[November 5,
1999] Surfing On Wheels
I spend about an hour and a half in my car each day, commuting to and from work. I
usually listen to the radio or a CD, or spend the time mulling over things I need to get
done. But generally, time spent driving is not very productive - I get where I need to go
and that's about it.
General Motors plans to turn those idle hours into a
useful resource next year, and this week the company announced plans to offer
voice-activated Internet connectivity in many of its new models. The offering will be part
of GM's OnStar information service, which is already
in place in many Buicks, Cadillacs, Chevrolets, GMCs, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs. The
service uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to locate vehicles for mapping and
emergencies, and includes a hands-free cellular phone for controlling communication. GM
demonstrated the new offering in a Cadillac Seville at the Special Equipment Marketing
Association (SEMA) conference earlier this week.
The other control option for the existing OnStar service is a three-button panel
interface, which also offers two-way communication. The system integrates with the
vehicle's electrical wiring, and can provide mechanical updates and warnings. Satellite
seems a practical method of transmitting data, considering manufacturer Hughes Electronics Corp. is a subsidiary of GM.
"These new services respond to customers' demands for enhanced communication
services delivered in a mobile environment," said Chet Huber, OnStar managing
director. "With nearly 100,000 OnStar subscribers using our service today and more
than one million OnStar-equipped vehicles being produced yearly going forward, this is
just the next step in making tomorrow's passenger cars and trucks truly communications
platforms and ultimately nodes on the network."
The system can notify the OnStar Center if airbags deploy, and offers everything from
roadside assistance to engine monitoring, to a listing of hotels, restaurants, and
convenience stores. And should you lock yourself out of your vehicle, an OnStar Center
representative can unlock your doors for you remotely. Even though customers are given
security codes for enabling such access to their vehicles, this type of remote control is
still a little intrusive for my tastes.
The OnStar Virtual Advisor will give customers access to news, stock quotes, and e-mail
through voice recognition software and wireless connections. GM has not released any more
details about the technology behind the service, except that it will not include screens
or displays that could potentially distract a driver. Personalized data will be available
through users' My OnStar Web pages. GM is also working on developing advanced Web
capabilities including MP3 downloads, PDA access to OnStar services, and satellite radio
for getting content from anywhere in the U.S. The company hopes to incorporate advertising
into the mix as well - for instance, if your gas tank is starting to get low, the service
would recommend local gas stations. Those that pay for the advertising, of course.
The entire development of the Web-enabled vehicles is being organized by a new business
unit of GM - e-GM. They will also work on linking GM's disparate Web sites into one
worldwide network, connecting thousands of dealers, and offering insurance, financing, and
even sales.
GM's not the only automotive manufacturer making a play for Internet connectivity. Ferrari developed a prototype for its 550 Maranello
earlier this year with a built-in PC. The vehicle has a satellite antenna for Internet
access, and is capable of playing streaming audio and video. There have been no further
announcements about whether Ferrari will actually market the vehicle with Internet access.
And the Associated Press says Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG are also working to link their
vehicles to the Internet.
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