Today, gadgets and devices that come without the capability to connect to the Web are seriously handicapped. In fact, I can name at least a couple of brilliant mobile phones that were in fact way ahead of their time but nevertheless failed to make any lasting impression on the market because they were saddled by their lack of built-in Internet connectivity.

As early as 2004, automakers and their technology partners have been moving heaven and earth (and all those in between) to equip today’s cars with Internet access. But aside from acquiring exclusive bragging rights to having Internet-capable automobiles, carmakers have recognized that a growing number of drivers desire to remain online while driving their cars.

In fact, the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas had a section dedicated to the Internet-enabled car.
 
Distraction Not

Most carmakers, aware perhaps of how some people might view onboard Internet access as another distraction with potentially lethal consequences for the driver, are highlighting the safety applications of their automobiles’ online connectivity features.

Below are some of the latest Internet and other IT offerings from carmakers, aftermarket vendors, and technology companies.
 
Toyota’s Entune

Toyota’s Entune is the Japanese car company’s answer to Ford’s Sync onboard automobile multimedia system. Entune’s software links the driver’s mobile phone with an in-dash touchscreen panel, allowing the driver to access online services, such as Microsoft’s Bing search engine and Pandora streaming music. Aside from letting the driver use voice commands to manage the multimedia system, Entune reads aloud received text messages.
 
OnStar Rearview Mirror

General Motors has made its OnStar car Internet service to consumers who drive cars manufactured by other car companies. In this connection, the carmaker has introduced an aftermarket rearview mirror that comes with the Internet safety service.

In the past months, OnStar has offered access to several Internet services including Pandora music streaming and voice-activated Facebook.

Parrot’s Asteroid

The Asteroid from Parrot looks like an in-dash car stereo. In some ways, it also works like one. It includes a 3.2-inch screen and 4 x 55-watt MOSFET amplifier with subwoofer output.

It comes with 3G-based Internet access, allowing drivers to connect to online services such as music on demand and traffic information. It also offers phonebook and voice-activated music search.

Today’s technologies for automobiles make cars into mobile online hub. Consumers need not be disconnected from the Web while they are in transit from their homes to the office. Daily commutes need not be online black holes.

The question is: Would this be a good thing or just another deadly distraction for the driver?