Drivers will continue to enjoy a growing assortment of connected features in their vehicles?as long as they?re willing to share some personal information.
That might be the automotive future that Google envisions. In a recently published patent application, the company describes a system and method for delivering a wide range of content to motorists?everything from music to turn-by-turn directions. Access to that content is contingent on consumers agreeing to divulge data on their driving behavior and whereabouts. Motorists who agree to those terms might be offered steep discounts by insurance companies for cautious driving and receive coupons from nearby restaurants and shops. But those who refuse to share personal information face the prospect of being unable to use their favorite features.
?Handling content involves controlling how content is acquired and provided to a vehicle system,? the application says. ?Content is restricted by requiring at least one transfer of vehicle-related information.?
A patent application shouldn?t be confused for a firm business plan, but should the company continue to develop the concept, Google?s system would control every potential pathway into the car?internet, satellite communications, hotspot gateways, cellular networks, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB ports, OBD-II ports typically used for vehicle diagnostics, video systems, telematics systems, personal devices, smartphones, and more, according to its application.

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