Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hughes Telematics and Chrysler relationship looks to be over]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/hughes-telematics-and-chrysler-relationship-looks-to-be-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/hughes-telematics-and-chrysler-relationship-looks-to-be-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/hughes-telematics-and-chrysler-relationship-looks-to-be-over/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Back in 2008 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, we got to spend some time in a Jeep Grand Cherokee outfitted with a bunch of technogoodies from Hughes Telematics. And again at this year's CES, Hughes let us play with even cooler stuff in a Dodge Journey. They bragged of downloadable apps for your Chrysler-branded vehicle and super-cool, futuristic travel guides from your in-dash nav system. Stuff that might convince someone to actually purchase a Journey.

But, alas, since then, Chrysler went bankrupt and it seems the company's relationship with Hughes soured. In an official statement Hughes tells Autoblog:
New Chrysler introduced additional business terms that were not part of either the prior business discussions or the original arrangement. As a result, we reached an impasse in the negotiations and are ceasing our work with new Chrysler to deploy our hardware and launch our services with them in the fourth quarter of 2009, as was previously planned.
That's okay, Hughes says, because they still have Mercedes-Benz as a customer, and they don't need Chrysler anymore. We're not financial experts by any means, but as we stumbled through the SEC report, it was obvious Hughes had invested a lot of time, money and emotions into making things work with Chrysler and that it might take a while to get over losing the bond they once cherished.

In any case, you can read the SEC filing for yourself here or check out Hughes' full official statement to Autoblog after the jump. Thanks for the tip, MBAcurafan!


Gallery: Hughes Telematics at CES 2008


[Source: SEC.gov]

Continue reading Hughes Telematics and Chrysler relationship looks to be over

Hughes Telematics and Chrysler relationship looks to be over originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2008Ces2008ces2009chryslerhughes telematicsHughesTelematicsSECSecurities and exchange commsecurities and exchange commissionSecuritiesAndExchangeCommsecuritiesandexchangecommissionuconnectThu, 20 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler in-car internet coming Aug. 25th, pricing revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/chrysler-in-car-internet-coming-aug-25th-pricing-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/chrysler-in-car-internet-coming-aug-25th-pricing-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/chrysler-in-car-internet-coming-aug-25th-pricing-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view a video of the Chrysler UConnect system.

Chrysler's wireless, in-car Internet system will be made available beginning on August 25th, with pricing set at $499 for the Uconnect equipment, a $50 installation at the dealer, a $35 initial activation charge and a service fee of $29 per month. The cost of the system might be bearable for business users, but everyday consumers may be content with their Edge or 3G-enabled smartphones for mobile web browsing and email.

Check out our original post on the UConnect system here and view a video demonstration of the system in action here.

[Source: InformationWeek]

Chrysler in-car internet coming Aug. 25th, pricing revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler uconnectChryslerUconnectuconnectFri, 15 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chryslers-whats-new-2008-uconnect-web-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chryslers-whats-new-2008-uconnect-web-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chryslers-whats-new-2008-uconnect-web-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Continue reading Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO

Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerinternetuconnectuconnect internetUconnectInternetwebThu, 26 Jun 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler officially calling in-car internet "uconnect web"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chrysler-officially-calling-in-car-wi-fi-uconnect-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chrysler-officially-calling-in-car-wi-fi-uconnect-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/26/chrysler-officially-calling-in-car-wi-fi-uconnect-web/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though we've known Chrysler has been planning to offer in-car internet connectivity on its 2009 models as an option through Mopar for a few months now, the Auburn Hills-based automaker has now given it an official name and bundled the technology with a suite of in-car tech solutions. Called uconnect web, the in-car wi-fi capability will be offered alongside other technologies called uconnect phone, uconnect tunes, uconnect gps and uconnect studios. uconnect phone is basically bluetooth compatibility that enables hands-free calling, stores your cell phone's address book and also records memos. uconnect tunes includes a 30GB hard drive for storing songs and viewing photos, and also allows playback of movies on the dashboard screen while in Park (no word on whether video can be stored on the in-dash hard drive and played back, though). uconnect gps is a touchscreen navigation system with voice recognition, and uconnect studios is Chrysler's offering of SIRIUS Backseat TV. The latter technologies are all well known and familiar, so it's understandable that everyone's going ga ga over Chrysler's promise of in-car wi-fi. We're currently checking with the automaker to find out what type of hardware the system will use, whether or not a cell phone carrier will be involved and what type of coverage area will be available. Stay tuned.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler officially calling in-car internet "uconnect web"

Chrysler officially calling in-car internet "uconnect web" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler internetchrysler uconnectchrysler uconnect webchrysler wi-fiChryslerInternetChryslerUconnectChryslerUconnectWebChryslerWi-fiin-car internetin-car wi-fiIn-carInternetIn-carWi-fiuconnectuconnect webUconnectWebThu, 26 Jun 2008 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler's new technology for 2009 includes UConnect SYNC-killer, in-car WiFi and a swivel screen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/chryslers-new-technology-for-2009-includes-uconnect-sync-killer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/chryslers-new-technology-for-2009-includes-uconnect-sync-killer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/chryslers-new-technology-for-2009-includes-uconnect-sync-killer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chrysler just issued a press release detailing all the new technology that will soon be available in many of its 2009 model year vehicles, and the highlight would have to be the UConnect communications system that looks to compete with some aspects of Ford's Microsoft-powered SYNC system. UConnect appears to be a fancy name for Bluetooth phone integration coupled with voice recognition technology. In addition to pairing up your phone and downloading your address book, you can also input navigation destinations, change satellite radio stations and get to your voice mail using the power of speech. While it doesn't seem to offer functionality as broad as what you get with SYNC, UConnect appears to be a solid choice to check off on the options list.

Next up we have in-vehicle wireless internet connectivity, which Chrysler promises will turn your Pentastar-branded car into a mobile hot spot. It will use a combination of WiFi and 4G broadband connectivity to keep your car connected to the internets, and Chrysler says you'll be able to access your email, as well as download music movies right in your car. For the 2008 model year, MOPAR is already offering an aftermarket device that can make your car an internet hot-spot as well, but we're more interested in the integrated system Chrysler's planning for 2009.

Follow the jump for more and Chrysler's official press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler's new technology for 2009 includes UConnect SYNC-killer, in-car WiFi and a swivel screen

Chrysler's new technology for 2009 includes UConnect SYNC-killer, in-car WiFi and a swivel screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler technologychrysler uconnectchrysler wifiChryslerTechnologyChryslerUconnectChryslerWifiUConnectMon, 14 Apr 2008 16:31:00 EST