What does the Chris smartphone app do?
The Chris smartphone app connects Chris to the supported apps on your smartphone, to cloud services like Email and to your user account.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
Do I have to pay for the Chris smartphone app and updates?
No, Chris comes with a free smartphone app (both iOS and Android) to establish the connection between the device and the apps on your smartphone.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
In which car models and with which car audio can I use Chris?
Chris fits in every car, and it can connect to almost all car audio systems, either through Bluetooth (if supported by the car), or FM (for all others). If for some reason you cannot connect to a car audio system Chris also has a built in speaker so it can still read messages, interact with the driver and give navigation instructions.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
What is German Autolabs?
German Autolabs is a technology startup specializing in AI (artificial intelligence). It develops intelligent IoT solutions to make driving more pleasant, safe and human. By applying the latest state-of-the-art software technologies, interaction methods and artificial intelligence, the Berlin-based company works on solutions for consumers to connect their digital lives to every car. The founders Holger G. Weiss (former CEO, Aupeo) and Patrick Weissert (former Director Consumer, HERE) rely together on 30+ years on Automotive & Connected Car experience.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
Why did you develop the digital co-driver?
We are the “heads-down generation,” addicted to content and digital communication that immediately becomes inconvenient, stressful and, more importantly, very dangerous when we are driving a car. The only safe and convenient way as a driver to keep up with the stream of content we receive (emails, messages and apps) is to operate them using only your voice and simple gestures. This is why we are developing an intelligent solution that will function as a digital co-driver to keep the driver connected to the digital world without touching his/her smartphone.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
Why are you starting a Kickstarter campaign?
It’s an excellent way to involve our future users to help shape the product. We will connect with our community and listen very carefully to what the specific needs of drivers are. The funds we will generate will help to build the product faster as well.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
How can we prove that the Kickstarter-funded product will really happen?
Our management team consists of experienced automotive experts, entrepreneurs and developers. We are all have either led our own companies or worked as department heads in our previous jobs so we like to think we know our stuff. We left these to found German Autolabs as we believe in the revolutionary potential of Chris, the world’s first digital co-driver. Our software and AI development team is based in Berlin & Palo Alto. For hardware engineering and production we are partnering with experienced suppliers of consumer electronics and automotive industries with a strong footprint in Europe, North America and Asia.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
What services can drivers use with Chris? (List of services we support)
Chris supports: - Messaging: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, e-Mail, SMS (sending on Android only) - Calls: Hands-free calling, voice activated address book and recent calls - Music: Spotify, Apple Music, Google Music and music stored on the device like MP3 files, your iTunes music library - also FM radio - Navigation: Offline turn-by-turn navigation, real time traffic-navigation, find gas stations, parking, restaurants and other points of interest
We will be updating Chris with new software and integrations regularly, so the initial services Chris offers are only the first step on a continuously expanding roadmap of supported services.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
Who benefits from using Chris?
70% of drivers admit to using their smartphone every now and then in the car. Chris is for everyone, whether you’re a commuter, a parent driving the kids to school or a businessman or woman travelling to your next appointment. It makes your drive smarter and more fun by keeping you connected to the world in a way that is convenient, easy, intelligent and optimized for the car environment.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
How does the AI of Chris work and how does it learn with the driver over time?
AI covers a range of features. For example, the speech recognition is driven by the AI. This part includes ASR (automatic speech recognition), NLU (natural language understanding), dialogue management, natural language generation and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies. Another feature is learning driver behaviour and preferences through the drivers interaction with Chris. And Chris includes context analysis of the driving situations and complexity.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
Can your solution support multiple languages?
Chris is able to speak English and German, and more languages are planned for the future.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 06:46
When will the first devices ship / and when will Chris be available in store or online (where can consumers purchase it)?
Chris will first be available for pre-order on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, the campaign will start March 28 and end May 2, 2017. Shipment of first rewards is planned for December 2017, retail availability will follow in 2018.
Last updated: May 02, 2017 08:31
Which smartphones are compatible with Chris?
Chris works with all modern smartphones, both iPhones and Android. Supported smartphone operating systems are: iPhones with iOS 10 and later, and Android smartphones with Android 4.4 (KitKat), 5.0 and 5.1 (Lollipop), 6.0 (Marshmellow) and 7.0 (Nougat).
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
Does Chris work without a phone?
No, Chris only works in combination with a supported smartphone (both iOS and Android are supported)
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
Does Chris work offline?
Yes, Chris can do most things offline, for example read messages, interact with the driver, navigate. Some specific tasks may require an online connection, like dictating messages.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
Does Chris also work without a car audio?
Sure - Chris has a build in speaker that’s just perfect for conversational tasks. Don’t expect it to play your favourite music out loud in the quality of normal stereo though.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
What’s the battery life?
Chris comes with a snap in mount so it can quickly be plugged in when getting into the car and back out when leaving the car. The mount should always be connected to a power supply, and we will provide a cable that is long enough to be adjusted in the car such that it’s barely visible. The battery lasts for roughly 1 hour in full operation.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
Is the battery removable?
No, the battery is built-in. But don’t worry, it will last for many years in normal use.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
How do I protect my Chris from getting stolen?
Chris has a magnetic snap-in mount where you can mount and unmount Chris in seconds. Always take Chris with you when you leave the car so it wont get stolen. Chris is small enough to fit into the pockets of coats, handbags and rucksacks.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
Are there subscription fees associated with Chris?
Chris itself does not have subscription fees associated. Depending on your data plan and the features you use you may incur subscription fees with your mobile provider. If you want to avoid subscription fees switch Chris to “offline mode” and it will only use features which do not require a data connection.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:19
Is my data secure?
We are storing data such as your username and password for the purposes of authenticating you, and user preferences and settings like “Home”, “Work” and favourite destinations, user contacts, and your usage history for the purposes of personalizing, optimizing and improving the Chris experience for you. This information is encrypted and stored securely.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:35
Can I change the voice and select either male or female?
For the first version we are planning to provide one very high quality voice. There are not many high quality voices out there and we want to ensure you get the best experience possible. It will be female. In the future, as the quality of voices available improves, we want to enable alternative voices as well.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:38
What's inside the box?
Everything that you need to use Chris: - Chris device - Mount for windshield and dashboard - Charging cable (USB 2.0 A to Micro USB) - Single port 12V car charger for the cigarette lighter; once we hit the stretch goal: dual-port 12V car charger with 2 USB outputs (1x for Chris and 1x for your smartphone)
Last updated: May 02, 2017 08:31
Can I install Chris by myself? How much time does it take?
In less than 3 minutes Chris is connected to your smartphone and your car audio. You can definitely do it by yourself, it was designed to be very easy to install, like a Sat Nav.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:41
Where can I mount Chris?
On the windscreen and on your dashboard.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:41
Can I easily switch Chris between different cars?
Yes, absolutely no problem. This should take only a couple of minutes to remove from one car and install it in the other car.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:41
Can I easily share Chris with my partner?
Sure, each user simply creates their own profile. So every smartphone will have it’s own account and profile.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:41
Can I connect Chris to my car's sound system?
Yes, you can connect it to your car audio either using Bluetooth, if your car supports Bluetooth audio, or through FM, if your car audio does not.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:41
How to install the power cable? Is it going to be visible all the time?
The power cable will be installed all the time, but it will be hidden from view, so it’s essentially “invisible”. You don’t need to connect the charging cable every time you get into the car because the charging cable is connected to the mount which will stay in the car. The mount has a very easy snap-in connection to the Chris device, you just get into the car, snap Chris into the mount, and it is connected to the power cable right away and you are ready to go.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:43
Do I have to create an account / profile?
Yes, you will configure an account so that Chris can optimize the driving experience for you personally. The account will be managed through the smartphone app, so even if more than one people use the same Chris device, it will always connect to your account only for you.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:43
Can I have different profiles for different drivers?
Yes, the account is managed through the smartphone app, so every smartphone will have it’s own account and profile.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:43
Which hand gestures does Chris support?
Chris will allow you to swipe left and right, up and down, increase/decrease the volume (of calls, navigation, music) and mute/unmute. You can also wake up Chris with a gesture if it is in sleep mode.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:43
What display does Chris have?
Chris has a transmissive 320x320px TFT full colour display.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:43
Isn't the screen too small for effective navigation?
Chris has a simplified navigation display, which is very accurate and easy to read. This makes it easy to navigate, and makes following directions a lot less distracting than on Sat Nav.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:43
Does the include VAT?
Yes, you don’t have to worry about paying the tax.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:43
Does the price include shipping?
No, but you would be asked to pay for the shipping in the checkout process. We ship some rewards to the US, Canada and EU, with the flat-rate of 7 EUR for a single device. Others are shipped globally for a flat fee of 20 EUR.
Last updated: May 02, 2017 08:31
Can I cancel my pledge on Kickstarter? Can I get refund after Kickstarter is over?
It is possible to cancel the pledge anytime during the Kickstarter campaign is live. Once the campaign is completed and the goal has been reached, your pledge can not be cancelled any more.
Last updated: March 28, 2017 07:45
What is German Autolabs? German Autolabs is a technology startup specializing in AI (artificial intelligence). It develops intelligent IoT solutions to make driving more pleasant, safe and human. By applying the latest state-of-the-art software technologies, interaction methods and artificial intelligence, the Berlin-based company works on solutions for consumers to connect their digital lives to every car. The founders Holger G. Weiss (former CEO, Aupeo) and Patrick Weissert (former Director Consumer, HERE) rely together on 30+ years on Automotive & Connected Car experience. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
We are the “heads-down generation,” addicted to content and digital communication that immediately becomes inconvenient, stressful and, more importantly, very dangerous when we are driving a car. The only safe and convenient way as a driver to keep up with the stream of content we receive (emails, messages and apps) is to operate them using only your voice and simple gestures. This is why we are developing an intelligent solution that will function as a digital co-driver to keep the driver connected to the digital world without touching his/her smartphone. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
It’s an excellent way to involve our future users to help shape the product. We will connect with our community and listen very carefully to what the specific needs of drivers are. The funds we will generate will help to build the product faster as well. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
Our management team consists of experienced automotive experts, entrepreneurs and developers. We are all have either led our own companies or worked as department heads in our previous jobs so we like to think we know our stuff. We left these to found German Autolabs as we believe in the revolutionary potential of Chris, the world’s first digital co-driver. Our software and AI development team is based in Berlin & Palo Alto. For hardware engineering and production we are partnering with experienced suppliers of consumer electronics and automotive industries with a strong footprint in Europe, North America and Asia. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
Chris supports: - Messaging: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, e-Mail, SMS (sending on Android only) - Calls: Hands-free calling, voice activated address book and recent calls - Music: Spotify, Apple Music, Google Music and music stored on the device like MP3 files, your iTunes music library - also FM radio - Navigation: Offline turn-by-turn navigation, real time traffic-navigation, find gas stations, parking, restaurants and other points of interest We will be updating Chris with new software and integrations regularly, so the initial services Chris offers are only the first step on a continuously expanding roadmap of supported services. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
70% of drivers admit to using their smartphone every now and then in the car. Chris is for everyone, whether you’re a commuter, a parent driving the kids to school or a businessman or woman travelling to your next appointment. It makes your drive smarter and more fun by keeping you connected to the world in a way that is convenient, easy, intelligent and optimized for the car environment. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
AI covers a range of features. For example, the speech recognition is driven by the AI. This part includes ASR (automatic speech recognition), NLU (natural language understanding), dialogue management, natural language generation and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies. Another feature is learning driver behaviour and preferences through the drivers interaction with Chris. And Chris includes context analysis of the driving situations and complexity. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
Chris is able to speak English and German, and more languages are planned for the future. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
Chris will first be available for pre-order on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, the campaign will start March 28 and end May 2, 2017. Shipment and retail availability are planned for December 2017. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 9:46 am EDT
Chris works with all modern smartphones, both iPhones and Android. Supported smartphone operating systems are: iPhones with iOS 10 and later, and Android smartphones with Android 4.4 (KitKat), 5.0 and 5.1 (Lollipop), 6.0 (Marshmellow) and 7.0 (Nougat). Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
No, Chris only works in combination with a supported smartphone (both iOS and Android are supported) Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
Yes, Chris can do most things offline, for example read messages, interact with the driver, navigate. Some specific tasks may require an online connection, like dictating messages. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
The Chris smartphone app connects Chris to the supported apps on your smartphone, to cloud services like Email and to your user account. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
No, Chris comes with a free smartphone app (both iOS and Android) to establish the connection between the device and the apps on your smartphone. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
Chris fits in every car, and it can connect to almost all car audio systems, either through Bluetooth (if supported by the car), or FM (for all others). If for some reason you cannot connect to a car audio system Chris also has a built in speaker so it can still read messages, interact with the driver and give navigation instructions. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
Sure - Chris has a build in speaker that’s just perfect for conversational tasks. Don’t expect it to play your favourite music out loud in the quality of normal stereo though. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
Chris comes with a snap in mount so it can quickly be plugged in when getting into the car and back out when leaving the car. The mount should always be connected to a power supply, and we will provide a cable that is long enough to be adjusted in the car such that it’s barely visible. The battery lasts for roughly 1 hour in full operation. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
No, the battery is built-in. But don’t worry, it will last for many years in normal use. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
Chris has a magnetic snap-in mount where you can mount and unmount Chris in seconds. Always take Chris with you when you leave the car so it wont get stolen. Chris is small enough to fit into the pockets of coats, handbags and rucksacks. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
Chris itself does not have subscription fees associated. Depending on your data plan and the features you use you may incur subscription fees with your mobile provider. If you want to avoid subscription fees switch Chris to “offline mode” and it will only use features which do not require a data connection. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:19 am EDT
We are storing data such as your username and password for the purposes of authenticating you, and user preferences and settings like “Home”, “Work” and favourite destinations, user contacts, and your usage history for the purposes of personalizing, optimizing and improving the Chris experience for you. This information is encrypted and stored securely. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:35 am EDT
For the first version we are planning to provide one very high quality voice. There are not many high quality voices out there and we want to ensure you get the best experience possible. It will be female. In the future, as the quality of voices available improves, we want to enable alternative voices as well. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:38 am EDT
Everything that you need to use Chris: - Chris device - Mount for windshield and dashboard - Charging cable (USB 2.0 A to USB-C) - Single port 12V car charger for the cigarette lighter; once we hit the stretch goal: dual-port 12V car charger with 2 USB outputs (1x for Chris and 1x for your smartphone) Last updated: Wed, Mar 29 2017 5:47 am EDT
In less than 3 minutes Chris is connected to your smartphone and your car audio. You can definitely do it by yourself, it was designed to be very easy to install, like a Sat Nav. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:41 am EDT
On the windscreen and on your dashboard. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:41 am EDT
Yes, absolutely no problem. This should take only a couple of minutes to remove from one car and install it in the other car. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:41 am EDT
Sure, each user simply creates their own profile. So every smartphone will have it’s own account and profile. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:41 am EDT
Yes, you can connect it to your car audio either using Bluetooth, if your car supports Bluetooth audio, or through FM, if your car audio does not. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:41 am EDT
The power cable will be installed all the time, but it will be hidden from view, so it’s essentially “invisible”. You don’t need to connect the charging cable every time you get into the car because the charging cable is connected to the mount which will stay in the car. The mount has a very easy snap-in connection to the Chris device, you just get into the car, snap Chris into the mount, and it is connected to the power cable right away and you are ready to go. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:43 am EDT
Yes, you will configure an account so that Chris can optimize the driving experience for you personally. The account will be managed through the smartphone app, so even if more than one people use the same Chris device, it will always connect to your account only for you. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:43 am EDT
Yes, the account is managed through the smartphone app, so every smartphone will have it’s own account and profile. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:43 am EDT
Chris will allow you to swipe left and right, up and down, increase/decrease the volume (of calls, navigation, music) and mute/unmute. You can also wake up Chris with a gesture if it is in sleep mode. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:43 am EDT
Chris has a transmissive 320x320px TFT full colour display. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:43 am EDT
Chris has a simplified navigation display, which is very accurate and easy to read. This makes it easy to navigate, and makes following directions a lot less distracting than on Sat Nav. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:43 am EDT
Yes, you don’t have to worry about paying the tax. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:43 am EDT
No, but you would be asked to pay for the shipping in the checkout process. We ship only to US, Canada and EU, with the flat-rate of 7 EUR for a single device. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:45 am EDT
It is possible to cancel the pledge anytime during the Kickstarter campaign is live. Once the campaign is completed and the goal has been reached, your pledge can not be cancelled any more. Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:45 am EDT
You can return the Chris bought on Kickstarter only if the device received is damaged or doesn’t work properly. To do so you have to contact our customer service and if the complaint is justified we will ask you to send back the device. You will then receive a replacement and a refund of shipping costs (either as cash or an equivalent accessory). Last updated: Tue, Mar 28 2017 10:45 am EDT
Current Estimated Shipping Date: December 2017
Last Updated At: 05/19/17What is BackerKit?
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