iPhone Accessory Connects Directly to Your Car's Computer

Maybe you've never heard of OBD-II. Simply put, this On-Board Diagnostic system is a computer found on cars built after 1996. Now the data collected by this computer can now be accessed by the Griffin CarTrip On-Board Diagnostic Computer Reader. But why would anyone need this data on their iPhone?

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Well for one you can find out exactly why your "check engine" light is on by retrieving the code, even reset the lamp without going to a garage. This alone could save some money, but performance monitoring can help save gas, too.

CleanDrive is Griffin's iPhone app that will interface with the wireless Bluetooth OBD-II reader. The software will collect fuel consumption, acceleration, top speed and engine diagnostic codes while you're driving. The numbers can all be analyzed and displayed in easy-to-read charts, even summed up into a "Carbon Score" that lets you know how your driving style impacts efficiency and emissions.

According to Griffin CarTrip features include:

- Wireless car computer monitor, compatible with most passenger vehicles built since 1996
- Wireless On-Board Diagnostic II reader/logger interfaces with your mobile phone or smartphone via Bluetooth
- Gathers OBD-II data including acceleration, top speed, fuel consumption, fault and pending codes
- CleanDrive App (a free download) analyzes data and displays it instantaneously in an easy-to-read graphic format
- Instantaneous trip and long-term data analysis equips drivers to drive more fuel-efficiently

CarTrip requires iOS 4.0 or later and a vehicle with an OBD-II port. The device will be available soon for $89.99. CleanDrive will launch in the App Store for free.