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Chrysler\’s new in-car service will offer wireless satellite TV and Web connectivity. (Photo courtesy of Chrysler LLC)

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — Chrysler said it will use the name \”uconnect\” as an umbrella brand for a wide variety of wireless in-vehicle products and services in 2009, including satellite TV and in-car Internet access.

At the New York auto show in March, Chrysler announced that it would offer in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity on 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. Early media stories already are suggesting the new uconnect Web service is a potential Sync fighter — a reference to the Ford/Microsoft communications and entertainment system that\’s already on a number of 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, but which doesn\’t provide Web access.

Chrysler has been using the name — previously spelled UConnect — for its optional voice-activated, hands-free communication system for owners of Bluetooth-equipped wireless phones.

Now, with the new lowercase spelling, the company intends to roll out and repackage several wireless services, including uconnect Web, uconnect studios, uconnect tunes and uconnect GPS.

The most intriguing is uconnect Web, which will provide WiFi access to the Internet, including e-mail, music, games, photos and more. Uconnect Web will be offered on \’09 models as a dealer-installed aftermarket item through Mopar.

For families, uconnect studios should be an attractive feature. It bundles Sirius Satellite TV and satellite radio, including wireless access to the Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Uconnect tunes includes a 30GB hard drive that can handle up to 6,700 songs in a variety of formats, as well as digital movies and images. An earlier version of the system is available on selected \’08 Chrysler vehicles, branded as MyGIG.

The existing hands-free phone service is being rebranded as uconnect phone and includes an iPod interface.

Finally, uconnect GPS combines the features of uconnect tunes and uconnect phone, along with navigation and real-time traffic. Also included in the system are voice recognition and a touchscreen display.

What this means to you: We\’re not convinced that the ability to access Flickr, Facebook and iTunes in your car is necessarily a good thing. —
Paul Lienert, Correspondent