Do We Need In-Car WiFi?
4/15/2007
Navigation, Satellite, and Internet, Oh My!
As if the plethora of media devices inside the car were not distracting enough, the Washington Post is reporting that Chrysler will be equipping their cars with a WiFi radio that will allow “passengers” to surf the internet while driving. Owners will need to have a cell phone data service to use the technology, but details about cost and providers have not been announced. BMW announced a similar web device at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.
Don’t get me wrong: I can imagine a million uses for this. My passenger would easily be able to find the closest five-star day spa while traveling through Iowa on vacation and examine its pedicure menu. The days of calling to order a pizza on the way home would be over; we could order online in the car and pick it up on the way home.
I know all the Knight Rider fans out there are giving a silent cheer that their dream of own there very own KITT is closer to reality (it was the car, not the “Hoff” right? wink, wink), but in this age of cities and states banning cell phone use for drivers, and drivers texting while speeding down the highway, is in-car web surfing really necessary? Studies have shown that distractions are a major threat to the safety of drivers and their passengers.
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Posted by: Autocar-Live | Apr 17, 2008 11:34:36 AM
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What I see as the real opportunity for this technology is two-fold. the first would be in a city that is heavy in car pool usage. As a business man, do I want to carpool in a car with Wi-Fi where I may be able to get a jump on the day's business, or do I want to ride along in a car with conversation that I'm not particularly interested in? I know there are bus transportation companies exploring this same technology as a way to increase ridership. Cool! The 2nd way I see this technology working is in the future when they have cars doing all the driving by themselves (it's coming!) and you as the owner, just sit back and let the car get you to work while you get online and conduct that web meeting during traffic. Sweet!
Posted by: MattKelly | Apr 15, 2008 5:58:04 PM