Local-first
Data close to the user; cloud services where they add value. Local processing can reduce unnecessary transfers, costs and dependencies. Cloud services are a useful tool when needed, with clarity about what is shared.
SCA — Smart Control Automotive
The value of a car, over time.
A platform project by Nicola Santini. Building on Smart Control, a direction for new automotive applications and services.
Progress should also benefit people who already own a car.
Safety and reducing environmental impact are essential. For SCA, progress must also consider the cost of mobility for people.
The project aims to help extend the useful life of cars that remain viable: understand their condition better, make use of their remaining mechanical capability and update their digital capabilities where possible.
This does not mean keeping every vehicle on the road at any cost. It means offering another choice when continued use makes sense.
A car’s digital evolution and its mechanical life need not share the same expiry date.
Understanding a vehicle better, using it more thoughtfully and having a choice about when to replace it: this is the value SCA aims to build. Useful life and economic sustainability for motorists are the purpose; technological principles are the tools.
This is a project direction, not a measured outcome of the available app. Keeping a vehicle is not always the safest, most economical or most sustainable choice: its actual condition and the user’s needs matter.
The principles guiding the project
Vehicle evolution
New digital capabilities for older vehicles too, within real limits. Compatible software and devices can create opportunities for owners of older cars too. Not every capability can be added to every vehicle.
Data transparency
Information that is accessible, understandable and clear about its source. Distinguishing vehicle readings from estimates and interpretations helps explain what is actually known and what remains uncertain.
Freedom of choice
More choice in digital tools and services. I envisage an ecosystem with room for factory tools and independent applications, subject to the necessary safety requirements.
Safety and usability
Open onboard experiences, with attention to driving first. More available content does not mean showing it all while driving. Open onboard experiences, attention and simplicity must develop together.
Interoperability
Systems and services able to work together. Modular foundations and clear interfaces can avoid duplication and artificial barriers. This is a research direction, not an announcement of released public APIs.
Platform direction
One platform, beyond a single ecosystem.
The SCA vision has involved significant work on the project’s technological foundations: evolving the experience and capabilities built with Smart Control and preparing new products that are not tied to a single operating system.
The aim goes beyond moving an app to another device. It is to build common foundations for different applications and services, able to evolve beyond a single ecosystem.
Available
Smart Control
Android
OBD2 trip computer, monitoring, diagnostics, trips and consumption. Requires a compatible adapter.
Get it on Google Play ↗Planned in the roadmap
New applications and evolution of existing products
- Android
- iOS / iPadOS
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
Progressive distribution through major stores and channels suited to each platform. Supported systems, features and release status will be stated for each product.
This journey will take time. The direction is set; availability will be announced as products become ready. Common foundations are in development; individual roadmap destinations do not imply completed ports or open beta programmes.
What multiplatform means
Preserving the value of ideas and offering more device choice. It does not imply every feature on every system at first release, purchases valid across all stores, mandatory cloud synchronisation or universal vehicle and adapter compatibility. Conditions will be specific to each product.