In previous blogs I have written about the wide variety of "things" that now have integrated connectivity and are part of the "Internet of Things". This movement has even been reduced to an acronym - IoT. In addition, I have written about Smart Grid and Smart Circles which are growing more and more prevalent as leaders see the vast benefits. One wonders, what's next? Well, at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the Detroit Auto Show this year, the question was answered. Next on the connectivity horizon is our car.
Now, you might think that with the introduction of General Motors "OnStar" product in 1995 that this is old news. But OnStar was only available in certain models of new cars and at a premium price. It had limited features, however GM saw the potential and continued to develop the product. In 2015, auto manufacturers have introduced high speed 4G LTE into the dashboard as well as self-driving capabilities and high end entertainment systems. Our connected car is becoming more of a reality as both AT&T's "Drive" platform and Verizon's "Vehicle" will be able to give us real time information about our vehicle - reminding us in a human voice to change our oil rather than seeing an ominous blinking icon which looks like nothing like it's supposed to - as well as many voice activated features controlling the entertainment system and phone features. AT&T and Verizon are taking different approaches to this connected car movement. AT&T is working directly with auto manufacturers and Verizon is offering a standalone product that can be used in older vehicles or those not quite equipped with the latest connectivity features.
Couple this with the advances in smart highway and home technologies and soon enough we will be able - through our car - to take the fastest way home at the end of the day and know what's waiting for us when we get there. Again, if only technology can work it out to have a nice glass of wine poured and ready, it would be perfect!
-Suzanne Beck
VP Business Development
Telecom Solutions - Telamon Corporation
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