time for an app

julian46 · 02-15-2015, 10:52 AM

Not sure if this has been raised before - but don't you think its time for an app (ios - android) ?

Segway was one of the original practical (one person) vehicles - which as many of you know still works really well (with minor upgrades made to original design)

I think they are missing out a bit by not providing an app (Battery Health, Charge, Performance parameters etc) - all the main EV car manufactures provide this as do other similar self-balancing rides - so getting it "approved" can't be that hard (I know there would be safety - hacking concerns etc - but they already provide a remote - which is not bluetooth) - even as an option or add-on for existing Segways would be great.

J

Civicsman · 02-15-2015, 04:20 PM

The app itself is not the big issue. The existing Segway hardware does not have a radio capable of communicating directly with a smart phone. Even if the existing Zigbee protocol were programmed to provide such information, you'd need add-on Zigbee-to-Bluetooth, or Zigbee-to-WIFI hardware (and software) to talk to the smartphone. What a nightmare. And for what advantage? You already get state-of-charge, speed, and distance traveled on the InfoKey display. What else would you like to see?

Certainly, the hardware might be redesigned to support such communication, but that's unlikely, I think, given the already steep price.

KSagal · 02-15-2015, 04:44 PM

I thought the PUMA documentation and released data indicated that it had an app that ran on a smartphone. I thought the smartphone was the dash panel.

Since the PUMA was built on a segway type design base, it may not be that far from happening.

I might imagine that the app will be developed when someone capable of doing so has access to the necessary codes, and also feels that there is enough market or profitability to make it so. This, of course, would be if the app is developed outside of Segway, instead of inside.

I agree, I don't see a great advantage for segway to offer it, unless bundled with a GPS or locator, or some other feature. (that may be good for tours, as an example)

julian46 · 02-16-2015, 07:10 PM

yea good points - not essential - we all do fine without it - just interesting and fun I suppose - there is a lot of info you can pull off a Leaf with something like this - http://www.electricvehiclewiki.com/L...ry_Application

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d..._Spy_Pro&hl=en

Gihgehls · 02-17-2015, 01:30 PM

Zigbee radios are cheap, cheap, cheap. I can add a USB zigbee radio (no reason a cell phone couldn't use this) to my home automation hub for less than $100.

02-15-2015, 10:52 AM	#1
julian46 New Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 7	time for an app Not sure if this has been raised before - but don't you think its time for an app (ios - android) ? Segway was one of the original practical (one person) vehicles - which as many of you know still works really well (with minor upgrades made to original design) I think they are missing out a bit by not providing an app (Battery Health, Charge, Performance parameters etc) - all the main EV car manufactures provide this as do other similar self-balancing rides - so getting it "approved" can't be that hard (I know there would be safety - hacking concerns etc - but they already provide a remote - which is not bluetooth) - even as an option or add-on for existing Segways would be great. J Last edited by julian46; 02-15-2015 at 10:58 AM..

02-15-2015, 04:44 PM	#3
KSagal Glides a lot, talks more... Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Pelham, NH, USA. Posts: 10,356	I thought the PUMA documentation and released data indicated that it had an app that ran on a smartphone. I thought the smartphone was the dash panel. Since the PUMA was built on a segway type design base, it may not be that far from happening. I might imagine that the app will be developed when someone capable of doing so has access to the necessary codes, and also feels that there is enough market or profitability to make it so. This, of course, would be if the app is developed outside of Segway, instead of inside. I agree, I don't see a great advantage for segway to offer it, unless bundled with a GPS or locator, or some other feature. (that may be good for tours, as an example) __________________ Karl Ian Sagal To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "Well done is better than well said." (Ben Franklin) Bene factum melior bene dictum Proud past President of SEG America and member of the First Premier Segway Enthusiasts Group and subsequent ones as well.

02-17-2015, 01:30 PM	#5
Gihgehls Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Galactic Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha Posts: 2,086	Zigbee radios are cheap, cheap, cheap. I can add a USB zigbee radio (no reason a cell phone couldn't use this) to my home automation hub for less than $100. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "...if you insist on being imprecise in use and unique in definition, you should hardly be surprised that your attempts at communication are poorly understood." -a wise man

02-15-2015, 04:20 PM	#2
Civicsman Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Freedonia! Posts: 1,703	The app itself is not the big issue. The existing Segway hardware does not have a radio capable of communicating directly with a smart phone. Even if the existing Zigbee protocol were programmed to provide such information, you'd need add-on Zigbee-to-Bluetooth, or Zigbee-to-WIFI hardware (and software) to talk to the smartphone. What a nightmare. And for what advantage? You already get state-of-charge, speed, and distance traveled on the InfoKey display. What else would you like to see? Certainly, the hardware might be redesigned to support such communication, but that's unlikely, I think, given the already steep price.

02-16-2015, 07:10 PM	#4
julian46 New Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 7	yea good points - not essential - we all do fine without it - just interesting and fun I suppose - there is a lot of info you can pull off a Leaf with something like this - http://www.electricvehiclewiki.com/L...ry_Application https://play.google.com/store/apps/d..._Spy_Pro&hl=en

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