Land Rover's remote app turns your vehicle into a real-life RC car

Shawn Knight

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smartphone app turns land rover giant car smartphone bmw 7 series remote controll smart device rc car off-roading

I’ve been involved in plenty of off-road excursions over the years. Depending on the type of terrain you’re traversing, it’s not uncommon to have to exit the vehicle repeatedly to check ground clearance, tire contact and so on.

Things progress much more quickly if you have a spotter outside to relay instructions while behind the wheel but wouldn’t it be much more convenient if you could just drive the vehicle over an obstacle from outside?

With Land Rover’s new prototype remote app, you can do just that.

smartphone app turns land rover giant car smartphone bmw 7 series remote controll smart device rc car off-roading

The app relies on the same sensors that select Land Rover vehicles already use for autonomous parking. With it, drivers can essentially become their own spotters and control the vehicle from the outside with access to throttle, brake, steering and the transmission. Think of it as a giant RC car.

Naturally, there are plenty of safety features built in. For example, a remotely-controlled vehicle has a top speed of just four miles per hour. What’s more, the paired smart device will only work within 10 yards of the vehicle so you won’t want to venture off too far.

smartphone app turns land rover giant car smartphone bmw 7 series remote controll smart device rc car off-roading

Practical applications aren’t limited to those who travel off the beaten path. Such a feature could be immensely useful if you find someone has parked a bit too close to your vehicle in a parking lot, for example.

Unfortunately, Land Rover hasn’t yet revealed when it’ll ship remote-capable vehicles. For what it’s worth, BMW plans to launch its remote-controlled 7 Series later this year which probably means the Land Rover variant isn’t too far out.

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Having flash backs to James bonds remote controlled BMW, let's just say I'm a little excited... :)
 
7cc.jpg
 
An app for your Internet-connected smartphone that can take full control of your vehicle. What could possibly go wrong?

"Safety features"
LOL
Controlled by a smartphone through some wireless connection with an app.
There always needs to be an accident first before people start thinking about the obvious. Life is risky yeah, but this is begging for punishment.
 
How cool would it be, if the next time someone in a Land Rover, either cut you off, tailgated you, or was driving way too slow, you could just fire up the app, and move them the hell out of the way. Finally something from land Rover I can get excited about! I have got to get this app.
 
It will most likely be limited for speeds up to 5 - 10 km/h.
In speeds higher than that a lot of safety concerns start to matter which this "gadget" has not been designed for.
 
It will most likely be limited for speeds up to 5 - 10 km/h.
In speeds higher than that a lot of safety concerns start to matter which this "gadget" has not been designed for.
"For example, a remotely-controlled vehicle has a top speed of just four miles per hour." Sayeth the article.
 
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