Chrysler announced today at the North American International Auto Show that the company is working to develop an advanced, in-vehicle wireless communications system to be offered over the next few years.
Chrysler's technology roadmap for vehicle connectivity includes Cellular, WiFi and ultimately WiMAX.
According to the company, the following features will be coming to Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles over the next few years:
- Turn-by-turn navigation combined with satellite imagery to provide more realistic maps
- Automatic wireless map updates, to ensure that drivers will always have the most up-to-date map information. Real-time weather and hazard information will also be available
- Electronic service reminders, delivered directly to the vehicle
- Internet search
- E-mail access, to include access to e-mail accounts, read-out of messages using text-to-text speech, and sending messages via voice command
- The ability to make on-line purchases, view streaming movies and download music
- Remote vehicle computer updating - Wirelessly download software updates for any electronic module
- Wireless audio and video file transfer from home computer to car
(emphasis added)
This sort of future "Connected Car" technology is absolutely inevitable. First it starts with Cellular and WiFi connections, and eventually goes to an constant-on, high-speed platform like WiMAX.
XM and Sirius shouldn't be turning their collective heads and denying that this is coming, they should instead be looking at how they can integrate into these systems and add value. Satellite connectivity can very easily - and currently - provide a lionshare of what automakers are seeking in these next generation vehicles.
If this happens, the HD/IBOC jammers are dead - go Chrystler!
Satellite Radio is so dead.
Do these developments remind you of 1980? Then as now, we stand twixt those who insist upon inflicting outdated braindead kluge technology on citizens who've long known and demanded better - and the future so many clearly see.
President Reagan swept away the symptoms of that plague known as the 'Seventies'. Among other successful risks taken, President Reagan backed Chrysler. They succeeded with the K-Car and have since continued to be an innovator.
Today? Same. Chrysler sees in-dash connectivity as the future that citizens demand.
Greedy-gut 90s oligarchs cling to HD radio, a flawed 90s technology described by some reports to be a 'carny shill'. What'll the oligarchs use next as bait? Wood grain decals to stick on the side of our Quadrophonic HD Radios that flash 'Buy Pepsi Now'? What, they think we'll all see the flash and dash out to buy Pepsi? Big Radio is gone, baby, gone!*
Chrysler sees the future. It does not include HD radio. As Jerry Del Colliano elegantly stated today in 'Inside Music Media', consumers are finished with HD radio. Get over it.
Paul Vincent Zecchino
Manasota Key, Florida
14 January, 2008
Great now this sounds interesting and viable and forward thinking unlike that HD (HD= horrible distortion) stuff that Ford is offering as an option which will be put in three or four cars next year with a 100% rebate to the sucker, err. customer who unwittingly takes the bait. I have heard that to be able to receive FM IBOC (HD) you have to be within eyesite of the transmitter and drive around in circles, not a good system methinks.
This on the other hand sounds like something I may be interested in.
When working with Ford, Chrysler and GM in years past, it way always Chrysler engineers that were the innovators. I am a municipal wireless consultant and have been telling every one for years if you want broadband wireless mobile mesh with independent power supply and free right of way, put it in a car.
My organization would love to help move this one forward and could even add 4.9 GHz public safety and 5.9 GHz transportation spectrum to it. Anyone have a Chrysler contact? I would love to help out my old home town and a car company that deserves the best. I am working with some SRI engineers that can make it hop from car to car too.