In the race to bring the internet into cars, struggling Chrysler will take the lead with a new service available today.
The Detroit News reports, "Chrysler LLC today will debut technology that will make its vehicles rolling Internet hotspots, becoming the first of the mainstream automakers to offer customers a wireless connection." Available as a dealer-installed aftermarket accessory, the system uses Wi-Fi and cellular technology to enable passengers to "use laptops and other Internet-capable devices to access e-mail, music and online gaming as they cruise down the road. The hotspot will extend about 100 feet from the car."
So other drivers will be able to surf the net just by tailgating your car.
Edmunds Inside Line reports that Chrysler is preparing to offer "a wide variety of wireless in-vehicle products and services in 2009, including satellite TV and in-car Internet access," under the brand name uconnect. The services are "a potential Sync fighter -- a reference to the Ford/Microsoft communications and entertainment system that's already on a number of 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, but which doesn't provide Web access." Other features of the uconnect package include "a 30GB hard drive that can handle up to 6,700 songs in a variety of formats, as well as digital movies and images," hands free phone-service, a wireless iPod interface, and GPS navigation with and real-time traffic.
Digital Trends notes that the uconnect web idea has "drawn the ire of safety advocates, including many states. Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for the California Governors Highway Safety Assistant, said, 'Surfing the Web is something people really don't have any business doing while they drive. It's definitely a distraction.'"
BMW expects to offer a similar technology this year.
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