Chrysler has announced that its 2009 model-year cars will be have a
wireless communication option called uconnect. Made up of Bluetooth
hands-free, hard-drive based media, GPS and,
most interestingly, the ability to turn your car into a WiFi hotspot,
uconnect will be available on most Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles
starting in August.
uconnect Phone
uses integrated microphones to act as a handsfree kit for a
Bluetooth-linked cellphone; new for 2009 is phonebook syncronization
for up to 1,000 contacts, which can be browsed and dialled via voice
command. Certain models will also allow iPod connectivity through the
system. uconnect Tunes uses a 30GB hard-drive to store music, photos
and video ripped from either USB stick or CD, while for navigation,
meanwhile, uconnect GPS shows directions and real-time traffic
information. It also responds to voice control of destination setting.
The system will also provide high-speed data transfer and flexibility,
combining WiFi and cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless
technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to
deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle, for instant access to Web
sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums, and
more. Availability: Chrysler plans to offer aftermarket in-vehicle “hot-spot”
wireless Internet capability through Mopar® for Chrysler, Dodge and
Jeep vehicles.
