Verizon Hum
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| Developer | Verizon Communications |
|---|---|
| Release date | August 26, 2015 |
| CPU | MODEM/Baseband processor + AP – VIA Telecom CBP8.2 |
| Connectivity | ODB II |
| Power | 1000mAh battery |
| Dimensions | Reader: 2.24" (H) × 1.90" (W) × 1.00" (D), Speaker: 4.45" (H) × 2.44" (W) × .90" (D) |
| Weight | 1.41 oz |
| Website | hum |
Hum is a vehicle diagnostic and tracking system from Verizon Communications. The system is composed of two devices: a diagnostics reader which connects to a vehicle's ODB-II port and a speaker with Bluetooth connectivity that can be clipped to the visor. A monthly subscription is required, but also includes a mobile application for reviewing collected data and receiving alerts as well as roadside assistance. The Hum was first revealed in January 2015 under the name Verizon Vehicle, but was rebranded before its release in August of that year.
The initial product launch included features such as maintenance reminders, parking assistance, incident alerts, emergency assistance and stolen vehicle location assistance. In 2016 Verizon added location-based features that were marketed to parents as a way of keeping track of teen driving habits. The newer features allow users to set alerts for when the vehicle exceeds certain speeds or goes outside of set geographical boundaries (called geo-fencing). A new model, Hum X, was launched in March 2017, featuring Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and priced at $15/month.
Unlike previous aftermarket in-vehicle telematics solutions, such as OnStar FMV, Verizon Hum could be installed on any vehicle from the 1996 model year or newer that included an OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics Version II) port under its dashboard. The OnStar FMV system was only tested to function in select vehicles 2000 or newer.
Also, Verizon Hum can be installed by the consumer, whereas other systems must be professionally installed, which usually entails a installation fee. All the consumer has to do after removing the Verizon Hum from its box is plug the transmitting device into his or her OBD II port on the underside of the vehicle's dashboard (Verizon provides a pictorial make-and-model guide to assist in finding the port), and clip the speaker unit onto their sun visor and power the speaker unit on. The consumer would then activate his or her Verizon Hum device online. The only maintenance required is charging the speaker unit, which can simply be charged via a Mini USB cable.
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