Chrysler may be be thought of as the third wheel among the Detroit Three, and that the automaker had to be rescued by an Italian suitor didn't do much to change this perception. But when it comes to tech innovations, Chrysler is competitive not only with its Motown rivals, but with car companies from Europe and Asia as well.
The flagship 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 is an unlikely platform to showcase Chrysler's technology prowess, given the vehicle's utilitarian roots. But Chrysler has loaded its popular SUV with plethora of tech, and more rear seat entertainment options than any other automaker, including two exclusives.
Chrysler already offers one of the most versatile rear seat entertainment systems available. It allows backseat passengers to independently access via wireless headphones every media source in the car -- including CD, DVD, AM, FM, satellite radio, iPod and music on a USB drive -- as well as a portable device plugged into RCA aux-ins. And Chrysler is the only automaker to offer Sirius Backseat TV and now live broadcasts via FLO TV, both of which are available with a subscription.
Chrysler may not be the only automaker offering internet access through Autonet Mobile, but the service adds to the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's tech arsenal. I've tested Autonet Mobile several times over the last couple of years, and while it doesn't provide the broadband speeds many people now expect, it works well enough to check email and do light web surfing. But ask it to download video content, as shown in the video below, and the experience brings you back to the days of dial-up.
My kids are content to watch the same three channels of Sirius Backseat TV. But having Wi-Fi on board allows anyone else in the car to log on to the hot spot Autonet Mobile creates on any compatible device and access the internet -- all while in motion in a 3G coverage area.
But with the same wireless broadband service available on most mobile devices people use in the car, such as smartphones, is it worth another $30 to $60 dollars a month to add Autonet Mobile?
Doug Newcomb, Senior Editor, Technology
By carguy622
on September 14, 2010
12:27 PM
I used to just love looking out the window. Aah, times were simpler back then. Pepperidge Farm remembers!