Stepping up the capabilities and the user-friendliness of its already impressive Uconnect infotainment system, Chrysler has announced a new deal with Sprint that will allow buyers of the 2013 Ram 1500 and SRT Viper to have full in-vehicle connectivity without the use of a separate smartphone. Dubbed Uconnect Assess, this optional service relies on Sprint Connected Vehicle Platform architecture to provide built-in connectivity via embedded wireless technology that transforms the car into a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot. It will allow drivers of these two vehicles – and quite likely a number of other Chrysler Group offerings in the months ahead – to expand the utility of the existing Uconnect package by permitting the use of voice activation to perform tasks like composing text messages or entering destination information into the navigation system in a single, simple hands-free step while staying focused on the business of driving.
"Chrysler has chosen Sprint as the strategic partner to fulfill the key role of systems integrator for Uconnect Access," said Marios Zenios, head of Uconnect Systems and Services, Chrysler Group LLC. "Chrysler’s goal is to continue enhancing the ease-of-use of technology inside the car. Zenios noted that Sprint was picked for this role due to its best-in-class end-to-end telematics platform, secure and reliable network connections, unparalleled relationships within the telematics and broad Machine-to-Machine (M2M) ecosystem plus its fundamental understanding of how customers experience and interact with wireless-based applications, both in and out of the vehicle.
Uconnect Access will be a subscription-based feature, although Chrysler has yet to announce specific pricing for the service. In addition to SiriusXM Premier Expanded lineup and HD radio it also will offer other features like updated navigation functions and remote locking/unlocking capabilities. Both the automaker and Sprint will have final say on what other third-party apps will be available for downloading on this fully upgradeable system, and both will continue working with other outside developers to further upgrade the quality of Uconnect’s voice recognition software.
For a closer look at the capabilities of Chrysler’s Uconnect Access system, Click Here.
