11–20 of 128 posts
I have to wonder how useful this unlimited data plan will be in 10-15 years when you're still driving the vehicle. What are the chances Chevy is going to even have an option to upgrade the radio when the one built into the car is obsolete?
I have to wonder how useful this unlimited data plan will be in 10-15 years when you're still driving the vehicle. What are the chances Chevy is going to even have an option to upgrade the radio when the one built into the car is obsolete?
I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
Not sure where you got that idea, the article didn't even mention phones.
My thought would be more towards using the car's wifi for iPads and laptops. Makes total sense when I look at how my nieces and nephews use technology. They're obsessed with iPads, and thats the primary way they consume media.
Also, up until recently, one of the most expensive phone plans you could get (Verizon) didn't even offer unlimited data, and the rates are only 1/4th the price of my car lease. Even without kids, $20/mo for data usage in my car would actually make it so I could downgrade my plan and save money (lots of podcasts on my drive in to work).
I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
A lot of people can't afford their cars and buy with credit. Something you can't really do on phone plans. Also, this way you can add another middle man that makes money data-mining your browsing habits.
They pay for it in a monthly rolled up price, and at the end of their contract they own the device outright, obviously with all caveats surrounding leasing any asset.
I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
I think having an always-connected car would be really useful. On certain cell phone networks, such as Verizon's in the US, you cannot make a phone call and use data at the same time. I often take calls while in the car and find that I need access to critical data at the same time. I've considered adding a hot spot semi-permanently to the car just as a work around for this issue. Also keep in mind there are passenger…
I recently picked up a Volt which includes this OnStar 4G setup and have to say I'm extremely concerned at how quickly this "my car is on the internet" feature set is spreading. Everything is managed by OnStar through their device that's factory installed into every new Chevy vehicle. They have had security breaches and had to fix white-hat reported vulnerabilities in the past[1]. This system isn't just "4G wifi as a…
Before that experience I used to laugh off the idea of a weaponized mp3 file or people taking control of cars remotely. Now I think about that auto-boot USB port and the fact my driver's side door is a toggle to God-knows-what.
I recently picked up a Volt which includes this OnStar 4G setup and have to say I'm extremely concerned at how quickly this "my car is on the internet" feature set is spreading. Everything is managed by OnStar through their device that's factory installed into every new Chevy vehicle. They have had security breaches and had to fix white-hat reported vulnerabilities in the past[1]. This system isn't just "4G wifi as a…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
A lot of people can't afford their cars and buy with credit. Something you can't really do on phone plans. Also, this way you can add another middle man that makes money data-mining your browsing habits.
Huh? Most people in North America (who can't afford phones) lease-to-own their phones. They pay for it in a monthly rolled up price, and at the end of their contract they own the device outright, obviously with all caveats surrounding leasing any asset.