Getting Wifi In Your Car Is It Worth It
Getting wifi for your car isnt for everyone. If youre the only one that uses your car for commuting or whatever, its probably not economically viable to get your car wifi equipped.
However, if youre a family man or you car-share for your daily commute, it makes sense to get some device. It will save you money and keep the family or carpool entertained on each journey.
Turning your car into a wifi hotspot will save your smartphone, and give you a fast Internet connection on the go in many more places than your 4G.
So, getting a mobile hotspot, a dongle that fits into your OBD II connector, or a mobile router for your car is the way to go. Whichever way you choose to get wifi for your journeys, its good to know that in-car Internet connectivity is now an option.
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How Can I Add A Wi
Built-in Wi-Fi is convenient, but it probably doesnt warrant buying a new car. However, its possible you can still get Wi-Fi in your car you just need the right equipment.
OBD II devices
Some car Wi-Fi devices, like the AT& T ZTE Mobley | 503 or the Verizon Hum OBD reader, plug into your cars OBD II port. These devices are often available from the service provider and may cost $100 or more.
You may be wondering, whats an OBD II port and where do I find it? Its most likely located below your steering column or dash. Its what mechanics plug into to run vehicle diagnostics, but you can use it to create a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Installed wireless routers
While more expensive than OBD II devices, an installed wireless router will give you a better connection and you wont have to worry about plugging in anything. Car routers can range from $200 to $600 and should be professionally installed.
How To Turn Your Car Into A Wi
No dongle required
Connectivity on the move is incredibly useful for everything from avoiding traffic jams to staying in touch to keeping the kids pacified in the back seat and happily, adding a Wi-Fi hotspot and internet connectivity to any car is a breeze these days.
There are pros and cons to the various options for getting connected and there’s a big difference between just setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot and having internet connectivity integrated a the car’s own systems. It’s also worth remembering that not all mobile data service providers are the same, and pricing and coverage do vary.
So, here’s what you need to know to get your car cruising down the information superhighway, as nobody still calls it.
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How To Get Internet Access For Your Car And Vline: Smartphone Hot Spot Or Mobile Data Plan
The internet has become an essential part in our lives. We use it at work and home for communications, entertainment, information, shopping, and myriad of other functions.
Many of us also access the internet while on the road via wireless connectivity. The best part of this kind of connectivity is you can share access with family and friends, ensuring everyone can utilize the internet and everything it offers during those long road trips.
If you are VLine infotainment system user, you need internet connectivity for your VLine system to access Google or Waze Maps along Spotify, Pandora, and other Web Radio Apps whiledriving.
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There are a several methods available to bring this connectivity to your VLine system. For the purpose of this article, we will cover two of the mostcommon methods for Wifi connectivity in VLine systems through Smartphone Wifi tethering or via dedicated Wifi hotspot. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages over each other.
Ways Of Creating A Wifi Hotspot
If you’ve read this far you probably see the value in creating a WiFi hotspot in your car or on your boat. Now let’s talk about how to make that happen. The options you have are:
Make your phone a WiFi hotspot
Just about every cellphone has an option to enable a personal or WiFi hotspot. It’s very easy and often a good choice if you need to set something up quickly. However, it’s not the best long term solution. We’ll explain why in just a moment, but first let’s talk about how to do it.
On an iPhone go to Settings Personal Hotspot’ and move the slider right to turn the function on. You’ll notice the phone gives you the name of the network it’s creating and an access password. Incidentally, these are changeable, so you could for instance duplicate the name and password you use at home.
On Android phones the choices depend on the model of phone and operating system version. Poke around though and you’ll find similar options to those offered on iPhones.
So why isn’t this a good long-term solution?
First, it’s using your phone’s data plan. Apple let up to five users connect to a hotspot you create, and they could be using a lot of data. With an Android phone you can connect up to 10 devices, so that’s even more data!
Set up a mobile WiFi hotspot
Okay, it’s a little more complicated than that, but not much. Let’s explain.
Install a wireless router
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Is Streaming Worth It
Streaming services live on your Smartphone where theyre controlled via an app thats connected to your cars head-unit by a Bluetooth or USB connection.
Using your handset, you can make playlists, customized radio stations, or call up any particular song or album youd like to hear, in real time. This gives the listener far more control over what theyre listening to, and when. Other advantages include the ability to actively tell the program which songs you like and dislike, which helps to fine-tune the listening experience when you ask the program to call the shots.
Further, the listening experience is more integrated with your life. For instance, I use my Spotify account to listen to music at my desk all day, but opening the app on my phone sees it play back from where we left off when I go for a workout or a hike. At the cottage, I can stream that same listening experience to a portable speaker, too.
A Word About Safe Driving
Before we finish, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the importance of adhering to road safety and the law.
In short, driving a vehicle while interacting with a mobile device is almost certainly an offense where you live. It’s a dangerous act, an inevitable, forced lapse in concentration that can cause an accident. Your vehicle’s occupants, pedestrians, and other road users are all at risk.
So, when using digital devices while driving, either pull over to set them up, or rely on a passenger.
Safety goes further, however. Getting internet in your car means staying secure, as well as safe. So, ensure a strong password is set for your wireless hotspot, and if possible hide the SSID . This will keep the network hidden—just tell your passengers what to look for when they’re trying to connect.
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How Much Does Car Wifi Cost
As with smartphone SIM cards, you’ll need a data contract, either as a monthly contract or pay-as-you-go, which can be a more affordable choice if you only need to use it occasionally.
Costs start from around $10 a month for 4GB, rising to $40+ for unlimited data and downloads.
Some MiFi devices let you connect 10 or more devices to a single hotspot, which will work out a lot cheaper than paying for multiple accounts to get online, especially if youre travelling overseas where roaming charges can soon add up.
If you live rurally, you may also need to consider which network is best for you as certain providers have more reliable coverage in certain regions.
A Better Way To Get Wi
by Suzanne Kantra on October 29, 2014in , , , , , ::
For my kids, Internet access is a basic utility like electricity or water. They expect their tablets, laptops and smartphones to always be connected. And why shouldn’t they? More and more of the apps they use require Internet access to workeven those that don’t really need it for gameplay. And many of us are buying low-cost Chromebooks, and now HP’s new line of Stream Windows laptops, that are designed to primarily run online apps.
Internet access isn’t a problem at home, but we don’t have Wi-Fi in our home away from home, our car. For now, I commandeer one of our three car chargers and use my smartphone to put up a Wi-Fi hotspot. But there’s a better way to get Internet access in your carhave it built in.
You get better reception when you have 4G LTE Wi-Fi built into your car than you do on your smartphone. That’s because car makers are able to use a bigger and better antenna than smartphone makers can cram inside your phone. And, you never have to worry about your phone running out of battery or experience the aggravation of having the person with the hotspot phone leave the car, cutting off Internet access and the kids’ movie streaming off of Netflix.
So if you’re in the market for a new car, built-in Wi-Fi is an option worth considering. Learn more about 4G LTE Wi-Fi on Chevrolet.com.
Do you want built-in Wi-Fi in your next car? Join the discussion below!
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Where Can I Buy A Mifi Dongle And Which Brands Do You Recommend
MiFi is offered by several mobile networks directly. They sell a range of portable battery powered routers, and just like buying a smartphone, you will often get the router for free when you sign up for a monthly tariff.
Other brands such as Huawei and Netgear sell a range of high performance portable routers costing from around $50, but remember, you will generally need to buy a SIM card for them before you can get online.
Get Help With Any Questions
Youll have access to T-Mobiles amazing customer care.
Fees additional. Compatible vehicle, devices, and AutoPay required. Max eight simultaneous connections. During congestion, heavy data users and customers choosing lower-prioritized plans may notice lower speeds than other customers. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet at DVD quality . Always pay careful attention to the road and do not drive while distracted.See full terms
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Whats The Cheapest Way To Get Wi
The cheapest way to get Wi-Fi in your car is by using your cell phones hotspot and tethering feature. All you need to set it up is your smartphone and a monthly cellular plan that allocates data for hotspots and tethering.
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More Than Wifi In The Car: Connectivity Services
Connectivity services offer much more than the availability of the internet in the car. With their help, the vehicle ought to become fully integrated into a person’s digital life.
The connectivity service from BMW is called BMW ConnectedDrive and, among other things, offers limitless fun surfing at LTE speed. In order to use this service, you need at least the basic Connected Package option and a telephone service with wireless charging. The Connected Package includes the following services:
- With Remote Services, various functions can be performed via the smartphone app or via the BMW call centre.
- The BMW Online information service provides you with valuable information worldwide while on your route or at your destination.
- Thanks to BMW Connected+, you can transfer the route from your smartphone to your car and share your estimated arrival time with others.
- Ask BMW’s offboard voice processing software for the weather forecast, share your destination, and ask for a little bit of jazz music. But don’t let yourself be distracted from the current traffic, and only send messages when the situation allows.
All details of our ConnectedDrive Packages can be found here.
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Staying Safe When Using Wi
While in-car Wi-Fi provides ample opportunities for entertainment and connectivity, it can also create distractions for drivers. Its important that you never use your smartphone or other connected device while youre driving, so think carefully about adding Wi-Fi to your car if it might tempt you to divert your focus off the road. Nationwide supports legislation banning the use of hand held cell phones while driving as a practical way to allow drivers to leverage technology while keeping both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.
Although it may be difficult for hackers, theres also the potential that your cars Wi-Fi network could be breached. Download any security patches for the Wi-Fi program as soon as you can to keep your system protected. Learn more about how cars get hacked.
Whether your car comes equipped with factory installed Wi-Fi or you add an aftermarket device, if you spend a bit of time in your car for work or when traveling, this option is one to consider. You have the potential to experience a better connection, seamless streaming and downloads and maybe even some happier passengers. Before you decide to activate in-car Wi-Fi, learn more about the future of cars and what technology is appearing in vehicles you might find even more features for a smoother ride.
How To Get The Internet On Your Car Stereo
Unless youre driving a tricked-out late model BMW or Mini, youre unlikely to have Internet-based media streaming options built into your vehicle. However, there are ways to replicate that Internet media experience just without the integrated controls.
The basic premise is to use your smartphone with its cellular Internet connectivity to obtain the media, and then use the smartphones outputs to get that audio into your existing car stereo system.
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Will It Connect Automatically To My Vline Or Laptop Can I Turn It On Automatically
Currently, you cant turn on a Wifi hotspot through your phone automatically. You must manually turn it on when you want to use it. As soon as the hotspot on your phone is on, VLine or any other computing device will discover it. Also there are third party apps available that can help you to automate turning on the Wifi tethering on your phone. Check MacroDroid App on Google Play store for example.
Note you will need to connect your VLine to the phones hotspot for the first instance and enter the password. Once youve done it once, the next time VLine will connect automatically once the hotspot on your phone is activated.
Can I Share The Internet With My Family Members While Using A Dedicated Mobile Hotspot For Vline Connectivity
Yes, you can share the internet with your family members while still using it for VLine connectivity.
Same as with phone WiFi tethering, the more users that are sharing the internet via a dedicated mobile hotspot, the less traffic it will be for each userincluding VLine.
How to Set Up Wifi on VLine
The main advantage of a dedicated mobile hotspot versus using your phone for the internet connectivity on the go is seamless connectivity of VLine to the internet. Once your car is started, both VLine and your USB mobile hotspot will turn on simultaneously. VLine will then automatically connect to the internet without you needing to fumble with your phone or turning on the mobile tethering option.
Having a dedicated mobile hotspot in your vehicle will also ensure that you always have access to the internet, and can provide Wifi connectivity to VLine. You can leave your phone in the pocket or at home!
With USB mobile hotspot modem you also do not have to worry about the battery life of your phone or modem. The hotspot will be powered on using a 12V socket of your vehicle.
The only drawback is the monthly payment that might be required by the carrier for the data plan for your dedicated mobile hotspot in your vehicle, as well as the initial cost of the mobile hotspot device and the SIM card.
Ultimately, the choice is yours either the convenience of a dedicated mobile hotspot, or the freedom of the phone Wifi tethering.
Drive Happy!
Dedicated Mobile Hot Spot :
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Do Tesla Models Have Wi
Teslas have a Wi-Fi system that manages the car features, but they do not have Wi-Fi hotspots built into the car.
Teslas have a lot of features included as part of its Wi-Fi system, including remote start, streaming, Bluetooth capabilities, and navigational controls. However, according to multiple sources , Teslas dont have built-in hotspots.1, 3 That sets Tesla behind other luxury car brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which do have hotspot capabilities.
More Connectivity With 5g On The Way To Autonomous Driving
With the introduction of the 5G mobile communication standard as a successor to LTE, the course to autonomous driving is on its way to being set. This innovation could make internet in the car more than just a practical achievement: It could permanently change our understanding of mobility. For the UK, EE has announced on its website that it plans to supply 5G to 16 cities in 2019 big cities like London or Edinburgh already have 5G networks. Internationally speaking, the USA and South Korea, for example, are pioneers: The first public networks for smartphone users have already been available in Chicago, Minneapolis and the Seoul metropolitan area since the beginning of April 2019.
This new mobile communication standard can give the connectivity of vehicles an immense boost. The significantly faster transfer speed and higher transfer volume will allow you to stream high-resolution films on multiple devices or update map data in near real time. What is more, 5G is the transmission standard that will help the Internet of Things to have its breakthrough, taking the connectivity of vehicles to a whole new level. All kinds of devices can now network with each other and exchange a gigantic volume of data in near real time.
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