TED Talks: The Challenge of the Last Mile
June 28, 2008
Here is an interesting TED Talk presentation that relates to technology being applied to the automotive industry.
So what is TED?
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.
The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).
This site makes the best talks and performances from TED available to the public, for free. More than 200 talks from our archive are now available, with more added each week. These videos are released under a Creative Commons license, so they can be freely shared and reposted.
This presentation is by Dean Kamen who landed in the limelight with the Segway, but he has been innovating since high school, with more than 150 patents under his belt. Recent projects include portable energy and water purification for the developing world, and a prosthetic arm for maimed soldiers.
Chrysler to Offer In-Car WiFi as an OEM Accessory
June 28, 2008
While listening to CNET’s CarTech Podcast Episode 73, I heard about Chrysler’s plan to offer dealer installed WiFi systems on virtually all its 2009 cars. A video of the system and Chrysler’s Press Release is included so you can learn about all the features.
This is another sign that automotive service technicians need to have strong digital literacy skills. Since the WiFi router is dealer installed, it is just a matter of time before a tech pulls a repair order with a customer complaint of the WiFi not working. In many cases it will likely be that the driver’s computer is not configured correctly to connect to the wireless router. I see opportunity here for an auto tech with digital skills!
Here is an audio clip about this system taken from the CarTech Podcast:
>>> Chrysler Press Release
Mopar® Launches Industry-first – uconnect web™ Bringing Wireless Internet Connectivity to Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge Consumers
Auburn Hills, Mich., Thu, Jun 26, 2008 - Mopar® announced today that it will launch uconnect web™, Chrysler LLC’s in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge consumers in the U.S. uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time information access on the go.
uconnect web will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and distributor.
The industry-first technology provides high-speed data transfer, combining WiFi and 3G connectivity. uconnect web transforms the vehicle into a mobile “hot spot,” delivering unlimited, reliable and uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around the vehicle. The “hot spot” connection radius is approximately 100 feet—making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or family picnic.
Wherever cellular service is available, uconnect web enables all vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices like a laptop, iPhone, Sony Playstation (PSP), PDA and more to:
- access the Internet for e-mail, chat and IM
- view streaming movies or television shows
- download music and download/upload images
- play online games
“Mopar’s uconnect web brings a new level of convenience and technology to our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles,” said Rob Richard, Director – Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “With uconnect web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet. 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.”
“uconnect web goes beyond today’s DVD and GPS solutions, letting passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. “The Internet is the future of in-car entertainment. We’re delighted to be working with Chrysler LLC to deliver the first WiFi Internet access that lets families, business and leisure travelers stay connected.”
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449. Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available.
Run over integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular data networks, the router module with antenna hard-mounts in any vehicle. High-speed Internet access ranges from 400-800 Kbps/sec., with upload speeds averaging 400 Kbps/sec. The WiFi connection is secured with WEP encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction. Compatible with all operating systems supporting WiFi including Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris, no special software is required.
About Autonet Mobile
Autonet Mobile is the first wireless Internet service provider for vehicles. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated to enhancing the in-car experience, by bringing the power of the Internet to the 200+ million cars on the road in the U.S. Autonet Mobile currently provides Avis Rent a Car with the Avis Connect service and is used by Storm Chasers, NASCAR and others. For more information about Autonet Mobile visit www.autonetmobile.com.
70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “Special Parts” for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
Today, Chrysler LLC’s Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components, restoration parts, accessories and performance parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.
>>> End of Press Release
Gates and Jobs Interview at the D5 Conference
June 28, 2008
On June 27th Bill Gates said good bye to his colleagues at Microsoft as he officially “retired”. He now plans to work full time with his foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has gone on record as saying he plans to give virtually all his fortune away. Hummm…. Start and run a company that produces a good product at a fair price, make a fortune and then give it away to try and make the world a better place. Now that is capitalism at its best!
If you are involved in computers you know tie significance of this man. He, and a hand full of other “geeks”, started the development of the modern day computer systems just a little over 30 years ago. Bill Gates and his counterpart at Apple, Steve Jobs, were the early pioneers and still have a lot of input into future digital technologies.
On May 30, 2007 these two men were interviewed by Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg at the “All Things Digital Conference” also know as D5. I personally found it fascinating to listen to these two men talk about the future of the computer industry. I think it gives us an idea of what to expect in the way of upcoming digital systems. It is only logical that many of the technologies they talk about will make their way into the automotive industry.
For those true geeks (like me) I have a link below to the transcript of the Gates / Jobs Interview along with a highlights video. If you want to watch the entire interview, the seven links to them are posted at the bottom.
Steve ,Jobs and Bill Gates Session Transcript
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Prologue
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Part 1
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Part 2
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Part 3
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Part 4
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Part 5
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Part 6
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Part 7
RFID Technology Coming to Ford Trucks
June 26, 2008
While listening to CNET’s CarTech Podcast recently, I heard about how Ford is planning to implement radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with select trucks this fall. This just goes to show that virtually all digital technologies will find their way into the automotive industry. Successful service techs must be willing to accept and even embrace emerging digital technologies going into the future.
Here is a brief clip taken from Think Magic’s Press Release:
ThingMagic, Inc. (www.thingmagic.com) will partner with DEWALT and Ford Motor Company to equip 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty pickups and E-Series vans with an embedded RFID asset tracking system enabled by ThingMagic’s Mercury5e readers. Ford Work Solutions Tool Link by DEWALT uses a specifically designed RFID reader system powered by ThingMagic’s Mercury5e embedded module and a pair of antennas, in corrosion- and impact–resistant housings mounted in the pickup box, to enable Ford and DEWALT customers to track RFID-tagged assets, such as tools, construction equipment and materials, in the truck and ensure that vehicle contents are easily accounted for and quickly located at all times.
Here is an audio clip pulled from the CarTech Podcast about the RFID project:
TED Talks: Do Schools Kill Creativity
June 26, 2008
Here is an interesting TED Talk presentation that relates to technology being applied to the automotive industry. It is a little deviation of the more technical content that is usually found on the site and more about education. I just find this talk about education so interesting that it should be shared. As an educator it challenges me to look at students differently.
So what is TED?
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.
The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).
This site makes the best talks and performances from TED available to the public, for free. More than 200 talks from our archive are now available, with more added each week. These videos are released under a Creative Commons license, so they can be freely shared and reposted.
This talk is by creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we’re educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.
