Type S Review
Welcome to our Type S review. Today’s vehicles are getting smarter and smarter by the minute, so smart in fact that automobile industry experts believe we aren’t all that far away from self-driving vehicles straight out of what used to be thought of as nothing but science fiction.
Unfortunately for a lot of people, however, these ridiculously technologically advanced vehicles also happen to be ridiculously expensive. The modern cutting-edge technology that some of the world’s greatest luxury vehicles feature simply isn’t available in more cost-effective vehicles, let alone vehicles that were brand-new when they rolled off of the assembly line even just a couple of years ago.
According to the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all new cars must include a backup camera by May 2018.
Thankfully though, with the Type S, you’re going to be able to get the EXACT same technology that features in cars from Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Cadillac and more – all without having to spend a small fortune along the way (or having to purchase a brand-new vehicle).
Ready to learn a little bit more about everything that the Type S brings to the table in this quick review?
Let’s dive right in!
What Exactly Is the Type S, Anyway?
The Type S takes advantage of revolutionary new wireless technology, active and passive proximity sensors, and solar-powered solutions to provide you with a full 360° view and “electronic eye” for your vehicle whenever you slide behind the wheel.
See also our post on How to Improve Solar Charger Efficiency
So much more than a traditional backup camera or dashboard setup, the Type S doesn’t just put eyes in the back of your vehicle but also provides you with visual data provided by proximity sensors to understand exactly what is in front of, behind, and alongside your vehicle at any one particular point in time.
The coolest thing about this technology is that it works passively and responds immediately to any threats that it detects, but also that it works completely wirelessly and quite literally clips directly into your front or back license plate in a process that is so simple even the most technologically challenged people can have it set up and ready to go inside of 60 seconds or less.
How Does the Type S Work?
Everything starts with the quick installation of the actual Type S module, a process that we mentioned just a moment ago will take anyone – and we mean ANYONE – about 60 seconds or less to knock out all on their own.
Because the sensor system and Type S module use solar-powered technology and a wireless broadcast setup to get data to your smartphone or tablet there are absolutely ZERO wires that you have to run at any point in time.
Literally, all you have to do is remove your front or rear license plate, attach the Type S sensor directly to the mounting bracket, and then screw your license plate back in for a secure and locked-down setup. It’s probably going to take you longer to find the household tool you’ll need to get this sensor installed than to actually install it in your vehicle!
What then?
After that, all you have to do is allow the solar powered system to begin soaking energy from the sun, powering the system actively when the sun is out but also charging up the battery so that this technology works even in the dead of night.
A full charge from “cold” installation will take about an hour and ½ or so but after that the solar technology is going to constantly refresh and replenish the battery system so that you don’t ever have to worry about dying batteries, recharging, or any of the headache and hassle traditional power systems bring to the table.
From there, the sensor goes to work sending out a 360° bubble of protection (provided you have Type S modules installed in both the front and rear license plates of your vehicle). These sensors actively alert when objects are in their radius – and then that information is immediately sent back to your smart phone so that you know exactly where the object is, how far out it is from your vehicle, and what you need to do to avoid coming in contact with that object.
Best of all, the technology used in the Type S module works in the middle of the most beautiful weather imaginable as well as in the nastiest rain, snow, and sleet. This is as close to a “set it and forget it” safety solution for your driving in your vehicle as you come across on the market today!
If you enjoyed our review of the Type S, make sure to read our detailed analysis of the Safety Car Charger
What Kinds of Drivers Will Benefit Most from This Technology?
All kinds of drivers are going to be able to benefit quite a bit from the technology shoehorned into the compact, lightweight, and discrete Type S module. But the drivers that will see the biggest benefits include:
- Regular commuters that have to drive on busy roads or highways filled with traffic that can stop or speed up without any notice
- Urban drivers that need to parallel park more effectively or need to be on the lookout for road threats that pop up out of nowhere
- Younger drivers with little experience behind the wheel and older drivers that want to make sure they aren’t just trusting their instincts when it comes to driving on congested roadways
- Long-haul/long-distance drivers that want an always on monitoring system and make sure they are as safe as can be along their travels
What’s Included in the Box?
You get absolutely everything you need to get up and running with the new Type S module when you purchase this product, with the only “extras” you need to bring to the table being a couple of household tools that allow you to take off your license plate, attach the Type S module to the existing mounting holes, and then put your license plate back on.
In most situations that can be done with nothing more than a socket wrench or a power screwdriver attachment and about 30 seconds of your time.
In the box, you get the actual Type S module itself which includes the solar powered technology to charge up this sensor, and a user manual that helps you better understand exactly how to get the very most out of this technology.
You also have to download the Type S mobile application to the smart phone or tablet you want to interface directly with this sensor. These applications are available free of charge on the iOS and Android mobile application stores, depending on the type of device you are going to be using with this setup.
As we have highlighted a couple of times throughout this quick review there really isn’t much for getting this amazing piece of technology set up and ready to go in your vehicle. In fact, the odds are pretty good that you would have already been able to install and completely configure the Type S in your vehicle in less time than it would have taken you to read this deep into this review.
Pretty cool, right?
Highlights
- The fact that the system works entirely on solar power isn’t something that you should take for granted.
- This allows you to install the Type S in your vehicle all on your own without any special skills or special tools, but it also allows you to move this device from your vehicle to a new vehicle later down the line without all kinds of extra expenses as well.
- The set it and forget it nature of the Type S and the way that it works wirelessly with your smartphone or tablet means that you don’t need to learn an entirely new technology to take advantage of this safety feature, either.
- Combine all that with the fact that you can add the Type S device to ANY vehicle of ANY age – literally any make, model, or year – and you’re looking at something really special here.
Lowlights
- The only real downside we see moving forward with this particular setup is that it is going to require your Apple devices to be running the IOS version 7.0 or higher and Android devices will need to be running 4.3 or higher.
It would have been nice if this device also provided HD video capture data wirelessly as well, but that may be asking too much of something this compact, this lightweight, and this inexpensive – particularly since it runs primarily off of solar energy.
Customer Reviews Speak Volumes
Customer Review 1 – Sarah H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I couldn't be happier with my Type S! It's like having an extra set of eyes on the road. Installation was a breeze, and the fact that it runs on solar power is a game-changer. I can park with confidence in tight spots, and the alerts have saved me from potential accidents more than once. Highly recommended for all drivers!
Customer Review 2 – John M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a long-distance trucker, safety is my top priority. The Type S has been a fantastic addition to my rig. It's incredibly easy to install, and the solar-powered feature means I never have to worry about charging it. The 360° protection and real-time alerts have given me peace of mind during my long hours on the road. I wouldn't drive without it now.
Customer Review 3 – Emily R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've been using the Type S for a few months, and it's exceeded my expectations. I live in a busy urban area where parking can be a nightmare. The Type S has made parallel parking a breeze, and it's also helped me avoid fender benders in tight city traffic. The wireless connection to my smartphone is seamless, and the setup was a cinch.
Customer Review 4 – Mike D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Type S is a great safety tool for drivers, but I wish it had HD video capture. That being said, it's still a valuable addition to my vehicle. The solar power feature is a big plus, and it has helped me stay aware of my surroundings, especially in adverse weather conditions. It's reasonably priced, and I appreciate the added security it provides.
Customer Review 5 – Lisa P.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased the Type S for my teenage daughter who just started driving. I wanted to ensure she had an extra layer of safety on the road. Installation was straightforward, and the wireless connection to her smartphone was easy to set up. It's given me peace of mind knowing she has this extra protection while she gains driving experience. It's a valuable tool for new drivers and their worried parents.
FAQs about the Type S
What is the Type S?
The Type S is a revolutionary automotive safety technology that provides a 360° view and real-time monitoring for your vehicle. It uses wireless technology, active and passive proximity sensors, and solar power to enhance your situational awareness while driving.
How does the Type S work?
The Type S module is easily installed on the front or rear license plate of your vehicle. It operates wirelessly, transmitting data to your smartphone or tablet. It uses solar power to charge its battery, ensuring it functions even at night. The sensors detect objects around your vehicle and send alerts to your device.
What vehicles can the Type S be installed on?
The Type S can be added to any vehicle, regardless of its make, model, or year. It's a versatile and compatible safety upgrade for a wide range of vehicles.
Who can benefit from using the Type S?
The Type S is beneficial for various types of drivers, including regular commuters, urban drivers, young and older drivers, and long-distance travelers. It's especially useful in congested traffic, for parallel parking, and in situations where heightened awareness is crucial.
What's included in the Type S package?
When you purchase the Type S, you'll receive the Type S module with built-in solar technology and a user manual. You'll also need to download the free Type S mobile application from the iOS or Android app store for your smartphone or tablet.
Is the Type S difficult to install?
Installation of the Type S is straightforward and can be done by anyone. You'll need basic household tools like a socket wrench or power screwdriver attachment to remove and reattach your license plate. The process typically takes less than a minute.
What are the highlights of the Type S?
It operates entirely on solar power, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly.
It's easy to install and transfer to other vehicles.
The wireless connectivity with your smartphone or tablet makes it user-friendly.
Compatible with a wide range of vehicles, regardless of their age or model.
Are there any downsides to Type S?
The Type S requires iOS devices to run iOS version 7.0 or higher and Android devices to run version 4.3 or higher. Additionally, it does not provide HD video capture wirelessly, but this is understandable considering its compact size and solar-powered operation.
Is the Type S worth the investment?
If you're looking for an affordable safety upgrade that provides enhanced awareness and protection for your vehicle and its occupants, the Type S is a worthwhile addition. Its ability to provide real-time information about your surroundings makes it a valuable asset for any driver.
Type S User Experience and Reliability
Beyond its technical features, the Type S excels in user experience and reliability. Users report exceptional ease in syncing the device with their smartphones, ensuring a seamless flow of information. The robust build quality and efficient solar charging system guarantee long-term reliability, even in diverse weather conditions. This level of dependability, coupled with its user-friendly interface, makes the Type S not just a safety device, but a trusted companion for everyday driving. Its consistent performance under various circumstances reassures users of its value as a long-term investment in vehicle safety.
Type S Review Conclusion
Concluding our review of the Type S, it's evident that this device is a game-changer in the realm of automotive safety technologies. Its unique blend of advanced features like the 360° view, active and passive proximity sensors, and solar-powered operation make it a standout product. The simplicity of installation means that anyone can set it up quickly, adding to its appeal.
Suitable for a broad spectrum of drivers—from busy urban commuters to long-haul truckers—the Type S offers a level of situational awareness that was previously only available in high-end vehicles. Its compatibility with any vehicle, regardless of age or model, makes it an accessible safety upgrade for the masses.
While it doesn't offer HD video capture, this minor limitation is overshadowed by its core functionalities, such as real-time alerts and wireless connectivity to smartphones. The requirement for relatively up-to-date operating systems on mobile devices is something potential users should consider.
Overall, the Type S stands out as a worthwhile investment for enhanced driving safety. Its affordability, combined with the significant safety benefits it provides, makes it an attractive option for drivers looking to upgrade their vehicle's safety features without breaking the bank.
This is very much the real deal and at this price point, you’d have to be at least a little bit crazy not to take the plunge.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25977326/
https://www.government-fleet.com/157711/how-effective-are-your-trucks-backup-cameras
