Chrysler's uconnect Turns Car into Wi-Fi Hotspot
30 Jun 2008 - 09:03:48

Jamie Lendino - PC Magazine Fri Jun 27, 7:40 AM ET In what the company claims is an industry first, Chrysler has announced uconnect web, a system that brings wireless Internet connectivity to any Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicle. It essentially turns the car into a WiFi hotspot that provides secure, real-time entertainment and information to all vehicle passengers. According to Chrysler, the hotspot range will extend approximately 50 feet from the vehicle in all directions, and will combine both WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity. This means that passengers can stop the car at a family picnic or other event, and then proceed to make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, log into , , Disney or Webkinz, watch , or upload photos to a account, all using any laptop, Sony PSP, the iPhone, or other Wi-Fi-enabled device. Since this is ultimately a cellular service, despite its emphasis on WiFi, the pricing will be complex: "The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449," Chrysler says. "Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available." Uconnect web will be powered by Autonet Mobile, and will be available in August as a dealer-installed accessory, the company said in the statement. Originally posted on . Average (Not Rated)class="whatsthis" ( ) Related Searches: See all of the latest BMW models on Yahoo! Autos. Get an alert when there are new stories about: - - id="copyright" Copyright © 2008 Ziff Davis Inc. All Rights Reserved. Content originally published in Ziff Davis Media publications is the copyrighted property of Ziff Davis Media.

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