Welcome to Earn As You Drive
Imagine earning a little extra pocket change just by driving around town! Well, thanks to Continental’s new app, Earn As You Drive, that dream is a reality. Unveiled recently, this innovative application uses blockchain technology to allow users to monetize their car-related information – specifically, data about available street parking.
A Partnership Built on Tech
This groundbreaking app is the result of a collaboration between automotive supplier Continental, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Crossbar.io. Together, they’ve created a platform that enables drivers to opt in and earn digital currency in exchange for sharing real-time parking space availability via vehicle sensors. It’s an affirming moment of intersection between tech and your everyday drive!
How It Works
So, how does this work, you ask? If you’re driving and happen to spot an available parking spot, your vehicle’s sensors can relay that information. This data then reaches a manufacturer, who packages it and sends it off to third-party services that can help fellow drivers snag that coveted parking spot. Science fiction? Nope, just regular ol’ modern-day tech at work!
Jaguar Land Rover: A Similar Road
Not to be left behind in the digital currency race, Jaguar Land Rover has been experimenting with a similar concept in Ireland, in partnership with the Iota Foundation. Their program allows drivers to earn IOTA cryptocurrency for sharing their driving data. This has the potential not only to monetize your everyday travels but also to enhance sustainability consciousness by tracking energy origins for electric vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace.
Data-Driven Sustainability
Jaguar’s initiative underscores a growing trend in automotive tech: leveraging data to drive accretive change. The distributed ledger technology they are using also tracks energy usage, ensuring that the power fueling these zippy vehicles comes from renewable resources. So not only can drivers earn crypto rewards, but they can also feel good about saving the planet while they’re at it!
A Home in Blockchain
It’s not just about cars, either. Companies like E.On are pushing the envelope in similar directions for home energy management. They’ve filed a patent for a blockchain-based device that collects user data from smart home applications. This data – just like parking info in your car – could potentially be sold to third parties, all under the consumer’s control.
Why Blockchain? Why Now?
You might be wondering: why is this all happening now? As data privacy and monetization grow in importance, blockchain offers a secure, transparent way for users to control and profit from their data. It’s like putting your hard-earned information to work – you just got to turn the ignition!
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
The Earn As You Drive app signals a shift not only in the automotive industry but also in how we think about our data. As vehicles become increasingly equipped with technology that allows for data collection, the future looks bright for drivers eager to cash in on their day-to-day activities. Whether you’re looking to earn some extra bucks or simply support eco-friendly initiatives, blockchain technology is paving the way for an exciting new landscape in driving.
