It may seem like an extraneous idea, but both Subaru and Ford are connecting their automobiles to the Internet. The 2011 Subaru Outback will have a built-in Wi-Fi option. Ford has decided to test out an “automatic tweeting” car that has the code name of AJ. These companies hope the connected lifestyle had by most will be connected to driving habits.
Subaru Wi-Fi connections possible
The 2011 Subaru Outback will have the option of Wi-Fi connection if you are interested. Anything that stays within 150 feet of the car will be able to connect to the internet. Setup is $499 with a $35 activation fee. One year of subscription will cost $29 a month. At first, the cost seems high. Money might really be saved though when considering data plans that are expensive through carriers but allow smartphone users to make phone calls through Wi-Fi.
Automatic tweeting
Ford allowed a team to test the 2011 Ford Fiesta in May with the code name AJ. AJ would use Twitter automatically from the car’s computer. ”Time to put the headlines on,” is an example of a Twitter post. Real-time traffic info and GPS data blends with Internet information and car data recorder to create the tweets. The team also test drove check-in functions with FourSquare. The Ford Fiesta will not include these features standard yet, but it is a possibility for 2012 models.
Is it a bad idea to connect cars?
Numerous want to know if it is even a good idea to connect cars with all of the excitement around it. The possibility of car viruses combined with Internet connectivity is worrying. There are also privacy concerns with cars automatically broadcasting where they’re and what their drivers are up to. Internet-connected cars, in the end, are one more tool that will likely end up being misused by some, abused by others and very useful to most.
