Chrysler Offers uConnect Web Factory Mobile Internet

Currently, the extent to which cars and the internet have been combined

is

pretty limited. In Europe, BMW has launched in-car internet, which

allows access to the ‘net controlled via its iDrive system, but

aside from custom installed car computers with wireless cards, no such

system exists from the factory. Chrysler is looking to change this with the introduction

of its Mopar uConnect Web system, which will turn vehicles equipped

with this system into mobile hotspots.

The

concept of uConnect Web is pretty simple; using a broadband router it

picks up cellular-based 3G broadband internet, which allows passengers

on board to sync up their wifi-enabled devices to the internet. That

means if you're out on a road-trip as a passenger, and you've got a

laptop, you can surf websites on-line, download files, get weather

updates and write e-mail. If you've got a gaming system such as an XBox

or Playstation 3, you can also play online with friends anywhere in the

world, all at high speeds if you're in range of the broadband signal.

Chrysler

will offer the Mopar uConnect Web system as an option for model year

'09 products at a cost of $500 including installation, not to mention

unlimited data transfer for $29 per month.

Unfortunately,

like a couple of other cool technological features such as traffic

navigation, weather updates and Sirius Backseat Television, it's

unlikely that we'll be seeing this system in place on Canadian-destined

Chryslers anytime soon.