You might be wondering why some Bluetooth OBD2 scanners advertise the latest 2023 vehicle updates while others, like Innova, seem to be taking a bit longer. At Innova, we understand your eagerness to have the most up-to-date diagnostic capabilities for your vehicle. However, there’s a crucial reason behind our approach, and it boils down to providing you with a reliable and ethically sourced product.
The Importance of OEM Data and Legal Licensing
Unlike some scanner companies, Innova operates as an authentic data licenser of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) data. This means we adhere strictly to legal and ethical guidelines in acquiring the information necessary to ensure our scanners are accurate and effective for your vehicle’s diagnostics.
OEMs, the vehicle manufacturers themselves, typically release updates for their own proprietary, high-end scan tools well in advance of new vehicle releases. These updates, designed for scanners costing upwards of $20,000, are crucial for dealerships and specialized repair facilities. However, the process for aftermarket companies like Innova to access and implement this data is different and follows a defined timeline set by the manufacturers. Months or even years after the initial OEM releases, the necessary information becomes available for aftermarket businesses.
The Risks of Unethical Scanner Updates
Some less scrupulous scanner companies take a shortcut. They resort to unethical practices, such as hacking into OEM scanners, to illegally obtain proprietary data. This stolen information is then incorporated into their products and sold to consumers as subscription updates. While this approach allows them to quickly claim compatibility with the newest vehicles, it comes with significant risks.
Consider the potential legal ramifications. Major vehicle manufacturers, like Ford, have taken legal action against companies engaging in these unethical practices. A simple Google search for “scan tools sued by ford” will reveal numerous articles detailing these lawsuits. The core of these claims often revolves around allegations of unauthorized access, hacking, and the theft of proprietary diagnostic software.
Purchasing an unethical scanner exposes you to the risk of your device becoming unusable at any time. Manufacturers may implement countermeasures to brick scanners using illegally obtained data, rendering your investment worthless.
Innova’s Commitment to Ethical and Reliable Diagnostics
In contrast to these unethical practices, Innova has proudly maintained a clean record. Despite being a leading provider of scan tools in the USA for many years, we have never faced a lawsuit from a vehicle manufacturer. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ethical data sourcing and legal compliance.
As an aftermarket supplier, Innova patiently waits for vehicle manufacturers to officially release data for the aftermarket. Our dedicated team of nearly 100 engineers and field testers then meticulously processes this extensive information for each new vehicle. This involves thoroughly understanding, engineering, and rigorously testing thousands of features and functions to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of our updates.
To simplify the update process for our users, Innova provides one comprehensive annual update encompassing all makes and models. This single, robust update requires a substantial engineering effort, ensuring that when you update your Innova Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, you receive a thoroughly vetted and dependable product. It’s a complex undertaking, which is why scanners offering more advanced functions beyond basic code reading and clearing often charge for updates. However, at Innova, we are pleased to offer these crucial updates to you completely free of charge.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we diligently work to deliver top-quality, ethically sound, and reliable Bluetooth OBD2 scanners and updates. Choosing Innova means choosing a partner dedicated to the long-term health and accurate diagnostics of your vehicle, ensuring you can confidently find solutions and maintain your car with a scanner you can trust, potentially from a retailer nearby.
