- Porsche updates its Rodes route-planning app with AI that looks for twisty or scenic roads; To add to the AI input, the app’s 180,000 users can rate routes, create their own and add helpful tips.
- The app was launched in 2019 but has now been upgraded with artificial intelligence that can help find roads that suit user-entered specifications.
- Route planning connects directly to any vehicle equipped with Apple CarPlay; Porsche is not required.
Artificial intelligence isn’t quite at HAL or Skynet levels yet, but the internet has embraced the technology as its new fun toy. Want to see art of every American president as a Pixar character, or challenge a chatbot to write seinfeld Episode in the style of Shakespeare? AI can do this for you. But Porsche thinks AI can be more than just a distraction. It’s the bet that AI can help you generate the drive of a lifetime.
Porsche launched its Rodes app in 2019 and today the company says the app currently has around 180,000 users. The latest refresh adds in the capability of route planning which involves an algorithm to find the best way to get from point A to point B.
big deal! Lots of navigation apps already do this. But the difference with Porsche’s app is that “best” here is defined by the operator. Where Google Maps takes into account driving time or fuel efficiency, Roads lets the user choose more challenging or scenic routes. If you want to spruce things up in your 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, you set up your profile to look a bit curvy. Want to hit the sightseeing in Cayenne on a cross-continent trip? Streets will help you find the best local can’t-miss spots.
Best of all, while the app currently only runs on iPhones, not Android phones, you don’t need a Porsche. Streets will work on any car equipped with Apple CarPlay, allowing you to choose your route on your phone and then follow it on your car’s infotainment screen.
With AI-generated routes, Roads also incorporates crowdsourced elements. Users can rate different routes, create their own and leave comments.
Where this technology isn’t really that much in your local area; If you’re an enthusiast, you’ve probably already worked your favorite back roads. But if you’re on a road trip, or traveling in an unfamiliar area, the Roads app will help you find good driving roads. It’s a free download, so make sure you have it with you on your next trip—and maybe grab an upgrade at the rental counter for something more fun to drive.
contributing editor
Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. He grew up cracking his knuckles on British automobiles, came up on the golden age of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the contrast between humanity and machinery, whether it be the racing of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is forever grateful for an excuse to buy Hot Wheels.