Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO
Click above to view a video of Chrysler's uConnect in action.
At Chrysler's annual "What's New" gathering at its Chelsea Proving Ground, we were able to get a demonstration of the new uConnect Web system, which transforms any vehicle into a rolling WiFi hot spot. The hardware consists of a WiFi router with a built in wireless 3G modem. The 3G modem automatically connects to the internet and allows any WiFi enabled devices, such as a laptop, iPod Touch, Nintendo DS or XBox to connect, as long as you're within range of a cell signal. Chrysler is offering the system as a dealer installed option through it's Mopar parts division starting this August. Initially, it will only be available for 2009 models, but earlier models will be added further down the road. The system will cost about $500 installed plus $29 a month for unlimited service, and if you sign up for a two-year contract you get two months for free. Theoretically, you could use the system as your home internet service with your car parked in the garage, making the initial cost of installation and monthly service charges a bit more palatable. Check out a video of the demonstration we received after the jump.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Michael 8:24PM (6/26/2008)
It's a cool idea. Too bad I can do that already with my phone and my laptop. I just plug the laptop into the cigarette lighter, plug the phone into the laptop, and bridge the connection on the laptop to great a wireless access point.
Also, Chrysler.
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Michael 8:24PM (6/26/2008)
to great -> to create
psu48187 8:31PM (6/26/2008)
In looking at Chrysler's lineup, it would seem that the resources for nonsense such as this should have been allocated to producing better cars.
I'm just saying...
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$0.03 5:46PM (6/30/2008)
Why bother "just saying" when someone says it in EVERY Chrysler related post. It's really getting a little old. We get the fact that you don't like them, now, shut up about it
Aprime 9:13PM (6/26/2008)
Seems to work for Ford.
Brent 9:45PM (6/26/2008)
They are working on better cars right now! The new Sebring/Avenger will have better fuel economy and far better interiors. Believe me, they are trying really hard on improving their line. It takes a lot of time to build new and better cars. They still need to get rid of their current vehicles, so it makes sense to add features.
psu48187 11:50PM (6/26/2008)
Regardless it is nonsense, and Ford's lineup isn't anywhere near what Chrysler offers.
Randy 5:11PM (6/27/2008)
Except that Ford's main three nameplates Ford Lincoln and Mercury are all in the top ten best made cars on the road as of 2007 and Chrysler doesn't have a single one above average! Interestingly enough........ Acura is below average now! And Mercury beat Honda! Here's the list in order (Not edited)
Porche
Infiniti
Lexus
Mercedes
Toyota
Mercury
Honda
Ford
Jaguar
Audi
Cadilac
Chevy
Hyundai
Pontiac
Lincoln
Buick
INDUSTRY AVERAGE MARK
Acura
Kia
Nissan
Volvo
BMW
GMC
Mazda
VW
Hummer
Subarua
Scion
Dodge
Chrysler
Mitsubishi
Saab
Suzuki
Saturn
Land Rover
MINI
Jeep
psu48187 5:48PM (6/30/2008)
Really, 0.03. Get a grip.
BowserUSC 8:34PM (6/26/2008)
I don't know. I personally don't see any use for this. Especially with cell phones that can do pretty much the same thing as Michael said.
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Brent 9:50PM (6/26/2008)
Kids + Town & Country minivan..... come on, still can think of a use?
BowserUSC 9:58PM (6/26/2008)
You're right in the sense that it's probably easier for the average person to use. But considering the alternative 3G modems you can get for a laptop, and their actual cost, informed people would/should never go for this.
Flashpoint 8:56PM (6/26/2008)
OH MY GOD I hope the final product doesn't look like this.
Both Linksys and Netgear have a single piece dome shaped wifi router with no antennae. This thing looks so tacky. I hope they built it into the car and out of sight.
Furthermore, they can talk big about being able to play games and surf the web but I have no good thoughts about the latency you'd encounter on open highway road.
Games nowadays are sh*tty unless you've got 1000Kbps UPload
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rouse42 9:07PM (6/26/2008)
motorola called, they want their 1988 cellular phone back.
Dealer installed device. yeah its most likely gonna be mounted like that.
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AMcA 9:07PM (6/26/2008)
My boyfriend has a neat little 3G card that plugs into his laptop that already does the same thing. AT&T supplies the service, and it didn't cost $500, or $29 a month. Chrysler ought to check it out.
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Marc-O 9:44PM (6/26/2008)
So how much does it cost him per month then ? My AT&T unlimited data plan is about $60 a month...
montoym 10:01PM (6/26/2008)
You are correct.
At least where I am, according to the AT&T site, I'd be paying $60/mo for 5GB of included data. Versus $29/mo for unlimited data with this one.
So, in less than 18 months($500/$30 savings per month), you've paid for the $500 charge and you get unlimited data each month. Sounds like a pretty fair deal to me.
Heck, that's cheaper than the broadband I pay for my house now.
What are the speeds for this service?
StickShift 11:53PM (6/26/2008)
Cursed reply system, that was aimed at Aprime...
StickShift 11:50PM (6/26/2008)
But Ford makes decent cars. The Taurus and Fusion are almost class competitive, while the trucks and SUVs were equally decent. The Focus is the only aberration here, and I think its success can be attributed to an extremely cheap MSRP.
Chysler's cars MIGHT have be competitive in 1999, but now they're outdated. Poor quality and poor styling don't help the matter. Thats a lot for a technology gimmick
to make up for.
Zerk 9:50PM (6/26/2008)
Would you leave your car running all the time in order to use it as your home internet?
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