Apple Watch App for Tesla Model S Now Exists—Because Apple Watch [w/ Video]

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Well, that was quick. This report from 9to5mac.com indicates that a Tesla-controlling app for the Apple Watch is now a fully realized thing, and it’s pretty neat. There’s nothing about developer Rego Apps’ Tesla Model S Watch app that’s totally new or different from, say, Tesla’s own smartphone app for the electric sedan, or other automakers’ in-house apps that allow users a modicum of remote control over their vehicle, such as that from GM OnStar. Except, of course, that this one is designed not for a smartphone, but for Apple’s Watch. That means it does most everything a smartphone does, only from your wrist.
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The barriers to such an app for the Tesla Model S—versus one for models from other automakers—were lowered when Tesla opened up its code to developers, allowing third parties to manipulate Model S systems either via onboard or remote means. In the case of this third-party Apple Watch app, dubbed Remote S, users can remotely lock or unlock their Tesla, turn on the car, adjust climate-control settings, honk the horn, set charging limits, and geo-locate their vehicle.

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Those are all functions available via Tesla’s in-house smartphone app. Remote S has a few unique tricks, though, namely the ability to fully open the sunroof, pop and close the charging port, and even track the vehicle’s speed and location when it’s running. Those last two functions are a bit pointless when the owner is operating the car, of course, but may come in useful when the car is being driven by another member of the household or if, say, it’s stolen. The app, according to the report, is still in the process of being approved for App Store availability, but it’s cool to see people actually taking advantage of Tesla’s open-source policy. Watch the demo:

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from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/1AqSSNd