Chrysler to Add WiFi to Cars This Year
As state laws continue to become more stringent with regards to safe driving practices, Chrysler appears to be going a different route. Sure, Chrysler’s upcoming wireless internet service offering is more geared towards passengers as opposed to the driver but you know as well as we do, plenty of people will want to take advantage of that high speed data while commuting. According to Frank Klegon, Chrysler’s head of product development, a new WiFi connectivity option will become installable on the automaker’s lineup at some point this year and will later be added to assembly line production. The new system will make use of high speed cellular data networks and as such, customers will need to subscribe in order to make use of the offering. We’re not yet sure which carrier(s) Chrysler will be dealing with for its in-car WiFi service. The connectivity service announcement comes on the same day Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli made it known that Chrysler will be stepping up its game as far as Mopar parts and accessories are concerned. Special editions and accessory packages will kick off the effort, such as a Wrangler sporting an off-road navigation system, chrome grill, heavy duty bumper and beefed up sound system. It looks like money in the car-manufacturing business isn’t what it used to be. Those of us already packing high speed connectivity solutions such as HSDPA laptop cards or JoikuSpot might not be running out to purchase a Chrysler as a result of WiFi integration, but it certainly is progressive in terms of opening up a host of new service options for the everyman.
On Mar 26, 2008 @ 10:15 am, Galvatron Said:
wouldn’t be verizon they alredy have contracts with on stare it would have to be through the deathstar and tmobile but sriously if you can hook a laptop to he antenta you got som wardriving capabilities there.
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On Mar 26, 2008 @ 12:17 pm, Dan L Said:
Hmmm, if they go GSM (which I really really hope they do!!) will they be selling their cars ‘unlocked’?
If they are ‘locked’ will we be able to get our cars ‘unlocked’? Will they have cell phone service provider branding/badging on the car?
I wonder what the range on this WiFi will be…will we be able to follow someone with a Chrysler equipped with WiFi on the highway and piggyback on their connection? That’ll bring a whole new meaning to the concept of ‘wardriving’ LOL
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On Mar 26, 2008 @ 5:37 pm, biga Said:
I don’t think that Chrysler will be contributing to any illegal wardriving.
I will assume that these packages are only for a subscription gateway service such as ATT,TMO,Verizon and Sprint. Then supply wifi to devices in the vehicle and/or supply a data connection to vehicle diagnostics, security system, on-board web based vehicle information with ability to remote start/stop the vehicle.
Even the possiblity (most probable) vehicle data recorder for use with government tracking of data (privacy issues here). The ability to use a national toll system, not only the U.S., it will include all of North America. GPS data updated realtime.
You would mostlikly be able to upload/download all of your videos, music, ect. Bluetooth(insert any future wireless PAN standard here) with any other device PDA/phones/mp3-4 players.
I am just scratching the surface here on the vast possiblities this exsisting technology could offer and all ready does in some CarPC based setups…
http://www.mp3car.com/
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On Mar 26, 2008 @ 6:55 pm, Galvatron Said:
oh i have alread worked on rack mounted pces in tn trucks
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