CES 2013: Audi unveils Audi A3 with 4G / LTE wireless connectivity powered by Qualcomm

Telecom Lead America: Audi has unveiled the 2013 Audi A3 with 4GLTE wireless connectivity powered by Gobi multi-mode 3G/4G LTE chipset by Qualcomm Technologies.

Kanwalinder Singh, senior vice president of business development, Qualcomm Technologies

The company will be offering an integrated LTE link for its Audi connect services in the new Audi A3 in 2013.

Audi connect offers peak data rates approaching 100 megabits per second.

The enhanced Audi connect services in the A3 are expected to transform the user experience and provide enhanced features such as an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, Internet radio, Web services and an augmented navigation system that presents street level visual imagery streamed to the vehicle.

“Audi was the first automaker to highlight the potential for LTE connectivity in vehicles at CES 2012 and now becomes the first automaker to announce a commercial model with embedded 4G LTE connectivity,” said Ricky Hudi, chief executive engineer of electrics/electronics, Audi.

Audi will implement the Gobi MDM9215 chipset in the automotive module. The solution will power Audi connect with 4G LTE speeds and is designed to enable enhancements to real-time navigation, weather and travel information while providing ultra-fast Wi-Fi hotspot access for up to eight devices in the car.

Chip major Qualcomm is currently the largest supplier of 3G and 4G technologies and chipsets for passenger-car telematics and connected-car services, with tens of millions of connected vehicles in operation worldwide.

“The capabilities ofthe MDM9215 chipset allows Audi to define a new in-car media experience, including viewing and interacting with content on the head unit as well as on passengers’ own Wi-Fi-connected smartphones and tablets, all at 4G LTE speeds,” said Kanwalinder Singh, senior vice president of business development, Qualcomm Technologies.

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