Can the Web save the Big 3 automobile companies? Probably not, but making Web-friendly vehicles could help to sell a few more cars. Tech companies have increasingly been showcasing web applications for automobiles. Microsoft was working with Hyundai on making an in-car computing system and OnStar may be incorporating Twitter into its vehicle systems. Now Ford will be allowing owners of the Ford F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect trucks and vans to access the web from their vehicles through the Opera mobile browser. Opera will be the featured browser on Ford’s first broadband-capable, in-dash computer.
Ford is purposely installing these computers in trucks and vans to appeal to contractors, farmers, and construction workers to turn these cars into “mobile offices.” Truck owners will be able to use the in-dash browser to access sales information, contact databases, job-site plans, inventory lists, calendars, e-mail, or even the weather.
The Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer is integrated into the vehicle’s center stack, filling the same space normally occupied by the standard radio. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, four gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for added memory, a USB port, a wireless keyboard, a mouse, and a bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered inkjet printer.
The concept of a “mobile office” that incorporates Web 2.0 capabilities is definitely compelling. If Ford rolls this feature out to other cars besides SUVs and trucks, the idea could really take off. For instance, it would be a great option for cars in rental fleets that are commonly used by business people who are on the go.
A natural progression of web based technologies into all spheres of our existence. Security of these components remains the most prominent concern.
I’m waiting for the car to drive itself, so I can sit back and browser the internet. Once that happens, road trips will be wonderful
I’d rather use my tablet pc, netbook or iphone
“use the in-dash browser to access sales information, contact databases…”
…Or watch YouTube while they plow into your rear bumper at a stoplight.
LOL
Finally, a step in the right direction. God I wonder how many years Ford management battled this out. I wonder how many GM managers voted against web broswers in the car?
Come on guys it really took 10 years for the first one? Jesus no wonder you are all going bankrupt.
Wireless data service was laughable in the USA until very recently. Additionally, widespread consumer uptake of the web has only recently occurred (think YouTube). This may be a couple years late but not 10 years.
Users probably like the speed dial function in Opera… kind of like sthrt.com.
Imagine a web app that coordinated a built-in GPS with either Google or Yahoo maps?
If you have On-Star (from the past 2-3 years), your vehicle already has a GPS in it. How hard will it be for Ford to add one?
Very cool possibilities with Opera in the car. Another example of Opera’s small-footprint, super-fast rendering engine and how they’re using it for desktop, mobile, and embedded devices. (Opera FingerTouch feature will be useful for this touchscreen dashboard screen also, I think.)
Wonder if they will include Opera Link (bookmark/Speed Dial sync) to sync with your mobile and desktop Opera…??
Very cool possibilities with Opera in the car. Another example of Opera’s small-footprint, super-fast rendering engine and how they’re using it for desktop, mobile, and embedded devices. (Opera FingerTouch feature will be useful for this touchscreen dashboard screen also, I think.)
Wonder if they will include Opera Link (bookmark/Speed Dial sync) to sync with your mobile and desktop Opera…??
Forgot to mention great post. Can’t wait to reading the next post!
I’m an Opera fan and a Ford fan – but this is just dumb. Imagine the price of upgrades; why not just use a device like a Nokia tablet or smartphone or something.
ROFL.
How about just a decent car? Get that right first.
Awesome for Opera. And they didn’t even need a “I’m a PC” style ad to pull it off.
OK, I’m a pretty simple guy and I grew up on a farm, driving farm trucks and I can tell you that never, in all the time I sat in the cab of a truck did I think to myself “man, I’d buy another truck … if only it had a web browser in it”.