Omnipoint Debuts W.A.V.E. System

Further showing the growing popularity of telematics, Omnipoint Communications (Cedar Knolls, NJ) is debuting the W.A.V.E. (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Equipment) system at the North American International Auto Show 2000 in Detroit, MI. The system, installed in a 2000 Lincoln Navigator, operates on Omnipoint's existing GSM network.

"From the voice-activated, hands-free kit to the rear seat mobile office, the W.A.V.E. was built to show safe and practical ways of integrating wireless communications equipment into cars," said Omnipoint president George Schmitt. "But the modifications do not significantly change the overall comfort or style of the vehicle."

The W.A.V.E. system represents a major innovation in the direct application of wireless technology into the automotive industry. The system includes GSM wireless connections to the Internet, e-mail, and corporate Local Area Network (LAN) as well as a ComROAD telematics unit for remote monitoring, entertainment, and emergency services. Omnipoint Technologies' Redhawk data communications module provides an interface to GSM networks for telematic and telemetry applications.

"What's perceived as wireless gizmos today will become standard features in the not too distant future," said Schmitt. "Motorists will come to expect their cars to have voice-activated phones, navigation systems, and Internet access that work in a safe and simple manner just as they have come to expect air conditioning and AM/FM stereos."

The following components in the W.A.V.E. system are currently available to consumers or will be available in the near future:

• A Motorola L7089 "Leap" handset, which is a triple-band GSM phone capable of working around the world.
  
• A Motorola VR (Voice Recognition) DSP (Digital Signal Processor) hands-free car kit, which allows the user to make and receive phone calls entirely through voice commands.
  
• An Applied Data Trends Q-PC automotive computer, which is one of the first fully functional (450 MHz, Windows 98) car-specific computers to be available for consumer applications.
  
• A ComROAD Street Guard in vehicle telematics management system. It is a DIN radio-sized computer designed for remote fleet management, security, and emergency/roadside assistance services communications.
  
• An Omnipoint Technologies' Redhawk GSM wireless data module that connects to the Q-PC for access to the Internet, e-mail and corporate LANs.

Edited by Ellen Jensen