2018 Lexus IS vs Acura TLX Comparison
Tags:Audi ConnectGM appsgm appshopHow to get internet in your carin car internetonstarOnstar internetwhat cars offer 4Gwhat cars offer internetwhat cars offer LTEWhat is 4G LTEWhat is in-car internetWhat is the point of in-car internetWhat is the point of internet in your carShareTweetSubscribeGet in your InboxLike m on FacebookMore Auto News…Know something we dont?
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs Mercedes-Benz GLC Comparison
Announced earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show, the AppShop will launch in GM vehicles, allowing owners to install applications on their in-car infotainment systems. A number of Internet connected apps were also announced alongside AppShop. iHeartRadio brings thousands of web radio stations from around the country into the car, while CitySeeker would help you find out more about the attractions and landmarks of the city youre driving. The PriceLine app would help you book a hotel room from your car.
Other automakers have different solutions for providing online services to your car, which doesnt usually come with an additional cost. BMWs ConnectedDrive, Infiniti Connect and UConnect Access all use mobile phone apps that can interact with the car in order to power the in-car infotainment system with an Internet connection. Of course, these are limited by the availability of your phones mobile data connection.
He also said that the LTE connection used with Audi Connect, can provide additional data to the cars driver assistance software, something that cant be done with a phone powered data connection.
The future holds even more for this technology, but for now its limited to OnStar and Wi-Fi hotspots. Using the built in hardware, the car can broadcast a Wi-Fi signal, giving passengers access to the Internet.
Automakers are starting to offer data plans tied to specific vehicles, but is there any point to having Internet access through your car?
The connection is powered by AT&T, but you dont need to set up an account with the company to be connected. Instead, you pay OnStar because it is considered to be an additional-cost service under their subscription. Anyone who buys one of the new GM vehicles will have three gigabytes of data or three months of free Internet service (whichever is finished first). Following that period, buyers can pot to add data to their OnStar bill for an additional cost.
With 4G LTE, OnStar can move beyond offering one set of safety and security services and start thinking about new things possible with a high-speed connection, says Stuart Fowle from General Motors OnStar public communications team. The move to 4G LTE also creates a new platform for innovation that wasnt possible with a slower connection.
New trucks are coming very soon, but which one is better right now?
GM isnt the only automaker that offers in-car internet connectivity.AudiA3 models with the Audi Connect system also get an AT&T-powered Internet service that offers access a handful of Google-powered features including Google Earth, Google Voice Search and a navigation system powered by Google Maps.
Different strokes for different folks.
Top 10 Cars Owners Keep for 15 Years or More
2018 Volvo XC60 vs 2018 BMW X3 M40i
We will offer more services through the back end of Audi connect and with the 4G LTE tied into a MyAudi account you can choose providers, such as Internet radio and other services customized to each driver, Audi spokesman Brad Stertz said.
Internet ExplorerGoogle ChromeorFirefox
Which crossover is the best buy for a busy family?
Your browser is out of date! Update your browser for free for improved security and a modern web browsing experience:
Does Volvo have what it takes to compete with the likes of BMW?
In-car Internet is in its infancy and is still far from realizing its potential. But that doesnt mean it isnt worthwhile. After all, the data plans being offered work out to a few dollars per month and the services they unlock are only going to get better.
4 Crossover Comparison: 2018 Honda CR-V vs Nissan Rogue vs VW Tiguan vs Chevrolet Equinox
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500: Big Three Truck Comparison
There are at least three reasons to want a car with an Internet connection. First, it will enhance safety and security features. Second, it will enhance your media experience to bring in web-connected content to your car. Third, it will provide you with up-to-the date information regarding destinations, mapping and other information like gas-prices or Yelp reviews. Lets take a look at whats available to car buyers today.
Audis system also integrates Facebook and Twitter information and has a web radio app. There are two more unique features for Audi buyers: One is a weather service which will tell you the three-day forecast of any city you want. The other feature allows the car to use a geo-tagged photo as a destination in the navigations system. While the weather function could be actually useful from time-to-time, the picture navigation system seems like a feature no one would use. Audi buyers get six months of free internet service. Following the trial period, you can pay for a six-month/5GB plan for $99 or a $499 30GB plan thats good for 30 months.
While Audi Connect might seem limited compared to what you have available on your smartphone, the automaker says additional services are coming.
So GMs in-car internet solution will help you get more robust OnStar services and a Wi-Fi hotspot feature. However, GM plans to turn your car into the next smartphone.
We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies.
© 2018 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.
AWD, V6 sedans are tough to come by these days.
GM is an in-car telematics pioneer. Years ago, it began offering OnStar: a safety and security service that was activated when a cars airbags were deployed. In that situation, OnStar would be able to inform police and paramedics about the state of the vehicle and passengers inside. Since then, OnStar evolved to offer an entire suite of services. It has the ability to help find a stolen car, give turn-by-turn directions without a navigation system and even to connect you with a concierge for advice in navigating an unfamiliar city.
But OnStar wants to improve its services and to do that, it needs better internet connectivity. Thats why in 2015, all GM vehicles will come from the factory with 4G LTE data connectivity.
Top 10 Cars Owners Keep for 15 Years or More
The packages range from $5 for 200 MB per month to $50 for 5 GB per month. Buyers can also opt for a one-time data pack, like 10 GB purchase to use over a year for $150. If you arent a current OnStar subscriber, expect to pay $5 more for the 200 MB or 1 GB data plans. If you currently have a mobile data share plan with AT&T, you can also add your car to the service for $10 a month using the data you already pay.
Fowle said that the upgrade to a faster connection will make features like the RemoteLink companion app more responsive. The app gives owners the capability to lock, unlock, start and even find their car through a smartphone. Currently, the ability to remotely start or lock the car can take a few minutes, but the change to 4G will allow it to happen much more quickly.