July 01, 2008
Chrysler LLC Launches Umbrella "uconnect" Name for Connectivity Technologies
AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler LLC is now bundling innovative consumer technologies under one umbrella name — "uconnect." The function of the feature is directly in the name — uconnect phone, uconnect tunes, uconnect gps, uconnect studios, and uconnect Web.
"We set out to connect customers to the things that matter most to them," said Deborah Meyer, vice president and chief marketing officer – Chrysler LLC. "The role for 'uconnect' in the 2009-model year places the focus on the customer experience and how the features will make their life easier."
Following are the definitions of the uconnect features.
uconnect phone
What it does: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver. New for 2009, the hands-free system automatically downloads up to 1,000 phone book entries from supported phones. The system also recognizes three languages, and is capable of learning. Voice commands can manage onboard phone book entries, select radio stations, and access voice mail. Voice memos can be recorded using the microphone that's integrated within the rearview mirror. Three memos of up to thirty seconds each can be stored in the system. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value, and flexibility.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, PT Cruiser, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan, Caliber, Challenger, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Journey, Nitro, and Ram; Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Liberty, and Patriot.
uconnect tunes
What it does: uconnect tunes includes the following features for music, movie, and personalized picture display:
A 30-gigabyte hard drive for ripping up to 6,700 songs from CD or USB memory devices in compressed format (either MP3, AAC or WMA file formats).
Photos can be loaded onto the hard drive, allowing the customer to personalize the home screen.
Movies can be displayed on the screen for entertaining passengers when the vehicle is in Park (as permitted by the state regulations).
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, and Patriot.
uconnect gps
What it does: uconnect gps combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation and real-time traffic. The system includes an integrated voice recognition system and touch screen for easy operation. The voice recognition system also recognizes more than 100,000 words and can input addresses, which allows the customer to enter destinations while the vehicle is in motion.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Grand Caravan, Challenger, Charger, Journey, Nitro and Ram; Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, and Patriot.
uconnect studios
What it does: uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Backseat TV, featuring three channels of family TV programming, and optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio, with more than 130 channels of the best music, entertainment, and information coast to coast. The systems can be bundled or opted for independently depending upon model availability, and either can be operated from the rear-seat entertainment unit or from the radio head unit.
Chrysler's uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which provides more than 130 channels, including 69 channels of 100 percent commercial-free music, plus sports, news, talk, and entertainment. Consumers are able to scan channels or have preset buttons for their favorite channels. They can also search both by music category and channel, which is displayed on the radio screen.
Availability: SIRIUS Satellite Radio is available on all Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles.
Chrysler's uconnect studios offer optional SIRIUS Backseat TV,which features three channels of family TV programming: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle's second- and/or third-row video screens, and channel name, program title, and rating is broadcasted and displayed on the screen. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming can be displayed on the uconnect tunes or uconnect gps screen for front-seat viewing (as permitted by state regulations). New for 2009 in the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are larger, nine-inch, rear-seat video screens that swivel.
Availability: Chrysler 300, Aspen and Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger, Durango, Journey, and Ram 1500; Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee.
uconnect web
What it does: The system will provide high-speed data transfer and flexibility, combining WiFi and cellular connectivity for a new level of wireless technology. The system transforms the vehicle into a "hot spot" to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle, for instant access to Web sites, e-mail, personalized music, online gaming, photo albums, and more.
Availability: Chrysler plans to offer aftermarket in-vehicle "hot-spot" wireless Internet capability through Mopar for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles.