Today’s consumers are passionate about staying in touch and want to be connected no matter where they are – home, work, school or vehicle. To focus on the experience and connect customers to the things that matter the most, Chrysler LLC will now bundle innovative consumer technologies under one umbrella name – “uconnect.” The function of the feature is directly in the name – uconnect phone, uconnect tunes, uconnect GPS, uconnect studios and uconnect web.
“We set out to connect customers to the things that matter most to them,” said Deborah Meyer, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer – Chrysler LLC. “The role for ‘uconnect’ in the 2009 model year places the focus on the customer experience and how the features will make their life easier.”
Following are the definitions of the uconnect features.
uconnect phone
What it does: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. New for 2009, the hands-free system automatically downloads up to 1,000 phone book entries from supported phones. The system also recognizes three languages, and is capable of learning. Voice commands can manage onboard phone book entries, select radio stations and access voice mail. Voice memos can be recorded using the microphone that’s integrated within the rearview mirror. Three memos of up to thirty seconds each can be stored in the system. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Journey, Nitro, and Ram; Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Liberty and Patriot
Part of uconnect phone on select Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles is an iPod interface, which allows an iPod to be plugged into the vehicle’s sound system to play music through the vehicle’s speakers, charge/recharge the iPod when the ignition is on, display artists and music choices on the radio and pause play when uconnect phone receives a phone call. The iPod can be controlled through the radio controls and the remote steering wheel switches (if equipped). The system uses a Universal Customer Interface (UCI) connector located either in the glove box or in the center console, depending on vehicle model.
uconnect tunes
What it does: uconnect tunes includes the following features for music, movie and personalized picture display: A 30-gigabyte hard drive for ripping up to 6,700 songs from CD or USB memory devices in compressed format (either MP3, AAC or WMA file formats)
Photos can be loaded onto the hard drive, allowing the customer to personalize the home screen
Movies can be displayed on the screen for entertaining passengers when the vehicle is in Park (as permitted by the state regulations)
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot
uconnect GPS
What it does: uconnect GPS combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation and real-time traffic. The system includes an integrated voice recognition system and touch screen for easy operation. The voice recognition system also recognizes more than 100,000 words and can input addresses, which allows the customer to enter destinations while the vehicle is in motion.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot
uconnect studios
What it does: uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Backseat TV, featuring three channels of family TV programming, and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio, with more than 130 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast to coast. The systems can be bundled or opted for independently depending upon model availability, and either can be operated from the rear-seat entertainment unit or from the radio head unit.
Chrysler’s uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio which provides more than 130 channels, including 69 channels of 100 percent commercial-free music, plus sports, news, talk and entertainment. Station selection with the radio is easy, using the same familiar method as choosing an AM or FM station. Consumers are able to scan channels or have preset buttons for their favorite channels. They can also search both by music category and channel, which is displayed on the radio screen
Availability: SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available on all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles
Chrysler’s uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Backseat TV which features three channels of family TV programming: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle’s second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title and rating is broadcasted and displayed on the screen. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming can be displayed on the uconnect tunes or uconnect GPS screen for front-seat viewing (as permitted by state regulations). New for 2009 in the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are larger nine-inch rear-seat video screens that swivel
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen and Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger, Durango, Journey and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee
uconnect web
What it does: The system will provide high-speed data transfer and flexibility, combining WiFi and cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle, for instant access to Web sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums, and more.
Availability: Chrysler plans to offer aftermarket in-vehicle “hot-spot” wireless Internet capability through Mopar for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.
Mopar Launches Industry-first – uconnect web Bringing Wireless Internet Connectivity to Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Consumers
uconnect web, Chrysler LLC’s in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity system, transforms a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle into a mobile WiFi “hot spot”
Secure and reliable high-speed Internet connectivity enhances the customer experience by providing entertainment and real-time information access to all vehicle passengers
uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory
Mopar announced today that it will launch uconnect web, Chrysler LLC’s in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge consumers in the U.S. uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time information access on the go.
uconnect web will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and distributor.
The industry-first technology provides high-speed data transfer, combining WiFi and 3G connectivity. uconnect web transforms the vehicle into a mobile “hot spot,” delivering unlimited, reliable and uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around the vehicle. The “hot spot” connection radius is approximately 100 feet—making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or family picnic.
Wherever cellular service is available, uconnect web enables all vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices like a laptop, iPhone, Sony Playstation (PSP), PDA and more to:
access the Internet for e-mail, chat and IM
view streaming movies or television shows
download music and download/upload images
play online games
“Mopar’s uconnect web brings a new level of convenience and technology to our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles,” said Rob Richard, Director – Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “With uconnect web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet. They can make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a Flickr account—all at the same time.”
“uconnect web goes beyond today’s DVD and GPS solutions, letting passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. “The Internet is the future of in-car entertainment. We’re delighted to be working with Chrysler LLC to deliver the first WiFi Internet access that lets families, business and leisure travelers stay connected.”
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449. Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available.
Run over integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular data networks, the router module with antenna hard-mounts in any vehicle. High-speed Internet access ranges from 400-800 Kbps/sec., with upload speeds averaging 400 Kbps/sec. The WiFi connection is secured with WEP encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction. Compatible with all operating systems supporting WiFi including Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris, no special software is required.
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