Technology's next frontier: In-car computing

"Cell phones and TVs converging with the Internet? That's so 2008. The next big tech trend may be the marriage of computer technology to your car or truck.

This month, Hyundai is launching a system that warns motorists when they drift out of the lane they're traveling in. Another manufacturer has developed pedestrian-detection software that works with heat-seeking cameras to alert drivers when someone is in their path.

In March, Ford will release a fully functional, dashboard computer -- complete with keyboard -- geared to contractors and other business folks who want to access the Web, review documents and log inventory while on the go. In the spring, AT&T will launch an in-car entertainment service with 22 satellite TV channels.

Industry executives hope the new technological bells and whistles will put some sizzle back into stagnant vehicle sales.

"Consumers want a vehicle that's always on and always connected," said Kieran O'Sullivan, vice president at Continental Automotive Systems, which supplies parts and technology to automakers. In the near future, he said, "consumers and carmakers will be able to customize the [dashboard] instrument panel to their individual tastes the same way that people customize their mobile phones."

O'Sullivan spoke Thursday at a panel discussion at the International Consumer Electronics Show subtitled, "The Automobile's Convergence with Consumer Electronics." Panelists, including executives from Microsoft, Nokia and GM's OnStar service, agreed the industry is just beginning to tap the potential of in-car computing."

-B, Griggs (2009, January 9). Technology's next frontier: In-car computing. Retrieved January 10, 2009, from cnn.com Web site: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/09/ces.cars.computers/index.html

Some care companies are going to add more technologies to their cars to help for a better cause. Like For is putting some computer thing in their big trucks and vans so they can view some of their work while they are on the go. Hyundai is putting a device in their car that tells if a person is walking near by but you can't really see them. Of course their will also be a regular connection of Internet so that cars now will be connected wherever they go.