Renowned American automobile manufacturer Chrysler LLC and its accessories arm Mopar have this week announced the imminent U.S. arrival of “uconnect web” a wireless, in-vehicle Internet connectivity system that will turn any Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge into a rolling mobile Wi-Fi hot spot.
Chysler and Mopar announce in-car Wi-Fi hot spots with \'uconnect web\' service. Image: Chrysler.
Powered by Autonet Mobile and offering secure, continuous and reliable high-speed Web access, Michigan-based Chrysler is hoping that its new uconnect web service will enable all Chrysler owners -- and their passengers -- to enjoy both real-time information and entertainment while on-the-go.
Chrysler has said the uconnect service is expected to roll out this coming August in the form of a dealer-installed Mopar accessory and will arrive as an “industry-first technology” that combines Wi-Fi with 3G connectivity to create an individual hot spot radius of approximately 100 feet.
Furthermore, any and all passengers within a uconnect-equipped vehicle will have total access to the service, just as long as they are using Wi-Fi devices such a laptop computer, an Apple iPhone, Sony’s PlayStation Portable gaming console or a PDA.
Access will include the ability to surf the Web, write and receive e-mails, engage in online chat and instant messaging communication, stream movies and TV shows, download music, download and upload imagery, and even play online videogames.
“With uconnect web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet,” enthused Rob Richard, director of Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing. “They can make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a Flickr account -- all at the same time.”
According to Chrysler, uconnect web functions over integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular networks and provides high-speed connectivity ranging from 400-800Kbps, with upload speeds averaging 400Kbps. The in-car hot spot is protected by WEP encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction.
The basic recommended retail price for uconnect web amounts to some $520 to $535 USD, broken down to $449 for the required router module, between $35 and $50 for dealer installation, and $35 for a one-time activation fee. That total price does not include Autonet Mobile’s wireless account service, which is a further $29 USD per month over a 12, 24, or 36-month usage contract.
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