- 2011 Audi A8 will be the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed Internet hotspot.
- Audi has not yet confirmed if the option will be available in the U.S.
- Pricing has not yet been announced.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi AG is touting the fact that the 2011 Audi A8 will be the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed Internet hotspot. But Audi of America cannot confirm at this point whether U.S. customers will be able to get the option.
"U.S.-specific applications and adaptation are still under way," wrote Audi of America spokesman Christian Bokich in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line on Monday. "So it's too early to speak on pricing, timing or confirmation of this for the U.S.A."
Audi AG introduced the high-tech option on Friday, noting that passengers in the front and rear of the A8 can simultaneously access the Internet using up to eight terminal devices such as laptops, Apple iPads or netbooks.
The driver inserts a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone to activate Internet access.
"Communication with the Internet takes place through the rooftop antenna of the Audi A8 via the car's own UMTS module," said Audi in a statement.
Inside Line says: Tantalizing technology, but we'll have to wait and see if we'll get it — and how much it will cost. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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juan_mx says:
07:00 AM, 05/26/2010
This would be nice to have in a Taxi as part of the service, as long as it does not increase the fare too much.
I believe the hardware should be free (like the cellphones), since you have to pay for the service.
Currently many cars offer the Sirius/XM radio as standard feature, you have the choice to activate it or not, but once you do, you have to pay for the service. This is not that different.
By the way, it is not the first car in the world to have this system.
A special edition of the Peugeot 207 Compact (restyled 206) was launched in february in Mexico with that option. The service is provided by TELCEL, and you have the chioce to make a regular service contract or use a prepaid scheme. The price of the car, about $13,500. Apparently they sold the planned 500 units.
http://www.fayerwayer.com/2010/02/mexico-peugeot-presenta-el-primer-auto-con-conexion-3g/
zman49 says:
06:09 AM, 05/26/2010
It's bad enough that people text while driving, now we will get people (or should I say idiots) surfing the web while they drive. Just what we all need.
calspecial68 says:
07:34 PM, 05/25/2010
Oy vey! I can't believe Audi is giving in to these rather silly and useless needs of connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity, ipod connectivity, and now streaming mobile wifi for the snob's new ipad. Just enjoy the ride in this well engineered automobile for god's sake. I'm sure it's great, but I will never know because i can't afford such a wonderful new car.
rayzor says:
05:37 PM, 05/25/2010
my gosh! The back seats are all electronics, there seems hardly any room for the passengers...Get a grip, Audi, What happened to 3 across seating?!
windsor5 says:
02:25 PM, 05/25/2010
solution for those of us with 4g holla seattle, HTC 4g android can provide a hotspot for up to 4 devies i believe including its own.
icecubefosho says:
01:06 PM, 05/25/2010
Or I can spend $60 a month and use Unlimited 4G from Sprint (Houston has 4G)...
half_ton says:
12:38 PM, 05/25/2010
$2000 - $2500 is probably a good estimate for this in-car-tech. I can't see mysely opting for this option though . . . with the availabilty of local Wi-Fi and internet at home it almost seems redundant but the most demaning buyers (or tech geeks) will probably pony up.
jeremy_c says:
12:31 PM, 05/25/2010
Amazing how the PR people can spin a headline out of this one. Having a wireless internet connection is not ground breaking. You can use an internet stick from any of the major providers and surf the net with a laptop in any vehicle. It still remains that you have to pay a monthly fee!
vikasdesai says:
12:01 PM, 05/25/2010
i'm sure it will be a 2000 dollar option, you might as well just get a 3g ipad, or a verizon droid, or just (gasp!) WAIT until you leave to the car to surf the web.