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Laura Guevin Points Of Presence

BY LAURA GUEVIN
Associate Editor, INTERNET TELEPHONY


[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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