Imagine a tailgate party with a dozen or more people grilling brats and uploading photos to their Facebook account. That could be one of the many uses for in-car WiFi, to be incorporated into the next-generation of Ford SYNC^® system, available in 2010.

While some cities are becoming giant hot spots, the availability of WiFi can be spotty at best. More often than not, connecting to WiFi for your laptop or other WiFi-capable device means being inside a building, with the obligatory coffee or meal purchase.

Don’t get us wrong, that’s a nice service for these businesses to offer their customers. But, studies by the Consumer Electronics Association show that as many as 77 million adults make up the so-called technology enthusiast drivers population. More than half of this population express the desire for a connected communications and information system in their vehicles. The study also showed that, even among the general population, more than one third of Americans would be interested in the ability to check email and access Web sites in their vehicles.

The system works when a compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an “air card” – is inserted into SYNC’s USB port. This will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.

“While you’re driving to grandma’s house, your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends and updating their Facebook profiles,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “And you’re not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have.”

The SYNC WiFi capability is a simple solution for bringing Internet into the vehicle, versus competitive systems on the market. Being factory-installed, the hardware is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, whereas competitor’s systems are dealer-installed and require a bulky bolt-in receiver and transmitter that take up cabin space. Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.

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