German auto maker, Audi has revealed its 2013 Audi A3 with 4G LTE wireless connectivity powered by the 2nd gen of Gobi multi-mode 3G-4G LTE Chipset, MDM9215 from Qualcomm Technologies Inc. a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. The system was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. With the high speed data ranging up to 100 mb per sec, the enhanced Audi connect service will allow user to experience enhanced features like in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, web services, internet radio and a enriched navigational system that displays street level visual images streamed directly to the vehicle.
Audi was the first auto manufacturer that highlighted the use of LTE connectivity in the vehicles at CES last year. And now it has also become the first vehicle maker to come out with a commercial model that contains 4G LTE connectivity, according to Chief Executive Engineer of electronics/electrics, Audi, Mr. Ricky Hudi. He further said that company will be offering a fully functional integrated LTE link for the Audi connect services in the new 2013 Audi A3.
Audi will be implementing Gobi MDM9251 chipset in the automotive module. The chipset will be powering the Audi A3 connect system with the 4G LTE and will enable the enhancement in the real time navigation, travel and weather, at the same time providing ultra-fast Wi-Fi access for up to eight devices. Qualcomm has been busy in integrating its Gobi technology with auto manufacturers for years and is currently the leading supplier of 3G and 4G technology and chipset for cars and connected car services. Qualcomm products and services are currently active in over tens of millions of cars all over the world.
Senior VP for Business Development, Kanwalinder Singh told that they are hoping to introduce same system that Qualcomm displayed today to the leading computing devices and smartphones. He further added that the MDM9215 chipset allows Audi to derive a totally new in-car experience that include viewing and interacting with the contents on the head unit and on the passenger’s own devices connected with the Wi-Fi, all at incredible 4G LTE speeds.