Like other OBD-II dongles, you simply plug the Vinli into the accompanying port on your car to give you access to the vehicle’s diagnostic information. Unlike them, it doubles as a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, so everyone in the car can stay connected wherever you are on the road.
Aside from providing a WiFi hotspot, it comes with an integrated app store where you can download a wide selection of driving, safety, and car maintenance apps that take advantage of the various diagnostic information it has access to. It also has both an onboard accelerometer and a standalone GPS with GLONASS, which the apps use for various functions like collision detection and turn-by-turn navigation.
Described as “the easiest, most advanced connected-car system in the world,” Vinly requires no complicated installation, requiring you to simply plug it in to the OBD-II port under the dash to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Data is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis (the SIM is embedded), so you can use it only when needed with no fixed monthly rates. It runs a custom version of Linux, so it has its own processing system, enabling it to interface with the growing number of smart home devices, so you can finally bring whatever car you own into the internet of things. Features include three levels of Vinli Shield security (to protect your car’s computer system from malicious attacks) and various optional roadside services (e.g. you can set it to automatically family members when it detects an accident).
Available now, Vinli is priced at $199.99.