Motorola said it is developing an Internet
radio prototype called Smart Radio, a wireless Web access device intended for
use in automobiles.
Calling it “a revolutionary concept” in in-vehicle information and
entertainment, the company said Smart Radio initially will be launched into
the European market. Motorola plans to discuss the product with European car
manufacturers.
The device will enable drivers to capture music on demand; listen to real
time traffic reports; download audio books; access voicemail; receive the
latest news and weather reports; get updated stock portfolio information and
access e-mail, Motorola said delivered wirelessly via satellite, digital
cellular and FM sideband technologies.
“Motorola’s Smart Radio will bring a wireless Web connection to cars,
transforming the driving experience all over Europe,” said Tom Tischhauser,
vice president and director, Motorola’s Telematics Communications Group,
EMEA. “It offers car manufacturers one more way to make driving more exciting
and convenient.”
“Smart Radio is designed to make Web content easy to access, manage and
control,” Tischhauser added. “And all Smart Radio communications can be done
hands-free, which means drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on
the road.”
Complete with voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies, Smart Radio
is essentially a wireless Web client device that will provide drivers with a
range of service levels, from basic to premium packages, much like ordering
digital TV.
In addition, a personalized Web page will enable Smart Radio to
be configured anywhere drivers and passengers have an Internet connection —
at home, in the office or the car. For drivers with other mobile devices
including pagers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), data such as address
books, calendar functions, and favorite Web bookmarks can be synchronized on
demand between Smart Radio and the device.
