Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

This isn’t your grandmother’s car anymore. Stuck in traffic and tired of staring at the guy in the car next to you picking his nose?  Well then maybe it’s time to shop for a Chrysler.  Starting in 2009, Chrysler plans to include a new in-dash system called UConnect in all of it’s vehicles.  This technology will allow Bluetooth connectivity, satellite tv, and iPod integration…a veritable rolling hotbed of communication entertainment for consumers. The Internet connection is made possible through 3G cellular connection that allows download speeds of up 800 kilobits per second, and upload speeds of 200 kbps.

Laptops, gaming systems and handheld devices all will now be able to be hooked up and online. Obviously, several safety advocates are not exactly jumping up and down waving their Wii’s in readiness, but, that doesn’t seem to be stopping the engineers at Chrysler.  (And people used to think drinking coffee while you drove was distracting….soon we’ll be brewing it!)

No price is set to date for the UConnect, but one could probably expect a monthly fee to use this option, as with the satellite radio option.

Chrysler plans to roll out their new line including the UConnect in November of 2008. They are hoping it’s going to give them a much needed kick-start with some pretty sorry sales figures as of late. Rival Ford does provide a similar system with their “Sync”... minus the web access. Asked what was able to be downloaded from the web system in the car, Chrysler’s Leung said that anything was fair game. Hold on to your hats boys…it might be quite a ride.

Via [AutoBlog]

• The disruptive spectre of a $99 Wal-Mart iPhone
• RIM announces re-launch of Mobile BlackBerry website
• Gadgetell Review: TeleNav Shotgun

Want some free WiFi?  All you have to do is a) stay within 100 feet of a Chrysler; b) be able to run fast to keep with the Chrysler or c) hang out at the Chrysler dealer where they demo this baby all day long.  Or you can pay.

Yes, Chrysler is bringing a WiFi router, dubbed UConnect Web, to their cars to help differentiate themselves in the market.  Coming supposedly this August as a dealer installed item with a $449 price tag and a $29 monthly.  The connection service is by Autonet Mobile who has apparently been offering a service like this for the rental company Avis.  How about that?

I expect Chrysler to roll this into offering diagnostics, warnings and safety fun.  I also expect this to be common place in 2 years as other makers can’t afford to lose any marketshare; especially at the hands of something people are willing to fork over cash for.

I like the sound of this.  Chrysler still makes cars huh?

Read [Wall Street Journal]

• Slacker 2GB WiFi player just $49 today only
• The disruptive spectre of a $99 Wal-Mart iPhone
• RIM announces re-launch of Mobile BlackBerry website

It was just a few weeks ago, we saw BMW announcing that they will be incorporating full internet services into their cars later this year. The only problem with BMW adding internet to their cars was that it was only available in Europe at that time, however, when Chrysler rolls out their cars with internet, it will be available in the States.

Basically, this works by the cars receiving the internet signals from cell phone towers, however, those who buy these internet equipped cars will need to (at least) “initially” also buy a subscription to a cell phone carrier so they will be able to receive complete coverage.

MORE »

Sections: Communications, Cellular Providers, Mobile, Computers, Wireless, Gadgets / Other, Transportation, Web