BMW brings hot spots to cars
2012-12-27 08:06
ALL TOGETHER NOW... BMW has introduced hot-spot wi-fit communications - now we can all not talk to each other.
MUNICH, Germany - BMW has ushered in the next generation of mobile internet for car owners - the BMW Car Hotspot.
It needs a 4G LTE (long-term evolution)-capable SIM card to slot into the hot spot in the usual way. The adapter plugs in to a router in the car which takes power from a standard cigarette lighter.
HIGH-SPEED ACCESS
BMW was one of the first automakers to offer in-car internet access, and that was way back in 2001.
Passengers can enjoy high-speed net access using up to eight devices. The hot spot comes with a built-in battery pack and an antennae, allowing the unit to operate for an hour outside the vehicle.
LTE is one of the fourth-generation mobile standards. It enables the smoother streaming of music and videos from the internet to mobile devices. In areas without 4G the BMW system will switch to a normal cellphone network.