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Future vehicle tech to be subsidized by advertisers

 
4 1,087 views May 26, 2008

Future vehicle tech to be subsidized by advertisers

Future vehicle tech to be subsidized by advertisers

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As the automobile continues to catch up with the digital age, we’re starting to see more and more partnerships develop between car and technology companies and a new range of co-branded features come onto the market. We’ve already seen Microsoft team up with a number of carmakers to develop new interface systems, however the gadgets of the future are likely to be sponsored by advertising selling anything from soft-drink to car parts.

Carmakers are looking at implementing systems that will be able to tell drivers the location of fuel stations with the lowest prices in an area, or even pay bills, order movies or book an appointment. However, these new technologies will be subsidized by advertising.

Attendees of a recent wireless and telematics conference were shown a number of new technologies from the likes of Microsoft, Intel, Continental and WirelessCar, and were told that new features could be installed in cars without owners having to worry about monthly bills to support them. Current systems like GM’s OnStar and Ford’s Sync, which users must pay for, could potentially be offered for free with advertising.

Support from advertisers will allow such systems to go mass-market and also allow early-adopters, usually young people with lower incomes, the chance to try new technologies. It would also mean big profits for automotive companies and their suppliers, reports the Detroit Free Press.

Developers envisage a system that you tell information about your blood type, how many kids you have, where you work, what stocks you own, what restaurants you prefer, the type of mobile phone you carry and even the temperature you like your seat to be in the morning. Then you can tell your car you're feeling hungry, for example, and it would generate a list of your favorite restaurants in the area, or you could tell the car to heat up your seat in the morning on your daily work schedule.



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Comments (4)

  1. By Bender Posted: 5/26/2008 10:37am PDT

    The last thing I want in my car is anything from Microsoft. Thank you very much!
    On the other hand - I'd love to see some nicely integrated Apple solution. Something with touch control, iTunes, mobile safari + wireless broadband internet, in-car wifi (for other devices).
     
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  2. By chris Posted: 5/26/2008 11:09am PDT

    bender; microsoft does really good closed loop applications. just like apple. the problem with microsoft is that everyone associates them with PC's.. which are a mismatch of parts. imagine using parts from 10 different brands to make a car, and then expecting them to work 100%. if you talk to anyone in IT, Microsoft is very competative when it comes to IT Solutions, and other applications where they can hold very strict specifications regarding the equipment.

    the same can be said of apple. the only reason why they work so well is because they design the entire computer, and it only has to work a certain way because it will only ever be built THAT WAY. considering microsoft does what it does and still manages to be a good OS.. you really cant complain.

    That being said, I've got the MS Sync in my car and it works perfectly. I'll admit that some times i have to speak a little slowly and clearly to it for it to distinguish between the 7 people in my phone book with names that all start with "da" (dayna, dave, david,.. the list goes on).

    Once again, this is another one of those issues, where people hear a name and they automatically discount the brand as crap. say what you want about hyundai's cars but they make pretty spectacular ships. some of the best.
     
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  3. By bambam Posted: 5/26/2008 5:30pm PDT

    LOL, Another person with an attitude problem. If you get a Ferrari for free Bender,
    just take it. Yes I would like my whole entertainment room in my car too
    and hopefully someone like me don't crash and not Microsoft software thats crashing.

    I can see it now, touch the paint and choose your own color and design. yes apple are
    the best when it comes to the auto industry.
     
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  4. By bambam Posted: 5/26/2008 5:36pm PDT

    Its about Ford and its aim not about Microsoft, performance and safety and now innovative
    design.
     
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