Tag Archive for Autonet Mobile

| December 10, 2010
Comments Off on Wi-Fi Tweets from Outback coming in ’11

Wi-Fi Tweets from Outback coming in ’11

wi-fiThe Subaru Outback is now offering Wi-Fi connectivity with Autonet Mobile in-car Internet service for 2011. CNET’s CarTech blog says that the Outback is the latest vehicle to feature built-in Internet connectivity. A Subaru press release extols the benefits of the new service

Subaru logo“Subaru Mobile Internet easily allows users to check e-mail, surf the Web or listen to Internet radio and even stream video and post to social networking sites.” They further point out that users can do revolutionary things like  “… check weather and traffic, download hiking trails, and even reserve a campsite…” Finally, Subaru reminds the reader that the Wi-Fi service is designed for passengers while the car is in motion.

Subaru Outback

Autonet Mobile logoThe Autonet Mobile service in the 2011 Outback will be a $499 option, plus a $35 activation fee and $29 monthly subscription. CNET reports it’s a 3G connection and can handle up to 10 users in a range of about 150 feet.

Autonet Mobile is also available on General Motors (GM) products like some Cadillac and Chevy vehicles including:

  • Equinox
  • Traverse
  • Silverado
  • Tahoe
  • Suburban
  • Avalanche
  • Express

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In-car Wi-Fi doesn’t seem to have the same appeal it once held. Fast cellular data connections and 3G cards for laptops, have stolen in-car Wi-Fi’s thunder – making the Autonet product seems like a weaker competitor of Ford’s Sync service. Ford’s (F) Sync is a multimedia system in partnership with Microsoft (MSFT) which can hook up to a USB modem.

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Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.

Category: Cars | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
| December 30, 2009
One comment

Wi-Fi on Wheels

ChWi-Fi on Wheelsevrolet has announced that owners of several new models can turn their rides in a mobile hot spot with Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile. This option enables full Internet access inside the vehicle and up to a 150 feet radius around the vehicle. Chevrolet Wi-Fi is designed for use by passengers, or by the driver when the vehicle is parked. The system requires no special software and achieves speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. The Chevrolet Wi-Fi internet connection can support up to 10  devices at once, enabling multiple passengers to use the connection for their separate devices.

“Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile enhances commuting, family vacations and work,” says Chris Rauser, Chevrolet Accessories Manager. “It benefits active families on the go, as well as professionals who need immediate information at remote job sites. Its uses are almost endless.” San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile is the world’s first Internet service provider designed exclusively for vehicles. As a GM Officially Licensed Product, Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile is certified to work with the following new Chevrolet models:

  • Equinox
  • Traverse
  • Silverado
  • Tahoe
  • Suburban
  • Avalanche
  • Express

According to Autonet, the system uses 3G EVDO/2.5g 1xRRT wireless from Novatel Wireless for connectivity and its own patent-pending TRU technology to support Internet connections over the 3G network while the vehicle is in motion. TRU technology maintains the persistent link, even when 3G coverage is sparse. IEEE 802.11b-a-g provides data link protocols along with one built-in Ethernet LAN port that provides wired connectivity.

Its transport protocols include  PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, and PPPoE along with SNMP for remote management.  Security and access control are provided via  WEP/WPA/WPA2 encryption. Additional docking stations are available, enabling customers to easily move the Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile router from vehicle to vehicle.

Through Dec. 31, Chevrolet Wi-Fi is available for $199 ($399 retail price, less $200 mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement). Go to GMextras.com for more information.

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Now a soccer mom in her mini-van picking up Happy Meals will have more connectivity options than some of my clients.

 

Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.

Category: Cars | Tags: , , , , , , ,