There have been several attempts to get broadband internet available to you while driving. Technically we already have this via smartphone, but manufacturers want a integrated-into-automobile solution because they feel we as consumers could use it. The latest iteration of this is 4G LTE in the car, and I can honestly say yes, that would actually work. Previous attempts were flaky at best, but with the advent of 4G LTE, that’s a connection with speeds everyone would consider acceptable.
The question however is this: What possible benefits are there to having internet connectivity while driving?
Here are 5 of them. I’ll be breaking this up into solo (you’re the only one driving) and family.
1. (Solo) Traffic updates that actually work the way they’re supposed to
We’ve had traffic updates via PND (like a Garmin nüvi) for a while now via the FM band (the service doesn’t use satellite), but as anyone who uses that service realizes, it’s not exactly timely. You’ll be driving along and see a notice pop up on the screen that says there’s an accident ahead, only to drive by where it was supposed to be and quickly discover the accident had been cleared two hours ago.
Traffic updates listed on web sites have always been more timely than the ones through updates on the FM band, so hopefully (keyword there) internet-based updates will be a whole lot more accurate.
Obviously, this would especially useful to list portions of roads that are under construction. If a lane is closed off on a particular exit ramp, a driver would definitely want to know about it that day. Not in a few days, not next week. The day it happens. And to be very specific, the notice that something is under construction should be sent out the moment a construction worker lays down an orange barrel or cone.
2. (Solo) Timelier updates of business closures
Use a PND long enough and you’ll instruct it to tell you where a gas station is only to go there and find it closed shop a year ago – and you’re still out of gas. Not good.
Internet-based maps such as Google Maps have the ability to leave comments and also the ability to report whether the business is still there or not – and people do use this often. A tie-in of this to the map software in the car would provide a world of good.
3. (Family) Watch movies or television without having to bring along anything
The behind-the-headrest or flip-down screen for rear passengers in my opinion is one of the best things ever put into a car to keep kids occupied during long trips. With proper 4G LTE connectivity, you could bring in a feed of Netflix for example so the kids can watch the shows/movies they want – and you don’t have to bring along any DVDs to make that happen.
4. (Solo or Family) Texting
Using a smartphone while driving is just plain dumb. However if you get a text message on a screen in the center stack of your console, all that takes is a quick glance so you can keep your eyes on the road. Basically put, it’s not much different than checking a gauge.
To make this perfect, it should be mandatory that you cannot reply to the message while the vehicle is in motion. You’ll get the SMS notification and the option to hit a button that will auto-reply with, "I’m currently driving and will reply back later", but until the car stops, that’s your only option.
Rear passengers will have the option to text back and forth whether the vehicle is stopped or in motion.
5. (Solo or Family) Posting photos
You just carted your whole family to check out the Grand Canyon and took a bunch of photos. Do you have to wait until you get back to the hotel to upload those and share them out? Nope. Do it right from the car.
What other benefits of in-car fast internet could you think of?
Post a comment or two with your thoughts.
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There’s also the many security possibilities involved with a fully integrated system along with remotely accessing features on the car from another device.
This would certainly improve vehicle tracking if it’s stolen and constant updates to the owner and police of it’s location.
The car could automatically contact emergency services if involved in a serious accident and report the location and speed/type of collision (head on/hit from rear/side impact etc.)
You could also add a panic button for use in a car jacking scenario.
Provide a way to contact breakdown and recovery services with information taken from the cars own diagnostics as to possible faults again including location data.
Allow the owner to remotely turn on the heating or AC before they get to the car from a phone/tablet/computer.
And plenty of other systems that are currently integrated on some premium models or as extras on other cars all though a simpler and more universal interface.
I agree with Peter, but a lot of these features are already available through OnStar.