Reflecting the increasing proliferation of HP`s wireless and mobility products, the company has announced a joint development with Ford to incorporate HP`s iPAQ Pocket PC device in Ford`s latest concept car, the C-MAX.
The iPAQ Pocket PC will form part of a unique Integrated Remote Imaging System (IRIS) built into the C-MAX, a multi-activity vehicle concept based on Ford`s popular Focus model.
The results of a project between Ford and HP Labs in Bristol, UK, the IRIS includes a USB Webcam mounted in the overhead centre console. Using wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, video images of the interior are streamed to the HP iPAQ Pocket PC, which can be removed from its dashboard cradle and taken outside the vehicle. This allows users to monitor the car remotely, when temporarily away to pay for fuel or collect purchases, for instance.
Together with a GPS expansion pack and navigation software, the HP iPAQ Pocket PC can also be used as an in-car navigation system. Directions can be viewed on the screen or delivered audibly. HP`s innovative expansion pack concept can also transform the iPAQ Pocket PC into an in-car entertainment system, playing videos or music stored on memory storage cards.
With the addition of a GSM/GPRS expansion pack, the iPAQ Pocket PC enables users to read e-mails or receive location-based information and services via the Web.
No wireless base station required
Additional hardware in the car includes an HP Evo N115 notebook which links to the Webcam using 802.11 WLAN peer-to-peer networking eliminating the need for a traditional wireless base station.
Dick Lampman, HP`s Senior Vice President of Research and Director, HP Labs, described the initiative as a vital proof-of-concept for HP`s wireless capabilities using off-the-shelf hardware and software components.
"This joint development with Ford has provided us with a uniquely high-profile opportunity to showcase our wireless offerings, elements of which are already being incorporated into many of our products," said Lampman.
The HP notebook is running Microsoft Windows XP and uses Window Media Encoder to stream video from the Webcam. It also runs a Web server providing secure access to the video stream, or Web pages, via the HP iPAQ Pocket PC viewable through activeX or by using Windows Media Player.
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HP is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company`s offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corp on 3 May 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.
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