Filed under: Tech
Microsoft getting into the car WiFi biz
The Internet has been invading every aspect of our lives, but until recently most of us have gone without a connection to the World Wide Web inside our cars. That's changing with third party companies and OEMs beginning to offer 3G WiFi solutions for automobiles, and Microsoft says it's working on an even better idea. The Seattle-based software giant is working with the Universities of Massachusetts and Washington to develop a more reliable WiFi experience that enables the reception of multiple signals simultaneously to cut back on choppy service. Microsoft's WiFi solution would leverage fledgling municipal wireless infrastructures to bring the Internet to your car. The Ballmer boys are betting that WiFi services will spread like wildfire in the future, and its new technology will be able to utilize multiple signals at the same time to make in-car Internet as smooth as what you get at home. On the surface, in-car Internet sounds ridiculous, but think of all the iPhone-like apps that could make your life easier. Weather, navigation, information, show times, and even gaming for your passengers would be a click away. You could even read Autoblog in the parking lot while your spouse goes shopping.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Slliim 8:44AM (8/29/2008)
I was skeptical up until the very last sentence. Then I was sold...
~ Slim ~
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mroverlord 9:11AM (8/29/2008)
Not sold...
Leave your internet at home...cars are for driving!!
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Slliim 10:12AM (8/29/2008)
Mr. Overlord let's think a little more about this shall we? I agree whole heartedly that we have a hard enough time with some of the people who use their phones while driving. I have no doubt there would be idiots trying to use their laptop while driving. However, for the more responsible adults and road warriors who need to access the internet and would rather do so at 3G/Wifi speeds, this would come in handy. Some people are opposed to change. In fact, there are still people that refuse to use ATMs. I am all for change that increases efficiency and I do believe that this is one of them.
JEziquiel 10:59AM (8/29/2008)
As long as I can use Firefox instead of IE for browsing im sold.
Bob Bednar 9:46AM (8/29/2008)
"You could even read Autoblog in the parking lot while your spouse goes shopping."
That did it for me. Where do I sign up?
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inteller 9:50AM (8/29/2008)
Sweet...extend the Zune Social concept to send songs between SYNC equipped cars. That would kick ass.
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nanotube 5:45PM (8/29/2008)
I have a CarPC in my car, with a $20 Class 1 (long-range) bluetooth USB dongle. I've already had a friend say "Hey, I like this song!" and I sent the MP3 file to his phone. So, if you have a CarPC with bluetooth, just pull up next to me and if you like the music I'm blasting... well... it's copyright infringement! :)
JS 10:33AM (8/29/2008)
Re: Bob
Exactly! I was skeptical at first but reading Autoblog while the wifey goes shopping, I'm sold!
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