Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list
Perhaps as part of a thoughtful move to combine two of the major aspects of the Autoblog lifestyle, Cadillac has just announced that it will offer full WiFi access in its CTS sport sedan beginning next month.
The dealer-installed option will cost $499, and Cadillac says the Autonet Mobile system will effectively turn the CTS into a 3G hotspot with speeds of up to 800Kbps. Naturally, there's a monthly charge associated with the service, but $29 a month for a stylish, leather-lined mobile command center doesn't strike us as too bad of a deal, especially when the WiFi is capable of handling multiple devices simultaneously. No word yet on whether existing CTS owners can retrofit their cars, but considering this is a dealer-installed add-on, we imagine it's possible. If not, there's always the aftermarket.
Now, if we could only get Cadillac to consider fitting a Nespresso machine, we'd have all the tools of the trade!
PRESS RELEASE:
FOR RELEASE: 2009-03-19
Hot Car, Hot Spot: Cadillac CTS Adds WiFi System
DETROIT – Cadillac will offer wireless internet access for its best-selling model, adding a new dimension to the passenger experience. Cadillac Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile comes to the CTS Sport Sedan in April, giving passengers full internet access in and around the car via their laptop or WiFi device.
The launch of Cadillac WiFi by Autonet Mobile will begin with live demonstrations at the New York International Auto Show April 10-19.
"Consumers today are frequently searching for WiFi access wherever they may be," said Mark McNabb, North America Vice President, Cadillac. "Adding WiFi is a natural extension of the tech features already inside the CTS, such as a 40 gigabyte hard drive with USB port, a pop-up navigation system featuring real-time traffic and weather forecasts and the exclusive ability to pause and rewind live radio."
Cadillac WiFi uses technology from Autonet Mobile, the world's first Internet Service Provider designed exclusively for cars. Cadillac WiFi by Autonet Mobile turns the car into a WiFi hotspot and works with any operating system supporting any Wi-Fi enabled device. It delivers an easy-to-use and seamless internet experience, with 3G mobile technology that maintains internet connections while the car is in motion. The system can support several devices at once, enabling one passenger to update a Facebook page, while another is gaming online or watching YouTube videos, for example.
Designed for use by passengers, the system requires no special software and achieves speeds up to 800Kbps. The dealer-installed option will retail for $499, with a monthly service subscription of $29.
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About Cadillac
Cadillac is a division of General Motors Corp., and a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered an historic renaissance led by dramatic new designs and global expansion. More information on Cadillac can be found at www.cadillac.com.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) Founded in 1908, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
About Autonet Mobile
Autonet Mobile is the world's first in-car internet service provider. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated to enhancing the in-car experience by bringing the internet into cars. For more information visit www.autonetmobile.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MemphisNET 10:33AM (3/19/2009)
It's just a 3G router that needs to be wired into the electrical system, so even retrofitting a Chevette shouldn't be a problem -- hell, it'd even be the fastest part of the car!
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John 10:42AM (3/19/2009)
I think wireless internet will become standard in all vehicles in 10 years. The technology is already widespread so why re-invent the wheel?
One thing is for sure. It spells the end of satellite radio if you can stream in audio via WiFi.
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Luis 10:45AM (3/19/2009)
True on the satellite radio - unless they could also use the satellites to transmit data competing against the wifi. Hmmmm...XM/Sirius should wake up...
Liquid 12:10PM (3/19/2009)
Until you try streaming from the middle of Wyoming, for example. Not everyplace has 3G coverage, not yet.
Sean 12:47PM (3/19/2009)
There are a whole plethora of other variables spelling the end of satellite radio, this is just another nail in the coffin.
Yong Turk 10:47AM (3/19/2009)
This absolutely makes no sense to me. Why should one pay $30/month for a service that would be rarely used. I spent max of 2 hours a day in my car. Out of that I seldom need the network connection.
I rather like Ford's strategy around connectivity where all they do is connect your phone to the vehicle. You could now use your phone as a gateway to the internet from your car if and when needed. The service that you paid for is utlized even outside of your car.
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Jj 10:58AM (3/19/2009)
People will find all kinds of uses.
In the early 80's a lot of people said that no one had any need for a computer in there home.
Gary 10:59AM (3/19/2009)
It may not make sense to you, but it may make sense to others. Real estate agents, appraisers, etc.
MikeofLA 11:00AM (3/19/2009)
So, what your saying is since this technology holds no value for YOU and you alone, it makes no sense?
On Fords "stratagy"; What if you don't have a data plan? This would cost you an arm and a leg? What if you don't have a 3G phone, but have a WiFi laptop you'd love to be able to send orders from or check inventory.
Alex 11:18AM (3/19/2009)
You do know Cadillac WiFi is an option right?
You also know that Cadillac CTS also offers Bluetooth?
Yong Turk 11:19AM (3/19/2009)
I am not saying that you do not need computing or connectivity capability in your car.All I am saying is that you do not need one "exclusively" for your car. If you do need to pay "an arm or a leg" for connectivity, wouldn't you rather pay it once and use it where ever you need - including your car?
More over if anyone of you follow computing trends- it is very evident that smart phone is evolving into a computing platform of choice. It will have a different interface based upon usage. E.g. phone connected into a vehicle - (voice enable HMI will be the user interface), phone in the enterprise - your desktop monitor (maybe touch screen) will be the interface and so on.
Again, if you think holistically, dedicated 3G connectivity in a car will not have value proposition. Again, just my opinion.
Doc 10:59AM (3/19/2009)
Well, that's just peachy! I just wish that my 2008 CTS had bluetooth in it :( I hate it when car companies have no clue about what strategy to follow consistently and they go from having nothing in their top of the line brand to then having useless features that very few people will ever use. On my CTS which is only a year old, I can't even have the dealer install an aftermarket bluetooth set that is designed by the manufacturer to compensate for their shortcomings. Instead, I would have to install a system that needs a microphone hanging from somewhere near the driver (visible to god and all the creatures of this earth)
Fabulous news GM! Just great! :(
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Frylock350 11:36AM (3/19/2009)
Your dealer sucks. I talked to my Chevy dealer about retrofitting the new GM bluetooth on my Suburban and they'd be able to do it, though at a cost I'm not willing to pay.
Tourian 2:44PM (3/19/2009)
He's right, it can't be done for the CTS. The only kit available right now is for large turcks and SUV's, it those won't work in the Escalades.
Ben 11:01AM (3/19/2009)
why not just get a mobile broadband card/usb attachment? then you can have internet anywhere, not just in your car.
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JD 11:03AM (3/19/2009)
No thanks.
The only need I may have is for transferring MP3s wirelessly to any in-car hard drive. A navigation system and bluetooth should be sufficient. I wouldn't pay an extra $30 month for "up to" 800kps in my car.
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Frank 11:18AM (3/19/2009)
I remember when Chrysler introduced this (U-connect) a lot of people made fun of it. Now that Caddy offers it I wonder what they'll say?
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Patrick 11:20AM (3/19/2009)
At $30/mo, it's a little more than if you pay for a data plan on your cell phone and tether it to your netbook/laptop in your car, but more convenient. What sucks is paying for home high speed internet, phone data plan, and then car WiFi on top of that. There needs to be a way to consolidate these into a plan to make it more affordable.
I'll probably be with Sprint for life though since I'm on their now-defunct SERO plan where I pay only $30 total including unlimited data and texts! :)
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Frylock350 11:37AM (3/19/2009)
Long live the Sprint SERO! Best deal ever.
Will 5:09PM (3/19/2009)
I hope the dealer can put it on my dad's 2008 CTS. He would love that. That would be cools to stream music from my computer or pandora.
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