Wi-Fi car frames information superhighway-Business Daily Africa

Home Wi-Fi enabled cars to help drivers keep a connected lifestyle and out of the car. Car manufacturers corresponds to the need for seamless connection. Photo/ECKILLER.COMMore cars frames information superhighway thanks to new automotive batteries WiFi technology that allows vehicles to be rolling hotspots. "Analysts say consumers are warming up to the concept of multiple connectivity options in their cars with "apps" for information and entertainment, just as they have with their smartphones or Tablet computers.

"Originally, to enable internet access by car sounds as a distraction and frivolous, but as time passes it becomes a part of our lives and we will feel uncomfortable does not have access to," said Jeff Kagan, telecom analyst independent "I believe that it will grow to a vibrant sector".Market research firm iSuppli said it expects an increase in worldwide shipments of car Wi-Fi systems to 7.2 million units by 2017 from just 174,000 in 2010.

Wi-Fi has been in existence for several years as extra equipment after the market but many large manufacturers now offer some form of Wi-Fi or develop it.Ford has offers Wi-Fi in selected models since 2010 and some form of access to the Internet is offered also in many other major automakers including General Motors, BMW, Audi, Saab, and Chrysler.In the middle of March, the Finnish telecom giant Nokia has announced the launch of a car Connectivity consortium of 11 companies with the common technical standards, including vehicle manufacturers Daimler, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Autonet Mobile, a California-based company that touts itself as the "first internet-based telematics and applications service platform" auto market, has more than 10,000 US customers who uses his CarFi service $ 29 a month, said chief executive Sterling Pratz.The group recently signed agreements with General Motors and Subaru.Pratz told AFP that consumers are looking for better entertainment options for passengers in their vehicles and use Wi-Fi for videos, games and social networks.

"They feel there is a better way to stay entertained in the car compared with dvd-player. They lead a connected lifestyle and when they get the car they feel disconnected, "he said.A next step, Pratz said, are other types of applications that can allow parents to monitor the speeds of their teen drivers and find their car, if it is stolen.In Europe uses Audi a system from Marvell Technology and Harman Automotive to create a factory-installed mobile hotspot, allows up to eight devices can be connected."I think today's consumers want the convenience of seamless connection and live content where and when they choose, whether in the home, Office, classroom, or automobile," said Weili Dai, Marvells co-founder and vice president at the advertising system.

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