Automotive
entertainment systems have come a long way since the 1930s when the Galvin
Manufacturing Corporation introduced the first car radios.
Manufacturers added FM to radios in the 1970s. Then came the 1990s,
when minivans offered built-in video systems so small back-seat passengers
could watch DVDs instead of harassing Mom and Dad.
What's next? General Motors says its in-car Wi-Fi. The carmaker is
introducing Chevrolet Wi-Fi for its Equinox, Traverse, Silverado, Tahoe,
Suburban, Avalanche and Express models.
GM says this dealer-installed system enables full Internet access
inside the vehicle, and up to a 150 feet radius around the vehicle, with a
laptop or mobile Wi-Fi device.
"Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile enhances commuting, family vacations
and work," said Chris Rauser, Chevrolet Accessories Manager. "It benefits
active families on the go, as well as professionals who need immediate
information at remote job sites. Its uses are almost endless."
While it might be yet another way to keep the kids quiet in the back
seat, business users who already have a smart phone might find the service
redundant. The equipment costs $199 (after $200 mail-in rebate) and $29 a
month on a two-year contract. Those who already have a Verizon Blackberry,
for example, can pay an extra $30 a month and connect their laptops
anywhere within the network, not just in their cars.
While it was only a matter of time before the Internet came to the
automobile, there might be more useful applications than the one GM has
come up with. Instead of creating another way for passengers to connect to
the Internet while riding, why not instead replace the car's audio system
with a device that streams Internet radio?
For example, instead of being stuck listening to one of a dozen adult
contemporary radio stations in your city, you could drive down the
Interstate listening to your own station on Pandora, or any of hundreds,
perhaps thousands, of stations around the world that stream over the
Internet.
With an Internet "receiver" as part of a car's entertainment system,
the choices are almost endless. Best of all, the driver could get some
benefit from it as well.
Copyright 2009 consumeraffairs.com
