CTIA And The Connected Car
The keynote at CTIA Enterprise & Applications 2010 focused on a two-ton wireless device—the connected car.
The automobile has come a long way since Henry Ford first rolled out the first Model T. Some might even argue that providing wireless connectivity to the Internet via the cloud and mobile devices is the next evolution of ultimate automobile personalization.
GPS and telematics services can now provide real-time traffic updates, while devices connecting to the car (such as iPods) provide the same interface in the automobiles as they do on the devices themselves, and smart phone applications are delivered in the car via Bluetooth and other technologies. Even speech recognition technologies are advancing to the point where emails and text messages can be read to the driver, further eliminating distractions behind the wheel.
Today’s most popular car applications, such as GM’s ONStar rely on cellular wireless networks, and leading device manufacturers are building out business models around the automobile. Smart phone providers are empowering the development community with the ability bring new applications to market that are specifically designed for the car.
For instance, in today’s keynote, Derrick M. Kuzak, Group VP, Global Product Development at Ford Motor Company highlighted Ford’s SYNC, a factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. Sync allows users to make hands-free calls and control music and other functions with simple voice commands. Introduced in 2007, Sync is now installed in 2.5 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
“Americans spend three hours a day in the car and 47 hours a year in traffic,” said Kuzak. “Drivers are finding better ways to make that time more productive, while keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”
The customer demand for mobile connectivity inside an auto is clear. Kuzak reported that 32% of car buyers say that the presence of mobile technology within a car plays a key role in their purchase. As a result, Kuzak said that SYNC and other mobile technology will be in 80% of their car products within the next five years, including the following features that allow customers to:
· Access their phone, compatible mp3 player or USB drive with voice activated commands
· Be connected directly to a 911 operator after an accident in which an airbag deploys
· Generate Vehicle Health Reports that provide vehicle diagnostics, maintenance and recall information
· Receive audible text messages
Another speaker at this week’s CTIA event, John T. Stankey, President & CEO, AT&T Business Solutions also forecasted strong growth in the wireless industry, particularly amongst enterprises who integrate mobile technology for greater productivity: “We predict the market for enterprise mobile devised- both hard ware and software- will be $50 billion by 2015.”
Posted by Thea Lavin and Keith Giannini
Tags: CTIA Wireless 2010
Posted by Kim Angell on October 8, 2010 at 8:41 PM
