Will Intel Inside Make Your Next Car Smarter?

10/25/96

Don't be surprised when that "Intel Inside" sticker you see on your computer starts showing up on cars. NewsBytes reports that Intel Corp. and other companies associated with automobiles and consumer electronics are pushing for computers and advanced communications technologies to be added to the list of features on car lot stickers.

Intel officials have announced that they will work with high-tech comrades in the automotive, computer, consumer electronics, and communications industries to make Pentium processor-based products that will help drivers drive, keep passengers safe and entertain everyone.

Send and receive e-mail and faxes on the road? Intel says it will happen, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Intel officials say that Cellular/GSM (Global System for Mobile telecommunications), Global Positioning System, and Radio Data Broadcast (RDB) capabilities will be incorporated to help drivers outsmart traffic delays, navigate unfamiliar places, make and receive phone calls, and access databases of personalized information.

Are you already scared of drivers that use their hands to punch numbers on cellular phones rather than to steer? Well, put your worried head at ease, Intel says speech recognition capabilities will allow drivers to talk to the computers in their cars. Like Captain Piccard ordering dinner from the computers aboard his Star Trek space ship, Intel officials foresee car owners interacting directly with the onboard PC to execute commands for PC and telephony applications.

Intel also predicts interactive games and multimedia programs for drivers and passengers. Intel says voice recognition will allow drivers to keep their cars left of center while they interact, while joysticks and headphones will allow passengers to play games without bothering the driver.

Personal safety and security a concern? The vision includes a computer telephony integration (CTI) application built into every car for reporting accidents, calling for roadside assistance, and tracking stolen vehicles.

Ron J. Smith, vice president of Intel's Semiconductor Products Group says the best thing about the coming in-car computer system is that "the basic technology that could enable these applications in the vehicle is here today."

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel