Nov. 4, 2009 (Business Wire) -- The ng Connect Program today announced the LTE Connected Car, a new concept vehicle, that illustrates how 4G/Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband access technology and the resulting ultra high bandwidth connectivity can bring a wide range of new capabilities to the automobile. The LTE Connected Car concept—a sophisticated, next-generation “smart” device on wheels supported by the most advanced wireless broadband networking technology available—offers a wide range of navigation, personal security, entertainment and infotainment services to both drivers and passengers alike.

The LTE Connected Car concept also represents an exciting new potential revenue opportunity for network operators, automotive suppliers and application providers, and sets the stage to usher in a new era of richer and personalized in-car experiences.

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU), Atlantic Records, QNX Software Systems, Toyota Motor Sales, Chumby and Kabillion partnered on the development the LTE Connected Car project.

The LTE Connected Car concept offers independently operated touchscreens coupled with innovative software which provide access to multiple applications and forms of content. The prototype system supports the creation of personalized and interactive connected experiences that can be tailored to the individual preferences and requirements of both drivers and passengers.

The LTE Connected Car concept illustrates that mobile devices are potentially no longer just phones or music players. The concept vehicle becomes a mobile platform where information can be easily accessed and transmitted through the use of high bandwidth connectivity and cloud-based applications.

The LTE Connected Car concept offers a comprehensive menu of future-generation features that can be sampled in the vehicle including the following entertainment, infotainment, security and driving-related services:

• Video on demand – an endless catalog of video content, including movies, recorded TV programs and user-generated content. New content can also be easily rented or purchased in-car for media playback there or paused and finished at home.
• Gaming – multi-player games played within the vehicle, in other cars or with players anywhere in the world.
• Audio Library – no longer bound to just CDs, the radio or portable music players - an endless music catalog is accessible from the cloud.
• Home control – direct connection from the concept car to home automation and security systems to manage climate control systems, lighting, etc.