Automatic Labs is shutting down is vehicle monitoring service which worked with the iPhone beginning May 28, saying Friday its business has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service provides various data via a diagnostic port on many vehicles as well as warns authorities when a car has been in an accident.
Automatic Labs alerted customers to the news in a blog post:
“Just like many other companies in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted our business. With fewer consumers purchasing and leasing vehicles and drivers on the road, we unfortunately do not see a path forward for our business. These are unprecedented times, and with so much uncertainty ahead, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Automatic connected car product, service and platform. We will be shutting down all operations at 11:59 pm, PT, on May 28, 2020 and, as a result, your service will end on that time.”
The ‘smart car assistant’ was originally developed more than eight years ago by engineer Brendan Lee. He told Cult of Mac back in 2014 of his original concept that collected data from cars and combined it with information gathered by a Jawbone Up fitness tracker to show users how much time they’re spending behind the wheel versus walking.
Since then, Automatic Labs was purchased by SiriusXM in 2017 for more than $100 million. In the years since, the device added multiple features including the ability to monitor engine issues, keep track of mileage, and track vehicles.
With competing services from auto insurance companies and the General Motors OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system, Automatic has had stiff competition.
Some customers will be eligible for rebates on the dongle device previously purchased, the company said, with details available on their refund page.
