A small device embedded in a car's dashboard that monitors events such as:
- Anti-lock brakes or traction control kicking in (slippery road conditions)
- Drastic changes in temperature/humidity (potential for ice, fog, or whatever)
- Current speed (traffic flow)
and uploads this data, along with GPS coordinates, to a central server via cell phone data link or WiMax or something. Aggregate data about traffic speed and weather conditions nearby could be sent out to subscribers for display on an in-dash device:
"Hey, I see that 1.3 miles ahead on Hwy 494 three cars reported traction control kicking in within the last 20 minutes. Be careful!"
Getting manufacturers' cooperation for hooking into the cars' computers would be really tough. But the technology is perfectly feasible.
Along the same car lines: I'd like a small computer in my car that would record all of it's vital information. Fuel trims, coolant temperature, air flow, plus things like speed and rpms. The computer would track trends to let you know of any problems that may come up or to make sure you are getting the best performance. The computer would also sync up wirelessly, either Wifi or a 3G network.
It might also be interesting to have a website that compared your stats to others of the same make/model.
I'm not sure the technical requirements for such a thing, but obviously the car companies would have to be in on it.
and uploads this data, along with GPS coordinates, to a central server via cell phone data link or WiMax or something. Aggregate data about traffic speed and weather conditions nearby could be sent out to subscribers for display on an in-dash device:
"Hey, I see that 1.3 miles ahead on Hwy 494 three cars reported traction control kicking in within the last 20 minutes. Be careful!"
Getting manufacturers' cooperation for hooking into the cars' computers would be really tough. But the technology is perfectly feasible.