#81 - The Internet Highway?

Technology is moving to have the Internet make an appearance in your car. In fact if you have a Verizon or Cingular (AT&T) broadband wireless card you can be on the Internet via your laptop. Ford is heading in a different direction. They see that the technology of those who want to be always connected is more then just the Internet.

Ford Motor Company announced the launch of a new factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system that is designed to change the way consumers use digital media portable music players and mobile phones in their vehicles. The Ford-exclusive technology based on Microsoft Auto software, called Sync, provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring into their vehicle nearly any mobile phone or digital media player and operate it using voice commands or the vehicle’s steering wheel or radio controls. This sounds very cool. Ford says the system will eventually include getting updates and content (ie connecting to the Internet).

Autonet Mobile, meanwhile, wants to turn your car into a rolling hotspot. Autonet's book-size router plugs into your cigarette lighter and connects to the same kind of high-speed cell networks used by wireless PC Cards, while broadcasting a secure 802.11g network in your car (and a little beyond). Autonet has two big advantages over wireless cards: It is better at managing handoffs when you move from fast networks to slower ones, allowing for seamless data streaming. And everyone can share one connection, so Mom can watch YouTube on her laptop while Sis IMs her posse and Junior plays multiplayer games on his Mini Play station.

Gee and I thought the purpose of the car was transportation. Turns out it is Entertainment!