Fiat helps us all get a breath of fresh AIR!

This week saw the launch of Fiat’s ECODRIVE system , deployed using the Adobe Integrated Runtime environment, and programmed in Flex 3.0 by a well renowned London based digital agency.

The rich desktop application takes data stored on a USB stick inserted in the vehicle’s dash whilst being driven, and analyses the driver’s trip statistics, and provides an eco:Index which allows the driver to visualize how much impact their style of driving is having on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions and fuel use. The application will then make suggestions to improve the driver’s fuel efficiency and overall eco:Index whilst comparing their statistics to other drivers.

The onboard technology is as a result of Fiat and Microsoft’s Blue&Me platform which not only handles the ECODRIVE application’s data capture, but allows drivers to make and receive calls, send SMS messages and manage their in-car music. Adobe’s AIR platform was selected as the platform of choice for ECODRIVE because of its cross platform reach, allowing the desktop application to be installed on Windows based PCs, Apple Macs and shortly AIR will support the Linux operating system too.

You can watch a video about Fiat’s ECODRIVE system delivered on Adobe AIR below



This web enabled desktop application shows the potential for the Adobe AIR platform to maximize upon its cross platform capabilities, local data storage / file access, whilst making use of the leading rich application Flash/Flex framework to build a highly engaging and fun to use piece of software, which provides us all with a breath of Fresh AIR.

This application also shows off the marketing opportunities available to major brands through bringing their branding to the desktop user, and not just to users of traditional online websites.

Should you require assistance with the development of a Rich Desktop Application using Adobe Integrated Runtime environment, please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your project.