FCA has developed a new app called “Know & Go”, debuting with the 2021 Ram TRX. The purpose of the app is to help owners become more familiar with and learn about their vehicle without having to search the owner’s manual.
Instead, the app allows you to point your camera at certain things in and around the vehicle and then display information about what your camera was trained on. It uses augmented reality technology to make it work. For example, pointing the camera at the engine compartment prompts you for a detailed description of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that delivers 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
The few photos provided by FCA show items the app can read, such as your drive mode switch, off-road pages, paddle shifters, and more. It will display sections of the owner’s manual, suggest how-to videos for certain functions, and even ask you to dive into functions you may not have known existed. Given how complex and complicated modern cars can be, we imagine this has the potential to educate some people about features that would otherwise go undiscovered. Of course, that also assumes that the owner is actually downloading the app and using the AR technology correctly.
FCA says the app will initially be rolling out with functionality for the TRX, but we should expect it on other FCA vehicles soon. It is very likely still not a substitute for reading your owner’s manual cover to cover, but the quick and easy access to information is still a boon to our eyes.