Chrysler's uconnect Turns Car into Wi-Fi Hotspot

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

Chrysler's uconnect Turns Car into Wi-Fi Hotspot

06.27.08

by Jamie Lendino
In what the company claims is an industry first, Chrysler has announced uconnect web, a system that brings wireless Internet connectivity to any Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicle.

It essentially turns the car into a WiFi hotspot that provides secure, real-time entertainment and information to all vehicle passengers.

According to Chrysler, the hotspot range will extend approximately 50 feet from the vehicle in all directions, and will combine both WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity. This means that passengers can stop the car at a family picnic or other event, and then proceed to make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, log into Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz, watch YouTube videos, or upload photos to a Flickr account, all using any laptop, Sony PSP, the iPhone, or other Wi-Fi-enabled device.

Since this is ultimately a cellular service, despite its emphasis on WiFi, the pricing will be complex: "The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449," Chrysler says. "Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available."

Uconnect web will be powered by Autonet Mobile, and will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory, the company said in the statement.

Chrysler's uconnect Turns Car into Wi-Fi Hotspot - News and Analysis by PC Magazine

[bobolito]

With such poor range of only 50 feet I think that only makes it usable inside the vehicle. Why not making it standard WiFi range? Besides, I think it is a complete ripoff for $449 when most routers are around the $100 range.

Besides, this is hardly usable for those who intend to park at a picnic or other outdoor event because most of the times your car is parked well over 50 feet away due to the size or the parking lot or because where you want to be you can't have your vehicle nearby. With that limitation they just killed the product right there. I can see this being used only inside the car while you're driving and you can have your passengers use the internet, but for outdoor use it is practically useless. I rather buy a data card for my laptop or just tether, both of which are much cheaper.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

data card is still the apex of mobile

[tmobileman]

Scenario:

You have unlimited hotspot calling with tmobile, guess what...your car just became a hotspot now you get perfect call reception anywhere you drive to...WOW this is amazing. Your car just became your tower for your wireless phone. I love living in the 21st century

[bobolito]

Originally Posted by tmobileman

Scenario:

You have unlimited hotspot calling with tmobile, guess what...your car just became a hotspot now you get perfect call reception anywhere you drive to...WOW this is amazing. Your car just became your tower for your wireless phone. I love living in the 21st century

LOL! That's a great example. As long as you can live with the latency delay of VoIP over cellular data, I suppose it will be ok.