Broadband Internet service for cars

[richardmasoner]

We already have obliviots driving with cell phones, look what will be introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show next week:

"Autonet Mobile provides the first Always-On Broadband Internet service for cars. By providing broadband Internet services and always-on Wi-Fi connectivity nationwide, Autonet Mobile will soon extend the power of the Internet to the 150 million vehicles on the road today."

More at http://www.goautonet.com/

RFM

[WriteABike]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

[SingingSabre]

The story of this product/service.

"Hey, look what we can do!" said Jim excitedly as he burst into John's office.
"What's that?" asked John.
"Well, when you asked me to look into something everyone wants but no one can really use, I thought about it," said Jim, running out of breath. "This is what I came up with."
"Oh, do tell!"
"We can put internet service in people's cars!" Jim continued to gloat, spraying fine drops of spittle everywhere, "It's the perfect idea for people to think they're more connected while taking oodles of money away from them."
The door to John's office opened a crack. Melissa, John's secretary asked, "Why on earth would people want internet in their cars. Isn't that one of those 'hey-look-at-this' ideas with no real practical value?"
John and Jim looked at eachother. If Melissa could identify that idea for what it was, they knew it was a surefire hit.

Or, perhaps, it's a great product for a number of people who want internet service while they take roadtrips. Similar to DVD player screens in the headrests and dashboard, I think it's good for everyone as long as the driver has the willpower to not utilize said product while driving.

[sbhikes]

Now they'll expect you to answer emails while you're stuck in traffic jams. Great. That ought to help traffic flow more smoothly.

[ryanparrish]

it might not be a bad thing if they do it right. If they do not make it interactive then it wouldnt be such a bad thing. For example if the internet detects a traffic jam up ahead it could redirect the car somwhe else. I think it is just how they interface the technology is the evil part

[richardmasoner]

I think it is just how they interface the technology is the evil part

It's a WiFi router for the car, so the interface is any WiFi-enabled device, which is usually a laptop computer.

This kind of technology on buses and trains is great. Inside a moving car, not so great IMO.

Mobile WiFi with public access would be nifty if the car is parked where I happen to be at, though :) With a stated range of 100 feet, it would be good for public events -- instant uploading of photos and videos from bike races! Citizen reporting of the Tour of California on location via webcam.

[slowandsteady]

It is for the co-pilot.

[genec]

It is for the co-pilot.

Riiiiight!

[ghettocruiser]

Sweet. How long before I can get it on my bike?


Just think guys. I can post about bad drivers in real-time.

[AndrewP]

When somebody cuts you off, you should hack into his Email address book and send all his contacts an Email telling them what an a***hole he is.

[Carusoswi]

Sweet. How long before I can get it on my bike?


Just think guys. I can post about bad drivers in real-time.

Probably not long. It's as simple as building out the WiFi access grid (something also required for the auto-internet thingy to be successful) and fitting one of those hand-held mini-computers to your handlebars. Those devices are just a tad larger than the new GPS unit I just attached to my bike. It should be a small task to do the same for a small computer unit. What with memory cards shrinking in size and expanding in capacity, the issue of vibration as it would affect hard drive performance/longevity would become a non-issue. I just updated my cell phone. The new unit will (if I choose to use the feature) allow me to browse the net (probably a very clunky interface, though). The thing is small enough that I have to check my shirt pocket to confirm that it's actually in there. A practical computer that can be attached to a bike (or canoe or what have you) cannot be far from reality.

Once a bike-mountable computer is available, we could, indeed debate the issue of safety while compu-cycling in real time. Wouldn't that be fun!

As I mentioned above, I just hooked my new Garmin Etrex Vista CX to my bike (the Etrex was a Christmas present). I succeeded this week in modifying a pair of open-air Phillips headphones so that I can use them while wearing my helmet (I still don't think it will save my life, but, just to show that I am open-minded, I bought one and wear it every time I ride, so there!!). I plan to leave on a long meandering tour today, relying upon my own instinct to get lost, my Garmin to guide me back, and my iPod Nano (also a Christmas present) loaded with Beethoven's nine symphonies and the best (my choices) of Roberta Flack to soothe my spirit.

Such a proposal is probably considered blasphemous here in A&S, but, until some of the more aggressive safety advocates succeed in having their way, I am still free to enjoy all of these toys simultaneously - and I have confidence in my own instincts to engage in this (these) pursuit(s) safely without endangering my life or the lives of those who will be in my vicinity.

I am certain that, if the initiative to "wire" autos to the net succeeds (it probably will), there shortly will follow a loud chorus of would-be legislators clamoring to outlaw the use of computers in cars. Heck, cell phones will make you drunk - someone (with an objective agenda, of course) "studied" it and wrote that it was so, so, it must be so, right?

OTOH, "wired" autos could be the first step in a system by which some entity far wiser than the individual driver could take control of our cars and dictate such things as speed, right of way, even the routes that we can take.

I guess it all hinges upon who is in charge. The underlying technology is already available.

Caruso

[genec]

The underlying technology is already available.

Caruso

Ain't that the truth... I have had hand held internet access for well over 6 years at 115kbps... that is more than twice dial up speed. (CDMA 2000 1X)

As the passenger in a car, I often navigate, and in doing so, I can look up movie times, restaurant locations and reviews and even check my email.

And yes, I could use it on my bike (although I would have to stop and actually hold the device).

But really, the bottom line, is can such access be kept to the passenger seat... or will drivers clamor for this, yet another potential distraction, over keeping their eyes on the road.

At some point, perhaps the car should do the driving, and let the occupants enjoy their "distractions."

[CrosseyedCrickt]

heh
I had broadband internet service in my car 5 years ago
spend 2 months designing and building the beast
had an 8" TFT screen with voice controls, onboard computer, video cameras, the works
I got bored with it after a month
sold it after 6 months

to be honest, it was nothing more than a "look what I built" thing

[SamHouston]

Or, perhaps, it's a great product for a number of people who want internet service while they take roadtrips. Similar to DVD player screens in the headrests and dashboard, I think it's good for everyone as long as the driver has the willpower to not utilize said product while driving.

I agree, but I also agree that the same can be said of alcohol consumption & driving while peeing out the window. Some of us can probably do it safely and responsibly, but until a drivers license means you're qualified to drive I think we should err on the side of safety by limiting the drivers activity, preferably to driving exclusively.

[Severian]

I don't think it would be too long before someone designs a keyboard that can be mounted on a pair of handlebars and then we can have motorcycles and bikes that have computers usuable while riding with your hands still on the bars.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

I don't think it would be too long before someone designs a keyboard that can be mounted on a pair of handlebars and then we can have motorcycles and bikes that have computers usuable while riding with your hands still on the bars.
Won't help those cyclists unable to chew gum (or listen to music) and cycle at the same time.;)

[Severian]

Won't help those cyclists unable to chew gum (or listen to music) and cycle at the same time.;)

ah but then they can look up tutorials on how to chew gum (or listen to music) on YouTube while they bike...

[donnamb]

"Autonet Mobile provides the first Always-On Broadband Internet service for cars. By providing broadband Internet services and always-on Wi-Fi connectivity nationwide, Autonet Mobile will soon extend the power of the Internet to the 150 million vehicles on the road today."
:eek: