google: Google Cloud to power Harley-Davidson’s Serial 1 e-bikes – Times of India

Google Cloud is coming to Harley-Davidson’s Serial 1 e-bikes. According to a report in The Verge, Serial 1 e-bikes will come with a host of new software features provided by the company’s new partnership with Google Cloud. Serial 1 is the electric bike company spun out of Harley-Davidson in 2020. The partnership means that the e-bike maker will be among the first to integrate Google’s software products into its vehicles.
What does the partnership means for customers
The Google Cloud-powered e-bikes will allow owners to track their trips, collect data, and “significantly improve safety and security,” says Serial 1. The e-bike company’s app, Serial 1 will allow users to see “turn-by-turn navigation, collect ride data, and control security features on their bike.” It will integrate with Google Maps to enhance users’ navigation experience. Another feature is “virtual garage”. In this, users can track and digitally manage their e-bikes. There’s a dashboard to monitor ride data, like speed, distance travelled, range, power output, state-of-charge and other metrics. The app will also provide automatic service updates when users’ bikes require a tune-up.
The report further adds that the Google Cloud deal will ensure a stronger connection between the bike and the user’s smartphone. Most present-day e-bikes use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone app. However, with the partnership, Serial 1’s bikes will be able to use cellular and GPS technology, in addition to Bluetooth.