GM Smartphone App 'DiDi Plate' is Pretty Creepy
Smartphone apps can be social and helpful, but GM China is working on one that’s just plain creepy.
The app, called DiDi Plate, allows users to scan a license plate on a vehicle in order to connect them to the owner’s cell phone. That’s right, the driver simply needs to scan the license plate in front of them and they can start texting the vehicle in front of them. According to the director of GM’s China R&D Division, John Du, “Even if the other driver didn’t register this app, you can still give them greetings and comments.” Forget privacy concerns or promoting distracted driving, this app might be the strangest use of technology yet.
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The company demonstrated the app and in one example, a male driver used it to scan and and message the woman driving in front of him for a date, which she quickly accepts – if only it was that easy. In another situation, a woman’s car is blocked in, so she was able to scan the plate and text the owner to move the vehicle. While that’s a bit more acceptable for a use, imagine being able to message people and tell them they’re terrible drivers… while you’re both driving.
[Source: Computer World]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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This is awesome and terrible at the same time.
lol this gon' be fun