Automatic has partnered with us for our next giveaway, graciously offering one Automatic Adapter that provides information about your car's status and performance and your driving habits via a companion app. The Automatic adapter was first announced in early 2013 with recent updates last year bringing a second-generation adapter with additional functionality and the release of an SDK and App Gallery to allow other apps to use data gathered by the adapter. The Automatic Adapter retails for $99.95

The Automatic Adapter connects to a car via its ODB-II diagnostic port, which is found on most newer cars sold in the US since 1996 (Automatic offers a car compatibility checker on its site). The Adapter gathers information on mileage, gas consumption, and driving performance by analyzing braking and acceleration. It can also check engine warning codes and provide information on what's wrong. If a collision is detected through the Adapter's accelerometer, a Crash Alert is triggered and emergency services can be contacted automatically via the paired smartphone (this feature is available in the US only).
Automatic_Adapter_iPhone6
In addition to its own free companion iPhone app [Direct Link] (an Android app is also available), the Automatic Adapter can share its information with other apps in its App Gallery, which includes apps that track mileage for business expense purposes to smart home and fitness applications. For example, a Nest smart thermostat can be triggered to adjust the temperature at home based on your car's location so it automatically warms or cools as you leave or arrive.

To enter to win the Automatic Adapter, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter your email address. Your email address will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner and coordinate the delivery of the Adapter. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page. Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter.


This contest will run from today (January 15) at 12:00 pm Pacific time through 12:00 pm Pacific time on January 22. The winner will be chosen randomly on January 22 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address. The prize will be shipped to the winner for free.

Automatic is also offering a discount code to MacRumors readers that will take 20% off all purchases made at the company's online store. MacRumors readers can enter code macrumors20 at checkout to receive the discount.

Top Rated Comments

gertruded Avatar
120 months ago
And the data will be used against you in a court of law. This is a big brother device.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gimikinc Avatar
120 months ago
And the data will be used against you in a court of law. This is a big brother device.
Isn't that the truth!!!!

Received an end of year report from Automatic...the tracking and potential re-use of data lessens the usefulness.

They also have a 70mph max speed before it starts subtracting from the overall economy/efficiency. As there are several highways over 70. (Not talking the warning when you go over 70, but how they calculate your driving score).

With a Subaru Crosstrek XV I always get better mpg than automatic states. So, the usefulness is now more of a error code reader or to reset.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SteveJobs2.0 Avatar
120 months ago
The iOS app is a tad outdated but I love Automatic dongle. I would love another one for my wife's car, so let me win!
Greedy! You are now disqualified!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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