Telematic technology keeps drivers connected on road

For those who found VCRs challenging, today's range of automotive "telematic" options could potentially produce a complete mental meltdown, especially for us non-techies. Let's be honest. Unless you have a savvy 10-year-old handy to link your cell phone to your car's hands-free device, it's not likely to happen unless you pull out the owner's manual, find your reading glasses, then meticulously follow the instructions, step by step. Even then, it may not work. That is until above-mentioned 10-year-old comes to your rescue.

That's a little how it felt during Hughes Telematics Inc.'s demonstration of its automotive connectivity technology. Hosted by more than 20 very patient and knowledgeable employees of the Atlanta-based company during last week's Consumer Electronics Show, techno-confident media types were invited to "experience the next generation of connected services for the automobile."

Noticeably proud of its new association with Mercedes-Benz USA, through the manufacturer's signature in-vehicle connectivity service called "mbrace," product experts, such as Hughes Telematics senior director Mike Peterson, deftly led guests through a complete and easily understandable tour of the system. Using a Mercedes-Benz S550, Peterson contacted an emergency call center, sent the vehicle's maintenance status, checked the weather, unlocked the doors, downloaded travel routes and updated local traffic conditions all with the touch of one or two buttons and leisurely communication with an agent.

But, there's more. Peterson also explained the traffic condition status option can be personalized to match the driver's "traffic tolerance level." Hughes Telematics and its partners gather traffic information using various methods and sources. Once the driver signifies his or her "traffic tolerance level," the mbrace system, for example, will provide a new route if the initial route is deemed above that driver's "traffic tolerance level."

In addition, Hughes Telematics has also built an application for the iPhone and BlackBerry that displays a Mercedes-Benz key fob on the phone's screen. From here, the user can unlock, locate or ask for assistance from the phone for the vehicle.

Through telematics, or the marriage of computers and telecommunications systems, manufacturers, such as Hughes Telematics, offer a variety of vehicle features providing greater safety and security, hands-free communications and wireless access to a wide range of information and entertainment. What Hughes Telematics is particularly proud of, however, is the system's connectivity to an emergency call center. Hughes Telematics enjoys an exclusive relationship with Intrado, the industry leader providing the core of North America's 9-1-1 infrastructure. Responders, according to Hughes Telematics operations specialist Keith Kammer, are highly trained and professionally certified and have an average of more than nine years of 9-1-1 dispatch experience.

Using one of the four hands-on information kiosks, Kammer also demonstrated how Hughes Telematics systems can save time and money for insurance and roadside service companies. With diagnostic and global positioning capabilities, mechanical trouble can be identified so the proper equipment is sent to help.

With the mbrace system, Hughes Telematics brings an unprecedented level of connectivity to Mercedes-Benz drivers and begins the process of allowing them to customize their in-vehicle experiences to fit their daily needs. The mbrace service, which starts at $280 per year, offers 18 features (five of which are part of a $520 per year premium package) in the categories of safety and security; navigation and destination planning; and convenience.