     |
If you're anything like us, you get slightly twitchy when you can't use any of your WiFi-only devices when parked (or a passenger) in a car. You now won't even have to think about whether or not you're online, if you're an Android user. Inrete's new AutoTether app automatically invokes an Android phone's WiFi hotspot as soon as the handset pairs up with a given Bluetooth device: step into a ride with a Bluetooth-equipped stereo and you'll have an internet connection for every device inside, as long as you're present. Inrete sees its app as a syncing tool for its Automatica car audio companion, but it clearly has uses for the kids' Nexus 7 in the back seat or a significant other's MacBook Air in the front. Check the Google Play link for what could be the next-best thing to a hotspot built into the car itself.
Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Mobile
Source: Google Play
If you'd rather not use your cellphone to ferry media to and from your car, Italian firm Inrete is offering a device that'll jack into your auto and discretely suck down fresh audio content from the web. Dubbed Automatica, the dongle plugs into rides outfitted with USB ports and downloads up to 24 hours worth of audio content -- or more with the help of a microSD card -- when it comes into range of an accessible WiFi hotspot. Those inclined to slurp down content while on the move can simply give the hardware internet access with their smartphone's WiFi tethering. Leveraging an online interface, users can customize Automatica's audio sources, which include podcast feeds, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box and SkyDrive. Snagging one of the sticks costs $99 and nets a two-year subscription to the service, but there's no word on how much one of the yearly subscriptions will set users back once the included period ends. Hit the jump for the full press release or tap the source link to pre-order a dongle.