AT&T, Ericsson partner to bring connectivity to cars

AT&T and Ericsson have announced a partnership to bring wireless connectivity to Ericsson Connected Vehicle Cloud -- a platform used to bring vehicles online.

Under the terms of the agreement, U.S. carrier AT&T will provide wireless connectivity for the platform, which gives drivers access to in-vehicle apps, services and products through cloud computing.

"We created the AT&T Drive platform to bring automakers the best the industry has to offer, so we can deliver innovation, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ericsson is an integral player in that platform of services," said Chris Penrose, senior vice president of AT&T Mobility. "Ericsson's vehicle cloud realizes the true potential of connected vehicle products and applications."

Connected Vehicle Cloud is based on Ericsson's Service Enablement Platform, providing drivers and passengers with access to applications directly from an interactive dashboard. For example, drivers can tap in to the platform to check the maintenance status of their vehicle -- and whether anything needs to be fixed -- automatically book servicing, subscribe to in-car Wi-Fi, and access both entertainment and social applications. In addition, the platform acts as a communication tool between a driver and content provider, and could be used to improve safety by eventually allowing car-to-car communication.

It is likely that in the future, these kinds of platform will become standard in our cars. In light of this, the European Commission is currently working on a standard for the program "eCall" -- a system which will automatically dial emergency services if you are in an accident. This program aims to become a safety standard in all new cars by the end of next year, and is only one project that in-car connectivity will eventually allow to exist.

Via: Ericsson 

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com