If you’re over the age of 45 right now, you grew up in an age when vehicles were a little more rudimentary. There’s a chance your family’s car didn’t have air conditioning. You may have had to roll the windows up and down with a window crank. The seat belts in the back seat may have only crossed your lap, not your shoulder. And the best infotainment systems had a subwoofer and brand-name stereo with a cassette tape player. No one knew about WiFi.
When you had to visit Grandma and Grandpa across state lines, everyone packed into the car and hit the road. You played games like License Plate Bingo, I Spy, and Punch Buggy. You sang songs and passed the time with a nap. If your family was well-off, you might have had a Sony Walkman or Discman (remember those?) to listen to your own music. Or more recently, you might watch a DVD on the overhead screen.
Road trips weren’t without their stresses, though. With increasing regularity, Mom or Dad had to turn around and threaten bodily harm, spankings, and extended groundings. They may have aimlessly swatted at you and your siblings to stop the bickering and pinching.
More and more vehicles have become “connected”. They offer higher-end convenience functions so you don’t miss out on anything while you’re away from the home or office. And with in-vehicle WiFi, road trips get even quieter. Everyone can tune into their own device.
The question is: are we better for having in-vehicle WiFi? There are arguments both for and against it. Where do you stand on the subject?
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FCA is actually the first manufacturer to use wireless connectivity in their vehicles. It began in 2008 when UConnect was released. Over the past eight years, UConnect +, the WiFi feature, has spread to every badge in their portfolio. It’s available for Chrysler, Fiat, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep.
Most vehicles have UConnect + available as an option, and a subscription is required to use the wireless services. Conveniently, users can change their subscription right from their FCA vehicle’s infotainment screen.
The most tutelage for in-vehicle WiFi has definitely been from GM. They’ve made quite a big deal about offering WiFi on all their vehicles starting in the 2016 model year. Some, like the Malibu and Impala, started in previous model years. The OnStar 4G LTE platform essentially creates a hotspot for WiFi devices.
While every vehicle is now equipped to be CAPABLE of 4G LTE, the honeymoon doesn’t last long. Subscription packages can break the bank. 10GB of data is $40, which doesn’t sound too bad. That’s until you realize that’s only 10 hours of streaming video on ONE iPad. If there’s more than one device running, the data gets chewed up very quickly.
Audi has offered Wifi on AT&T’s 4G LTE network since 2011. The Audi connect system is widely available on their lineup. As a premium brand, you expect more from your vehicle and that’s precisely what you get. In addition to a WiFi hotspot, Audi vehicles integrate Google Street View with maps, tablet and smartphone connectivity with your vehicle, and streaming internet radio.
Data prices are the same as GM, but Audi owners are less likely to mind the high prices, right?
The SYNC 3 system from Ford is much of the same. An onboard 4G LTE modem connects the vehicle to the internet, and a WiFi hotspot can be enabled. Neat features available include vehicle health reports, remote start ability from your cell phone, and even remote climate control options.
It’s limited to just a few vehicles right now, but will be expanding very soon.
In-vehicle WiFi isn’t often spoken of in the luxury car scene. Mercedes-Benz does offer it, however. It’s been limited to the upper echelon of their trims until now. The GLC-Class (which replaces the GLK-Class) includes WiFi in the GLC300.
Of course, Tesla must be included when we speak of connectivity. Their systems require a wireless data connection to update. And, you can count on Tesla to be on the forefront of tech features. WiFi is a natural option to find in this type of vehicle.
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