| July Index | Tech Tips | Local News | National News | Biz Tips |
Audatex Launches Android App for AutoWatch
Audatex announced the launch of a new Android app for AutoWatch, its web-based repair tracking system that allows vehicle owners to view the progress of their repairs online. Through AutoWatch, repairers upload digital photos along with the latest vehicle repair status information, keeping customers up to date through completion of the job.
The new Android app allows repair facilities to make updates via their mobile phones, whether they’re away from the office or working on the shop floor.
“With mobile access becoming increasingly important in today’s connected world, the new app empowers collision repair shops with an easy way to update and access AutoWatch data from anywhere at any time, and supports our mission to connect and support repairers, vehicle owners and insurers through technology,” said Patrick Schmidlin, Vice President of Product Management, Audatex North America.
According to Gordon Henderson, Director of AutoWatch, Audatex North America, more than 70 shops are already using the Android app. “Interest in the app is strong and growing, which clearly demonstrates that shops are eager to use their mobile phones as a means to provide customers with instant online repair updates. With more than two million vehicles tracked to date on AutoWatch, we anticipate further growth ahead as vehicle owners increasingly rely upon their smart phones and the Internet to stay on top of the issues impacting their daily lives.”
Right to Repair Certified for November Ballot
The Right to Repair Coalition announced that the Right to Repair ballot question has been certified by the Massachusetts Secretary of State and will appear on November’s statewide ballot as the first of three ballot questions to be decided by voters.
Secretary of State William Galvin approved three proposals that have gained enough support through signature drives to be placed on this year’s ballot. Supporters had to gather an initial 68,000 signatures and a second round of 11,000 signatures before July 3, after the Legislature failed to pass related proposals.
Voters will also be asked to decide whether to legalize marijuana for medical purposes and whether to allow terminally ill adults to obtain euthanasia drugs. The ballot will be arranged so the Right to Repair question will be first, life-ending drugs second and medical marijuana third.