, and making it easier than ever to share trips and information with the whole family,” Volvo Penta said.
“As Easy Connect evolves, having a Volvo Penta ID account will give boaters even more access to key information and features.”
Owners will also be able to access their vessel’s owner manual via the app for the first time.
“The [owners] manual is one of the most visited pieces of content on the [Volvo Penta] website,” Andreasson said. “Now that it’s integrated into Easy Connect, we are making sure boat owners have access to the latest information about their specific Volvo Penta solution.”
Mobile dashboard
Owners who move to the new app will also receive alerts about new features and system updates, and can use the mobile dashboard to provide service centres with accurate engine operating data.
“There are endless possibilities for how connectivity will evolve for boating,” Volvo Penta marine electronics product planning manager Anders Thorin said.
“Providing the ability for owners to connect to their boat in real-time is an area of focus for sure. Along the way, we can see that collaboration across many different stakeholders, including boat owners, will be essential to shaping the future.”
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