Everything you need to know about the Thinkware CONNECTED Cloud App
How to Use the Thinkware CONNECTED Cloud App
The Thinkware CONNECTED App
While there are many dash cams available, Thinkware goes above and beyond to bring you peace of mind with the Thinkware Connected App, the ideal companion for the Thinkware Q1000 2K QHD and the Thinkware U3000 4K UHD dashcam.
Here, we’ll help guide you through what the advanced features Thinkware Connected offers, and the connection process for these advanced features. Let’s make sure, you are taking full advantage of what your Thinkware camera has to offer.
Still wrapping your head around the camera’s basic features? Check out our Thinkware Dash Cam Link Guide.
What is Thinkware CONNECTED?
Thinkware CONNECTED is Thinkware's Cloud service that provides users with access to cutting-edge surveillance and security features such as receiving impact notifications and remotely monitoring what's going on around your vehicle via your smartphone. As of now, the Thinkware dash cam models that are compatible with this Cloud service are the Thinkware Q1000 and the Thinkware U3000.
What are the features of Thinkware CONNECTED?
Thinkware CONNECTED is one of the many selling points of these units. Diving more into it, this software highlights the following features:
1. Remote Live View
Using the Thinkware CONNECTED app, you can see what the camera is seeing in real-time as well as the current location of your vehicle. This allows parents, fleet managers, and vehicle owners to monitor the activity of their vehicles no matter where they are.
2. Impact Notifications when Parked
If an impact is detected while the car is parked, the app will automatically receive a notification. If the user gives consent, a 20-second video of the incident (10 seconds before and after the incident) is also saved on the Thinkware CONNECTED server and can be viewed later from the app.
*This will only activate when the dash cam must is set to Parking mode
3. Strong Impact Notifications while Driving
When a very serious impact is detected while driving, Thinkware CONNECTED will display an alert message on the smartphone app and send an emergency message to your registered contacts.
The message will include critical information such as the location of the accident and a link to a 20-second impact video clip of the accident (10 seconds before and after the impact). This clip is automatically saved on the server, and you can access it at any time.
4. Vehicle Battery Voltage Status & Driving History
The Thinkware CONNECTED App allows you to important information such as whether the vehicle is parked or driving, check the battery voltage, and even remotely turn off the dash cam if you deem the battery voltage is low. You can also view your driving history, which includes information such as date, time, distance, route, and driving behaviour.
5. Send Emergency Message / Emergency SOS
When the driver holds the REC button on the dash cam for more than 3 seconds to request assistance, an emergency message is sent to all registered contacts. In this case, a 10-second video (5 seconds before and after the incident) will be automatically uploaded to the server. You can register emergency contact details of your family, friend or associate to request for help in the event of an emergency.
6. View Captured Image of Most Recent Parking
You won't have to remember where you parked your car with Thinkware CONNECTED. This feature displays an image of your front and rear views of where you last parked, as well as the vehicle's location. You can also view your previous Parking Captured images by going to 'Parking History.'
7. Geo-Fencing
Geo-fencing keeps parents and fleet managers informed of vehicle arrivals and departures. If a vehicle enters or exits a predefined geographic zone, the dash cam will send a push notification to the Thinkware CONNECTED mobile app. The radius of the zone can be easily set by tapping on the Google Maps display and selecting the desired radius, which ranges from 100m to 600km.
New Update: More User-Friendly Interface
Along with the release of the Thinkware U3000, we noticed that Thinkware also updated the Thinkware CONNECTED app with a more user-friendly interface.
The newly designed app's home screen now includes a display of event notifications, of impacts during parking mode. Once you tap it, you will be directed to the exact footage where the event was detected. With this update, it's now easier for the users to browse videos.
While the Thinkware U3000 has built-in Bluetooth that makes pairing easier, the internet setting in the Thinkware U3000 must still be enabled before you can connect it to the Thinkware CONNECTED app.
What do I need to set up the Thinkware Connected app?
Before setting up, you will need some form of wifi, be it a hotspot, a nearby true WiFi connection(Wifi from your house for example), or a mobile hotspot from your phone. You will also need the Thinkware Dash Cam Link App, the Thinkware Connected app with a Thinkware account, and lastly, your Thinkware dash cam. For the different apps, the Thinkware Dash Cam Link App will be used to begin registration, while the Thinkware CONNECTED will be used to finalize the connection.
In terms of accessibility, the Thinkware CONNECTED is available via smartphone app, mobile browser, and desktop browser in Windows or Mac. For desktop, the dashboard provides a summary of each vehicle linked to the account's driving behavior. If you have a fleet of vehicles to monitor, managing the Thinkware CONNECTED features on your PC or laptop may be a more practical option.
Meanwhile, for easier access, the Thinkware CONNECTED smartphone app can be downloaded in IOS and Android devices. For a step-by-step guide on how to connect, follow the instructions below:
How to Connect to Thinkware CONNECTED App
Before connecting to the Thinkware CONNECTED app, the dash cam must first be connected via Wi-Fi to the Thinkware Dash Cam Link App to pair to your wifi source, and use the Thinkware CONNECTED app. This guide is applicable to both Android and iOS devices.
- While connected via Wi-Fi to the Thinkware Dash Cam Link App, select the “⸬” symbol in the bottom right to open the More menu.
- Next, select "② Network Service".
- Select "③ Network connection: Not Connected"
- Select ④ ➕.
- Now you should see a list of nearby available Wi-Fi networks, select the one you wish to connect to, and enter the password for said network.
- You should now see the Hotspot Device listed under "⑦ Current Network" with the status Connected.
Once completed, the dash cam is now connected to the internet - ready to access CONNECTED Features through your internet connection. The dash cam’s Connection LED will also begin to blink orange.
How to Register the Thinkware Q1000 or Thinkware U3000
- Upon opening the Thinkware CONNECTED app on your Android or iOS phone, allow permissions for your location, storage, and any other permissions required.
- Login or create your Thinkware account. You will then be asked to input your contact information and enable push notifications.
- Once logged in, select "① Register dash cam"
- If you’re using a Q1000 dash cam, select "② Register with barcode", then scan the barcode on the bottom of your dash cam. On the other hand, if you’re using a Thinkware U3000, use the MAC address in the network service tab on the Dash Cam Link. Simply copy-paste it right over to the CONNECTED app, no barcode needed.
Note: Neither option will work BEFORE linking your dash cam to the internet, that is a required step for either registration method to work.
- After scanning the barcode or entering the MAC address, the dash cam will verbally announce "USIM registration has been requested. Press the REC button to proceed". Press the REC button once.
- Wait a moment or two, and the dash cam will verbally announce "Connected to the internet" and the LED will turn into a solid orange light.
Thinkware CONNECTED FAQs
Is the Thinkware CONNECTED app free?
Thinkware used to give free access to the Thinkware CONNECTED app for only three months. Now, Thinkware has allowed users of the Q1000 and U3000 to download and use the Thinkware CONNECTED app for free. No monthly plan needed.
Can multiple phones be signed into the same Thinkware Connected account and receive the same notifications?
No, you can sign in to an account on only one platform at a time. For example, you will get logged out from the app on your current smartphone if you sign in on the app on another smartphone.
However, multiple phones can definitely use the camera’s basic Wi-Fi connection through the Dash Cam Link, though only one at a time.
Can I receive impact notifications from multiple dash cams?
Yes, each dash cam must be registered to your Thinkware CONNECTED account. Depending on your plan, you can register from 2 to an unlimited number of dash cams on one Thinkware CONNECTED account.
How do you guys recommend providing an internet connection for the Thinkware camera?
We’ve found the most reliable method for a constant cloud connection to be a mobile hotspot in the vehicle. Now, there are a lot of different models out there on the market, and the good news is that most of them will work. : Still, they often need a constant source of power, same as the camera. For that, we actually recommend our battery packs!
You can connect the output of the battery to the camera, and our modern batteries also have a USB output port, which you can use to connect the hotspot. This way, whenever your camera is on, so is your hotspot, all while avoiding any draw on your car battery while you’re away.
Can I add multiple internet connections to the same app?
Wi-Fi, on the app, and when it is in range, the dash cam will automatically connect with the available network.
Overall, it’s important to note that the smartphone used to set up the Internet connection on the dash cam cannot also be used as a mobile hotspot for the dash cam. A different hotspot device/smartphone is required.
Why can’t I just use my phone hotspot as a Wi-Fi connection for the dash cam?
While it can technically be used, the camera is going to lose that internet connection as soon as you leave the vehicle with your phone, making a lot of the use cases for the cloud redundant.
If you’re a bit creative, leaving an extra phone in the vehicle as a hotspot while you’re away is possible, but brings up other issues such as data limitations depending on your phone plan, security risks, and powering of your phone.
Keep Your Thinkware dash cam CONNECTED 24/7
The Thinkware Connected is compatible with the Thinkware Q1000 dash cam and the Thinkware U3000 which are both available in Exclusive Signature Bundles at BlackboxMyCar. If you wish to avail yours, click on the link below and get our best guaranteed price today!