[tweetmeme]Gizmodo recently posted news about an android application that enables drivers to augment what they see from the car with turn-by-turn directions. Cool application, but in an era where we may already have too many driving distractions, it got me thinking about the relationship of information and technologies to automotive experiences.

PART 1: Defining Auto-Mobile

Mobility

As far as we can remember, the notion of ‘mobility’ has meant transportation from A to B. Transportation via foot, train, car, and airplane fulfilled a desire to connect the world of people and information. And the desire for better and faster mobility has led to the invention of the internet, mobile phone, and social networking services. Today, ‘mobility’ no longer solely represents the idea of transportation. It is now about the freedom of accessing information and an ability to communicate to whomever,whenever. Information in this mobile form has enabled a complex network of geographical and social communication channels that distribute an overwhelming amount of information, data and interactions between people. For example, powered by mobile devices like the iPhone, Twitter has been used to spread breaking news and receive updates from field reporters and public observers. This living stream of information and how we are connected to it is something that we can no longer avoid or ignore. Today we live mobile lives, always connected to information.

Automobile

Now, let’s talk about cars and mobility. What does the automobile mean to people today? The word automobile comes from combining Greek word “auto” meaning self and Latin word “mobils” meaning moving. Literally translated, it means to move itself. Within the context of the modern definition of ‘mobility’, an automobile should not only move itself physically, but offer a way of moving our ‘connected’ life style and information. Automobiles are often a catalyst for bringing new technologies into the mass market. In its effort to offer the best at-wheel experience, a modern automobile is equipped with numerous sensors and gadgets. At its best, a modern automobile offers a level of connection and integration by supporting portable and wireless devices. Moreover, the connection to external data via GPS/satellite assists the driver to stay on route with updated information such as traffic condition. But these technologies don’t quench the driver’s thirst for seamless integration like they’ve learned to expect from a mobile phone or the internet. Safety concerns limit the access to various types of information at the wheel. But it is still tempting to send text message, talk on the phone, or watch a favorite movie from the laptop mounted to the dashboard while driving. These behaviors demonstrate that consumers desire a connected lifestyle in an automobile, even though it means jeopardizing their safety. The automotive industry clearly has a challenge to meet these demands with the highest priority in safety.

stay tuned for part2: trend and technology…