4G Internet Coming to a Car Near You [Video]

4 Nov 2009

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concept car While newer cars have certainly become more sophisticated with technologies like Microsoft’s Sync, we’ve always dreamed of an in-car dashboard capable of surfing the web at high speeds — it would be like having a giant smartphone built-in to our cars.

Today the ng Connect Program hasn’t exactly brought this idea to life, but they have released a new concept car, the LTE Connected Car, which promises the technology to make our automotive dreams come true.

Should the concept ever make it to the factory, be prepared to be blown away by high speed internet access via the LTE 4G network with a touchscreen experience that promises video on demand, gaming, ecommerce, a wifi hotspot, real-time GPS updates, real-time traffic and weather data, and road and vehicle monitoring.

The ng Connect Program is unveiling the concept car with support from some major players in a number of different markets: Atlantic Records, Toyota, QNX Software, Alcatel-Lucent, and even Chumby. It appears to be a very well orchestrated maneuver to sell LTE technology, which is the 4G mobile broadband access technology that would enable vehicles to tap the potential of having broadband access in cars. Color us impressed.

Some additional details from the announcement:

“The LTE Connected Car concept offers independently operated touchscreens coupled with innovative software which provide access to multiple applications and forms of content. The prototype system supports the creation of personalized and interactive connected experiences that can be tailored to the individual preferences and requirements of both drivers and passengers.

The LTE Connected Car concept illustrates that mobile devices are potentially no longer just phones or music players. The concept vehicle becomes a mobile platform where information can be easily accessed and transmitted through the use of high bandwidth connectivity and cloud-based applications.”

To see the concept in action, watch this video that highlights a Toyota Prius taking advantage of the LTE 4G network:

Tags: 4G, car, concept car, LTE connected car