Howzabout…

The Problem
An on-board computer interface is ordinarily positioned so that only front seat riders can interact with it effectively, needlessly limiting its potential. Once a car is shut off, the powerful tool that is the navigation system is no longer of use.

The Opportunity
The explosive growth of mobile personal computer products like PDA’s has made it clear that there is a desire for the products we buy to fit into our lives rather than the other way around.

The Insight
Automobiles have an increasingly sophisticated array of computer technologies that have begun to play a greater role in the experience of both drivers and passengers. Talking GPS direction assistance, precise digital monitoring of a car’s performance and systems, and backseat DVD players and gaming systems are a few obvious examples. However, once the engine is shut off, so are these devices. Creating more interactive and flexible interfaces with car computers, and integrating traditional functionality like printers, data ports, and disc burners, goes a long way towards changing this.

The Execution
Wireless keyboards could be imbedded in seatbacks and glove boxes. The GPS navigation interface could display on screens throughout the passenger cabin. An underseat printer could create portable records of information that might be needed after arriving at a destination; digital photos could be printed out as on-the-spot memories of family outings, creating a great leave behind. A digital movie could be streamed from a laptop to the car’s A/V system via FireWire or wirelessly.

The Selling Point
Your automobile can now actually enhance your digital lifestyle rather than put it on hold. Practical applications like printing out directions, coupons and brochures (that tie into online digital mapping databases) give the traveler a greater sense of place, reducing the “outsider” feeling that you are missing out on the best any particular location has to offer. A wonderful tool for rental cars or taxi cabs.

The Incidental Benefits
Passengers would have the ability to help in navigation, which allows the driver to better concentrate on the road, enhancing safety. Being more connected to the outside world, if that is desired, would reduce the loss of potentially productive time to commuting and traffic jams.