Internet in Cars

[starrymarkb]

New BMWs now have Facebook and Twitter integration

[youtube]CtpNRqyCvB0[/youtube]

With cars now getting internet, what internet features would you like.

I'd probably say Google Maps (Navigation on Android is fantastic - if a little Motorway obsessed - yes I am taking the A396 because it's going to be faster then getting in from J29 or 30) and Audio Streaming services like Last.fm or Spotify

I can see Youtube or similar being useful on back seat screens that are fitted in some people carriers but that wouldn't be my thing...

 

[SS4]

I wouldn't go for video streaming - bandwidth is expensive and I assume it's basically a 3g network powering a WiFi hotspot.

Google Maps/Navigation is a must. Social networking goes without saying. Instead of audio streaming put in a generic 3.5mm input on the stereo; this will enable people to use a local collection on a portable device to use that music.

 

[exile]

We've already got enough numpties using their mobiles when driving without them trying to use facebook as well.

 

[starrymarkb]

I wouldn't go for video streaming - bandwidth is expensive and I assume it's basically a 3g network powering a WiFi hotspot.

Google Maps/Navigation is a must. Social networking goes without saying. Instead of audio streaming put in a generic 3.5mm input on the stereo; this will enable people to use a local collection on a portable device to use that music.

Well hopefully I'm getting the MP3 version of my car's stereo fitted but that works off CDs, not sure on the idea of having to control music on a separate and possibly touch screen device

 

[SS4]

Well hopefully I'm getting the MP3 version of my car's stereo fitted but that works off CDs, not sure on the idea of having to control music on a separate and possibly touch screen device

It's not all that different from a CD player with the button. Androids have a special app for car mode although I do not condone it. With last fm streaming you potentially end up with a song you don't like so you'd need to skip it. What I would do (I don't drive though) is set up random all or playlist and start it before leaving.

 

[starrymarkb]

It's not all that different from a CD player with the button. Androids have a special app for car mode although I do not condone it. With last fm streaming you potentially end up with a song you don't like so you'd need to skip it. What I would do (I don't drive though) is set up random all or playlist and start it before leaving.

Well my car has Steering wheel buttons to control the stereo, so providing I'm not making a turn I don't have to take my hands off the wheel

 

[2Dogbox]

Would the internet work on. My cassette player though!!??

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

We've already got enough numpties using their mobiles when driving without them trying to use facebook as well.

Anything that can distract a driver from giving the fullest attention to the actual driving of a vehicle constitutes bad practise and should be roundly condemned. There has been enough documentary evidence from testing drivers using telecommunication devices, carried out by accredited agencies, to show the dangers inherant to vehicle users.

 

[SS4]

Anything that can distract a driver from giving the fullest attention to the actual driving of a vehicle constitutes bad practise and should be roundly condemned. There has been enough documentary evidence from testing drivers using telecommunication devices, carried out by accredited agencies, to show the dangers inherant to vehicle users.

Agreed, I honestly think it's more of a marketing ploy. BMW have traditionally applied to men and social networking is the latest toy if you will.

From a technical aspect social networks is pretty much all it can do since it's essentially connecting to an ever increasingly saturated mobile data network which, in a moving location, is unreliable at best.

 

[Zoe]

This type of technology would be very useful in driverless cars but while cars are still driven by humans it's a distraction.
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Google Maps/Navigation is a must.

What's wrong with a Collins Road Atlas?

 

[SS4]

This type of technology would be very useful in driverless cars but while cars are still driven by humans it's a distraction.
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What's wrong with a Collins Road Atlas?

It's potential to be out of date. Either way they are complimentary, not mutually exclusive.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

What's wrong with a Collins Road Atlas?

It can't tell me the traffic news specifically for the roads I want, nor recalculate the route if I take a wrong turning, or update itself to the current road configuration freely.

 

[Zoe]

recalculate the route if I take a wrong turning, or update itself to the current road configuration freely.

That's why you plan possible diversions in advance or find a safe place to stop and use a map.

 

[starrymarkb]

I tend to plan the rural parts using maps and then use an electronic navigation system for turn prompts in towns. (though I still manage to get lost in Bristol)

 

[BestWestern]

I'm with Zoe on this one, it's a map for me!

It's truly shocking the number of Sat Nav users who don't have the faintest idea of what route they're actually driving, just slavishly following their gizmo. My other half is one of them. Drives the same route frequently but actually has not the slightest idea where the hell she is going!

They're also indisputably dangerous, and how the police continue to allow people to drive with them stuck firmly to the middle of their windscreens is completely beyond me. How far do you think you'd get driving down the road staring at your mobile phone?!

 

[starrymarkb]

I used to carry a map in addition, might get one before my next long trip (though I do know the way without Satnavs aswell - M5->M42->A42->M1->M18->A1->A64->A169->A171 - though do need to find out where the cottage is in the town!)

 

[GB]

They're also indisputably dangerous, and how the police continue to allow people to drive with them stuck firmly to the middle of their windscreens is completely beyond me.

Dangerous only in the hands of morons and untill a law passes banning the use of them the Police can do very little in most circumstances.

How far do you think you'd get driving down the road staring at your mobile phone?!

Providing you are not holding it in your hand you will get to your destination just fine.

 

[Lampshade]

I'm with Zoe on this one, it's a map for me!

It's truly shocking the number of Sat Nav users who don't have the faintest idea of what route they're actually driving, just slavishly following their gizmo. My other half is one of them. Drives the same route frequently but actually has not the slightest idea where the hell she is going!

There does seem to be a few people who think a Sat Nav is a substitute for a brain when on the road.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Both my wife and I have never had any directional problems for far more years than most forum members by use of maps in route pre-planning, road signs on the journey and a retentative memory for routes already taken in the past.