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The Ford sync had a big presence at last year’s CES, touting all sorts of connectivity, but one especially impressive feature is yet to come: mobile internet. Apparently the next version of sync will include communications to USB-connected mobile broadband modems, which would basically turn the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot on wheels. Now, it would be great if that included smartphones connecting via tethering, but anyone serious about mobile internet will already be packing an internet stick or MiFi. Forwards compatibility is a big part of Ford’s strategy here, presumably to ensure that the car’s mobile internet will still work when WiMAX or LTE modems become available.
The Chevy Volt is another car coming up that recently announced an iPhone and BlackBerry app. By the sounds of it, things are heating up on the automotive front to win the hearts and wallets of mobile enthusiasts; never mind who wins, I think we’re all interested in seeing what other tricks the big players have up their sleeves. For those sold on Ford, the updated sync should be available sometime next year. For a dull b-roll video demo, there’s one on YouTube.
[via PRNewswire]
About The Author
Simon Sage
Simon Sage’s education largely surrounded writing, technology and online community, leading him to begin his blogging career at www.BlackBerryCool.com and to quickly discover a vibrant and active community surrounding BlackBerry and mobile technology. In exploring RIM’s platform, he has learned what enterprises are looking for in mobility as well as what makes the innocuous BlackBerry so appealing to them. Recently Simon’s been covering RIM’s gradual move into an already-crowded consumer market, and the impact of burgeoning challengers, such as the iPhone, as well as long-time leaders, like Nokia, on BlackBerry’s advancement. With plenty of content under his belt, Simon will be branching off a bit to see what other smartphone manufacturers are working on while still using BlackBerry as a barometer. At IntoMobile, you can count on his posts being even-handed, well-informed and thought-out.
