Cool Technology of the week

We live in a connected world. With email, IM, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Blogger, etc., many folks are tied to wired or WiFi connection most of the day. The recent Verizon commercials highlight their USB EVDO cards so that you can get out of Internet Cafe jail and take your mobile devices on the road. However, this approach requires a data plan for every USB device you own and requires special software to be installed on your laptop.

The cool technology of the week is mobile WiFi for your car that takes the complexity out of mobile connectivity. AutoNet Mobile is a WiFi access point with built in 3G (EVDO) connectivity that enables any existing WiFi compliant device (desktops, laptops, Macs, PDAs, servers, iPhones) to connect to the web while in your car for $29.00 per month.

Access speeds range from 600Kbps-800Kbps with upload speeds about 200Kbps. The Wi-Fi connection is secured with WEP encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction. It also supports VPN pass-through. No software is needed to use the device, since it uses existing WiFi connections resident on mobile devices and thus it is compatible with all operating systems and devices. No additional attennas are needed.

Chrysler plans to offer this service on all of its 2009 models starting in August.

Of course, this connectivity is to be used by passengers sharing your commute, family members who want to stay connected on long car trips or as an access point once you've reached your destination. WiFi connectivity while driving is a bad idea - keep your attention on the road.

Always on mobile broadband for your car which works with existing WiFi devices - that's cool!