Video games, YouTube, Internet shopping and computer touch screens are just a few of technologies that telecom companies are hoping to insert into cars of the future.

A group of 30 high-tech companies led by Alcatel-Lucent and QNX Software Systems – The ng Connect Program – have created a prototype car to show how 4G networks could open the automobile to a variety of mobile technologies. The term 4G refers to the fourth-generation of wireless service that is now under development for deployment in the U.S.

Under the 4G approach, the car could access wireless services allowing the interior to act as Wi-Fi hot spot of sorts. Passengers can access a variety of services all at once and tailor them to their personal needs. For example, a backseat passenger could watch a movie while the front seat passenger shops online.

The cars would be equipped with devices that would block drivers from accessing some of the entertainment features, such as watching YouTube, while the vehicle is in motion.

The concept car shows how video on demand could be accesses by passengers by the touch of a screen as well as gaming where competitors play against each other in the back seat or anywhere in the world. The 4G would allow more home control options such as turning on lights before pulling into the driveway or monitoring the house from streaming video cameras.

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