Following smartphones and tablet computers, motorists look set to be the next big market for connected devices as automakers wow crowds with the latest Internet-enabled models at the IAA motor show. The times are long past when car shows reeked of motor oil and fans were obsessed with engine power and sleek designs. With the aid of cloud computing, automobile makers believe the car of the future will no longer be just a vehicle, but an extension of the home or workplace, where drivers will have access to emails and keep up-to-date on their social networks even on the road.
German top-of-the-range manufacturer BMW already offers an onboard computer with Internet access whereby drivers can locate a restaurant of their preference, the nearest ATM or free parking space in a matter of clicks. And rival Daimler is not to be outdone, either: its new in-built computer allows drivers to surf the web as long as the vehicle is parked. In its new concept car on show unveiled at the IAA this week, the Evos, Ford claims it can fine-tune the car to personal preferences, even down to the cabin temperature, and access to the driver’s home entertainment systems for listening to favourite news and music programmes.
Studies suggest that the number of Internet-enabled vehicles worldwide will soar in the coming years. Navigation systems have long become more than just fancy accessories. And there are other security concerns, too. US anti-virus software group McAfee warned of possible hacker attacks on vehicle computer systems. And data protection specialists warned drivers must be careful about the sheer volume of personal data stored, particularly in electric cars, which could be used to track somebody’s whereabouts or movements.
