Volkswagen Working On In-Dash Internet

As part of a joint venture with Intel VW is working on a very cool system that will handle all media functions including AM/FM radio and always-on internet.

Here's the demo video to check out the test system in action

A Step Closer

"...everything that you can do from your home Internet connection, you can now do remotely"

At $599 for the box plus the monthly wireless charge ($59) it's not cheap, But according to the manufacturer it's, "engineered to maintain a broadband Internet connection while in a moving vehicle. The AirBox CM3 provides a connection similar to cable or DSL and allows multiple devices such as PDAs, laptops, and gaming consoles to be connected online simultaneously".

We all know that technology pricing starts in the clouds and very quickly comes down to earth. Just stop by Walmart or Target and see how cheap Blu Ray players are now.

The company has real time GPS components and signal extending antennas for problem areas. Now before you have a gotcha moment, check out the coverage area here in the Twin Cities with the $59 digital service from Sprint.
The dark gold represents full digital coverage...the cities and the far flung burbs are well covered. Not having tried it, I can't confirm this and being a long time cell user I retain a certain level of skepticism when it comes to wireless coverage maps. But that's not the point. Even if its not perfect today, next year at this time it will be that much closer and will only continue to improve.