This truly is a digital era. One where everything is connected to something else, whether it is via the internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or phone networks. Now, our cars can be connected too. Apparently since last year, car manufacturers have been offering Wi-Fi in cars, turning them into mobile hotspots. Soon, several more manufacturers plan to jump on board. Companies such as General Motors, Honda, Toyota, and Volks-Wagon, are all interested in adding this new piece of technology to their cars. So what exactly does this mean for us? Well, Jeff Kagan, an independent telecoms analyst says that “initially, putting internet access in the car sounds like a distraction and frivolous, but as time passes it will become part of our lives and we will feel uncomfortable not having access.” This seems to be the case with everything. Companies such as apple are always shoving the latest and greatest technology inside their products, lots of stuff we know we don’t even need when we buy it. But over time we become so accustomed to having it there, that it’s simply unthinkable to make a product without it. Same with these cars, as Jeff says, we will soon be so used to always having access to the internet (like on our phones), that having a mobile hotspot for our laptops and other devices will become very popular amongst the public. It’s almost ridiculous how everything in today’s world has to be digital and internet friendly, but I guess it’s just another way to make life ‘easier.’
Matt Willis
I agree with Matt, the ability to intertwine technology in our lives is extraordinary. Thinking in terms of economics and the choices we as consumers make every day also reveals just how innovate car companies have to become in order to compete for our business. In addition so long as Wi-Fi in cars is exclusive car companies and individuals alike may be willing to pay top dollar for internet access (demand appears to be great). This story also reveals just how the United States market system spurs innovation, and surpasses mediocrity in the name for money. Matt do you know if there are monthly charges in the cars for internet? Blake A.
ReplyDeleteI believe this product won’t last for long. Initially as many new technology products it will have high demands from the consumer, but later the demand will go down. This is because nowadays smartphone internet is becoming faster and more powerful. Now you can use them as hotspots for laptops, itouch, and many other mobile devices that allow internet tethering. The Wi-Fi for car might initially have large market because it will offer faster internet connection than a smartphone, but eventually smartphone will take over that market.
ReplyDelete-Santiago. Z
I think that this is a great idea and I don't think that the demand for Wi-Fi cars will necessarily go down, but I think over the span of the next 5 years it will become a part of most high-end cars, just as the GPS has become part of many high-end vehicles. I really like this idea because now people will be able to use their laptops on long car rides and phone internet will become even faster. I think this could be either an advantage or disadvantage to GPS systems; on one hand the Wi-Fi could help when getting into bad weather and not getting signal; or this could completely outdate the GPS because people could just use the maps on their phones or computers instead of buying $200 machines to help them find their way around. However, I do think this will only stay in high-end cars because the monthly bills for the Wi-Fi connection will be through the roof.
ReplyDeleteI think that the idea is very interesting and seems like a good idea but is it really necessary? Most people already have internet on your phone or other portable device, so is it really necessary for internet to be in all places? The only reason I could think one would really need internet in cars is for maps, and most cars that have a screen have a GPS system built into it. I guess they could be used for looking up places to go but is that not part of the GPS system too? Full internet access could also be potentially dangerous. People will want to surf the internet while driving like talking on the phone or texting. This could lead to dangerous situations where drivers are more concerned with googling something than watching the road. I think the idea is good but I don't know how it will actually play out. - Kendall Healy
ReplyDeleteBlake- The company's currently providing WiFi in these cars charges a $29 per month fee for the internet. Expensive yes, but some people out there will pay it.
ReplyDeleteAni- I initially thought the same thing. But apparently General Motors has already signed a contract and is attempting to implement this into their cars as well. So maybe this will be more widespread than we thought. However I do think that even if you buy a wifi capable car, you will have to option to inactivate it so you don't have to pay for the service.
Santi- I definitely agree, the technology in smartphones is exponentially increasing. But some business people do enjoy the luxury of using a laptop over a phone because of the screen size and other capabilites. However tethering is quickly catching on and you're probably correct by saying that capability may soon surpass this WiFi in cars.
Kendall- I agree it isn't really necessary. It's just a simple luxury, but isn't that what America is all about now a days? People just want more and more, even though we've already got enough. I'm sure that the car manufacturers will find some way to add safety procautions or limitations to it, but I see your point as it is distracting.
I do agree that technological advances have become a large part of our lives, but is it really necessary to put it in our cars? I mean I know that the demand for these cars will go up, which will increase prices, which will in turn help jumpstart the economy which is a plus, but wifi in cars will just cause more accidents because people will become distracted. I agree with Kendall that it could be too distracting. It could be good for people with kids or other people in the car, but some people may be tempted to use the wifi, just like people who text while driving. We already have the issue of accidents from people texting while driving which we are trying to stop. Later it will be using wifi while driving which will become as big of an issue as texting while driving. Yes, it does seem cool and something that we feel we must need, but we really don’t need it and it will result in unsafe practices for some people. Although wifi in cars are going to be a demanded product by consumers, it will soon become less popular when the next big thing comes around.
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