The ng Connect Program has reportedly announced the LTE (News - Alert) Connected Car, a new concept vehicle that illustrates how 4G/Long Term Evolution mobile broadband access technology and the resulting ultra high bandwidth connectivity can bring a wide range of new capabilities to the automobile.

 

Alcatel-Lucent, Atlantic Records, QNX Software Systems, Toyota Motor Sales, Chumby and Kabillion partnered on the development the LTE Connected Car project.

 

A next-generation “smart” device on wheels, the LTE Connected Carconcept is supported by advanced wireless broadband networking technology available. It offers a wide range of navigation, personal security, entertainment, and infotainment services to both drivers and passengers alike. Additionally, the device is expected to provide new potential revenue opportunity for network operators, automotive suppliers and application providers.

 

The LTE Connected Car concept offers “independently” operated touch screens along with “innovative” software that provide access to multiple applications and forms of content. The prototype system supports the creation of personalized and interactive connected experiences. These can be customized to the individual preferences and requirements of both drivers and passengers, said companies’ officials.

 

The concept of LTE Connected Car demonstrates that mobile devices are potentially no longer just phones or music players. When information can be accessed, the concept vehicle becomes a mobile platform, and is transmitted through the use of high bandwidth connectivity and cloud-based applications, said companies’ officials.

 

“With the introduction of the LTE Connected Car concept, the automobile is poised to become the latest mobile platform,” said Derek Kuhn, vice president for emerging technology and media at Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert), an ng Connect founding member.

 

He said that information, entertainment content and essential data such as traffic updates and the location of preferred retail outlets or service centers can be easily accessed through the use of high bandwidth connectivity, cloud-based interactive applications and the next generation of innovative in-car computing platforms.

 

The LTE Connected Car concept offers a comprehensive menu of future-generation features that can be sampled in the vehicle on entertainment, infotainment, security and driving-related services.

 

The features include video on demand  gaming, home control, audio library, enhanced communications services, eCommerce services, Wi-Fi hotspot, advanced navigation, enhanced safety, convenience and security, road and vehicle monitoring.

 

The ng Connect Program is a multi-industry collaboration among prominent network, device, application, automotive and content suppliers to develop pre-integrated examples of possible applications and services for 3G and 4G/LTE networks.