We're usually skeptical of multipurpose apps, and find that single-purpose apps often work better than the jack-of-all-trades type. The developers of Car Butler describe this one as "the all-in-one-app for people and their cars." And after testing the app, it's hard to argue the point.
The free iPhone app gives drivers weather reports, GPS navigation, traffic info and the ability to search for services such as gas stations and repair facilities. And it can make accident reporting easier and less stressful.
Car Butler's multitasking begins on the app's home screen by showing the local time and weather. It also has four icons along the bottom, the first of which is Commute. Hit it and then punch in an address or point of interest and it gives you three routing options -- although not the voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions typical with most dedicated nav apps.
The Services icon basically overlays auto-centric services -- gas stations, car washes, repair shops and parking, all powered by Yelp -- on the iPhone's Google Maps interface. There's also a Traffic function, but it's powered by Google Traffic data and can't compete with the best traffic apps.
Probably the most useful feature of Car Butler is found under the Report tab. You can make a one-touch 911 call or hit a 'Start Accident Report" button and get auto-fill fields for location and time of day courtesy of the iPhone GPS capability, as well as others for adding more details. You can also snap pictures of the scene and record voice notes ("Whose fault did you say it was, sir?") without exiting the app, and even email an accident summary with just a tap.
The upshot of Car Butler is that it brings together several features you can get on individual apps -- and even ones already on your iPhone -- in one convenient and handy location. And while it has its shortcomings, it's not every day that you can have a butler available for free.
Check out the full test at Edmunds.com.
bankerdanny says:
10:06 AM, 12/14/11
Since IL isn't owned by Apple and Apple isn't an advertiser as far as I can tell, why is it that I only see iPhone apps, despite the fact that there are more Android phone owners than iPhone?
cardrvr says:
10:23 AM, 12/14/11
@bankerdanny
I think the answer is obvious, whether the IL actually has the guts to admit it or not...
That said, this particular App is yet another lame attempt at putting a pretty GUI over the FREE, built-in Google Maps App of every iPhone... Some lazy people might find it useful, but I doubt that many will.
duck87 says:
10:29 AM, 12/14/11
@bankerdanny: I have to wonder about this as well, though it might have to do with the fact that Android devices aren't as hobbled as iPhone devices (since they come with google maps navigation, and somewhat better integration into audio systems)
bankerdanny says:
02:08 PM, 12/14/11
@duck: that might apply to this particular app, but many of the other apps posted by IL have nothing to do with nav, and are still iPhone exclusive.
I know that Edmunds is a Apple shop from conversations with Magrath and Erin on this subject last Feb at the Chicago Auto show. But that conversation was about an IL App, this is about apps in general and there is really no excuse for the laser focus on iPhone apps.
carbutlerapp says:
02:35 PM, 12/14/11
Thank you Doug, Eric, and Edmunds for the nice review! A user alerted me to this review this afternoon, which is nice to see. I appreciate the feedback. We are working hard on adding new features. Version 2 will be released in the weeks ahead with more proprietary features that will hopefully win over many more users. The new version of the 'Car Butler' app will be available for the iPhone, iPad (redesigned for its screen real estate), and Android.
@cardrvr, I'm sorry that the app hasn't won you over, but rest assure that I am far from lazy, and working hard on new features that hopefully you and others will like. The app has a nice following, and I hope people continue to use and appreciate the 'Car Butler' app that I've worked hard to develop. Hopefully, I will win you over soon. Thank you for the feedback.