The buzz over Telematics had vehicles chatting over the internet, at CES 2012. Verizon established an Innovation Program to encourage collaboration and help advance the 4G LTE ecosystem and has lots of announcements at CES. The ng Connect Program, founded by Alcatel-Lucent, has more than 125 member companies, and is showcasing ten service concepts at CES.
Ford debuted a new Internet-Connected Car. Ford Motor Co.’s Internet-connected Evos, a concept car, will constantly monitor online data. The Ford Evos, will have a heart rate monitor that can detect stress in the driver. When that happens, the vehicle’s digital instrument cluster will black out all the gauges that are not related directly to the driving at hand.
Ford’s Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, and Fusion Energi are beginning to implement some of the features.
Ford’s Sync is a voice-interactive system that allows for the controlling of various vehicle, phone, and music device functions via simple audible commands and buttons mounted on the steering wheel. It’s found on 90% of all Ford vehicles, and for most buyers, it’s a free amenity. Ford’s AppLink is the first to utilize voice and steering wheel controls, allowing users to keep their eyes and hands focused on driving.
OnStar and Verizon unveiled a second-generation connected research vehicle. A Chevrolet Volt has access to streaming content from the Cloud enabled by the Verizon 4G LTE network and building on OnStar’s Advanced Telematics Operating System (ATOMS).
Last year Audi announced a partnership with NVIDIA for its next generation Audi Connect system. Nvidia is part of Audi’s new modular multimedia system – dubbed MMX – which allows the automaker to upgrade the guts of its infotainment system as new hardware comes to market. It is set to arrive in the 2013, A3.
Mercedes-Benz’s unveiled the successor to its telematics system: mbrace2. This second generation builds upon last year’s mbrace release, focusing heavily on adding social media into the mix with app support like Twitter, Facebook and Yelp via a smartphone. Mbrace2 launches with the MY13 SL-Class in the spring and will be standard in most MY13 passenger vehicles.
QNX’s HTML5-based CAR 2 application platform is designed so automakers can quickly and easily make customized apps and services. It was demoed in a Porsche Carrera.
In Motion Technology announced an enterprise-level wireless mobile router system for vehicles over Verizon’s LTE network.
The In Motion onBoard system includes a Mobile Gateway that transforms vehicles into secure, mobile hotspots; a network management system that monitors network health and communications; and a mobile-optimized VPN server providing end-to-end security.
Novatel Wireless today announced the new Verizon Jetpack MiFi 4620L. This is a Global Ready, 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot supporting Quad Band EDGE and HSPA technology. It creates a personal Wi-Fi cloud, capable of sharing high-speed 4G LTE and 3G Mobile Broadband Internet connectivity with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously.
CradlePoint routers provides mobile access to the Verizon 4G LTE network with new integrated business-grade mobile broadband. One CradlePoint router can be partitioned to connect devices and applications like VoIP phones; digital signage or kiosks; wireless video surveillance cameras; and public Wi-Fi each on a separate network. Healthsense, a market leader in remote monitoring solutions for older adults, will be demonstrating remote monitoring, emergency response and nurse call systems using CradlePoint devices.
Verizon and ESCORT announced the SmartOffice Mobile Rugged PC, which will interface with public safety and emergency response command centers, assisting public safety first responders in monitoring, managing and answering emergency calls. Based on familiar Microsoft software, SmartOffice includes navigation, point-of-sale credit card processing, fleet vehicle management, remote inventory/CRM management, barcode/RFID reader, reverse camera option and fleet transportation/logistics monitoring.
Viper SmartStart 3.0 adds user-friendly features including SmartSchedule, vehicle status, vehicle diagnostics, auxiliary channels and more. Viper SmartStart is the first app that allows users to affordably start, lock, unlock, locate and monitor their vehicle – all using their smartphone. The keyless Viper SmartStart, has been downloaded to more than one million iPhone, Android and BlackBerry handsets.
Vidyo is teaming with Alcatel-Lucent and other ng Connect member companies to bring videoconferencing- and broadband-enabled service to vehicles.
The Connected Service Vehicle showcases videoconferencing in first-responder services. Striker includes radios, notebooks and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with a fully self-contained Band 14 public safety LTE 4G system, built-in Enhanced Packet Core (EPC) and mobile HD videoconferencing capabilities. A healthcare service concept, shows how a connected telemedicine platform – with wireless connectivity, cloud services, immersive telepresence with integrated voice and text communications, Bluetooth sensors and a medical gateway – can speed diagnoses, promote successful self-care programs.
