Gartner: In-vehicle wireless data to become priority by 2010

Research firm Gartner said the majority of car makers by 2012 will focus on products that enable wireless data connectivity in more than half of their next-generation automobiles.

Citing the automobile industry's need to find new ways to generate consumer interest, product differentiation and revenue opportunities, Garner said the automobile industry should focus on applications and services specifically designed to enhance the driving and ownership experience--not replicate the home computer Internet experience.

The continued proliferation of connected consumer devices, such as smartphones and mobile Internet devices, will increase consumer expectations for always-on data availability, the firm said. Gartner anticipates that by 2016, consumers will consider in-vehicle connectivity as important as traditional automobile features.

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