Dimo Macaron from New York-based Digital Infrastructure has become the first connected vehicle device to use the Helium IoT network at scale.

The connected vehicle device makes vehicle intelligence and applications accessible to everyday drivers on the Dimo Network. As the first OBD2 device using the Helium IoT LoRaWan, Dimo Macaron moves beyond traditional barriers of connectivity costs, enabling a future where every vehicle can be a smart car that is privately connected to an ever-improving network of apps and services just by plugging in a device.

The Macaron empowers drivers and fleets to understand and optimise their vehicle’s health and performance by equipping vehicle owners with an error code reader, GPS and car maintenance tracker, all powered by the Dimo mobile app. This shift in design, operating cost and accessibility marks a leap in automotive technology and connectivity.

“Dimo is already pioneering access to automotive data with the Dimo AutoPi and free access to existing OEM connectivity services via Dimo Mobile,” said Andy Chatham, CEO of Digital Infrastructure. “Looking at existing options in the market, we knew from day one that cost would be a barrier to mainstream adoption. That’s why we chose to build Dimo Macaron and add support for the Helium LoRaWan. Now, Dimo Macaron is positioned to democratise access to automotive diagnostics tools and vehicle telematics, rapidly growing markets that are already more than $115bn in revenues annually. The Helium Network’s coverage spans across more than 192 countries. We are not just launching a product but a global movement towards privacy preserving, cost-effective and user-controlled mobility experiences.”

For a one-time cost of $99, drivers gain three years of connectivity and insights into their car’s health, location and performance. There is no monthly subscription fee, thanks to the cost-efficiency of the Helium Network, which has hundreds of thousands of active hotspots in use worldwide and provides anyone with an internet connection with the ability to add coverage to the network. Macaron’s technology delivers a data-rich experience, combining Bluetooth and LoRaWan to provide real-time insights and passive data collection.

Out of the box, Dimo Macaron is integrated with the Dimo mobile app and marketplace, where users can monitor, maintain and manage their vehicles. From maintenance to insurance to roadside assistance, and exclusive discounts, everything is accessible from the user’s phone. With Dimo Rewards, users earn points for sharing aggregated, anonymised data that improve the network and spending with service providers on the marketplace.

As Dimo evolves with the expanding community of third-party developers and service partners, users will gain access to more features, discounts and services that cater to any mobility need, making journeys safer, more efficient and more enjoyable.

Abhay Kumar, CEO of the Helium Foundation (www.helium.com), said: “As stewards of the Helium Network, the foundation has always hoped to see vehicles get connected. Dimo has been building an incredible platform with user growth expanding. This is great news for builders and users of the Helium ecosystem.”

Dimo Macaron is available for pre-order now at drivedimo.com/products/macaron for shipment in November.