Your Mobile Device Has Wheels
This is not just that by now somewhat dated New York Times article pointing out that your Mobile Hot Spot Now Has Four Wheels
THE next frontier in computing has four wheels. Just as microprocessors and wireless Internet connections have turned cameras, phones and televisions into computers (sans mouse, of course), the technology is poised to transform the way we drive by putting the Internet — and all of its wondrous options and distractions — on the dashboard.
It cited a number of examples:
- WEB RADIO Blaupunkt will offer thousands of stations from the Internet.
- Chrysler’s Uconnect is a combination high-speed cellular Internet connection and wireless router that gives any nearby Wi-Fi-enabled device Web access.
- Ford has its Microsoft-based Sync system.The system allows drivers to use voice commands to play music from connected MP3 players and have text messages read back to them, and the new version adds GPS navigation, traffic conditions and information, including weather and news culled from the Internet.
- Sync differs from standard navigation and entertainment systems in that it does not require a built-in LCD display. It relies solely on voice recognition, eliminating the need for human operators on the other end because it sends spoken, Internet-based information back to the car. Turn-by-turn directions, for example, are read aloud.
- Audiovox, which makes car DVD and entertainment systems, is planning to extend live television feeds to the back seat. The company is working with a subsidiary of Qualcomm that already provides live TV programming to Verizon Wireless and AT&T cellular customers.
- Image via Wikipedia
Nissan has pushed the notion to the ultimate by describing its new Cube automobile as a gas-powered smartphone.
The new Nissan Cube is a “mobile device” which has “extreme browsing” capability. In other words, a giant gas-powered smart phone for a generation likelier to idolize Steve Jobs than Steve McQueen. The multimillion-dollar marketing campaign is a unique attempt at addressing what’s become the industry’s digital elephant in the room: that for many North Americans, the open road isn’t nearly as enticing as the information superhighway.
The (somewhat slow loading Flash) Canadian website encourages drivers to “personalize it, share it, connect with it” — with the Cube’s roomy interior described in Facebook parlance as a place to “add friends” — while the launch has incorporated a “Hypercube” social media campaign, Twitter stream, blogging site, community forum, Facebook presence and iPhone game that was downloaded more than 50,000 times in its first three days.
One might wonder how far can all this go.
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BPWrap
July 26th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Barry, do you know what’s the retail price for this Nissan Cube?
July 27th, 2009 at 5:21 am
That’s one thing you can’t find on the website but one of the references shows a price range of $14,700 to $20,000 US.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I do agree that it could be a distraction as well. Driving with world wide web within your grasp. Or it could work if you are stuck in heavy traffic.
July 28th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Nissan also just announced a new electric platform for use in both the cube and a prototype fully electric model to be unveiled in early August. Looks like competition for the crown in the Asian car market is really heating up. Good to see that Nissan is pushing the envelope for fully electric technology.
August 1st, 2009 at 5:48 am
i’m not sure about adding too many distractions to a car. My opinion is that when i’m driving i want as few distractions as possible, but having too many fucntions or too much choice from radio stations, may lead to more accidents.
August 2nd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Jonathan, I don’t agree with you. It’s not distraction I think, the driver should pay attention carefully themselves. But for passengers, they need to entertain! Otherwise it’s so boring. We can put back seat monitor with car DVD.
August 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 am
This is truly one amazing tool! All-in-one, really cool. That’s certainly what I love about technology, innovations and recreating solutions for a more convenient life. Thanks!
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
This is amazing, I just love the idea of everything all in one place! technology is superb.
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Answering the question “how far can all this go” I can predict closely, that it will finish somewhere in space on some planet! As you understand – this is a joke, because nobedy knows, where is the end of a human opus creativum
August 4th, 2009 at 11:18 am
The Cube is a great concept and a genius in generation marketing but we should raise concerns of the multi-tasking aspects while driving. It’s alarming to see near mishaps and fatal injuries resulting from drivers distracted with toys and gadgets while in motion. I’ve made it a point not to answer my phone while in the car. The real problem isn’t the distraction caused by fuddling with the technology but the mental distraction it causes where you loose the attention on the road that could lead to deadly consequences.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I like the Microsoft-based Sync system idea, my dad digs that..
August 8th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Yes it is quite an unique idea, keeps it interesting.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
The new Nissan Cube is really ugly…. who wants to drive a cube anyways? I personally want to drive a car!
“a ‘mobile device’ which has ‘extreme browsing’ capability. In other words, a giant gas-powered smart phone for a generation likelier to idolize Steve Jobs than Steve McQueen.”
I like the idea but I don’t know about adding too many distractions to the car. As it is right now, government banned talking on the phone, texting, and cars with t.v.s in the front.