Telematics Detroit 2011: Verizon Wireless shows off ‘building blocks' for mobile in the car

NOVI, Mich. — With the largest presence here among all the carriers at Telematics Detroit 2011, Verizon Wireless (VZ) is showcasing various new services and technology for the car with its partners in the telematics space.
“We have a complete building block of products and services,” Janet Schijns, VP of Verizon’s business solutions group, said in her keynote this morning. She added that Verizon’s role in telematics will be defined by the ecosystem. The carrier is opting to partner with leaders and innovators in the telematics space rather than building its own services and platforms from the ground up.
With Airbiquity Inc., the carrier is featuring in-vehicle mobile applications, including weather, streaming audio, local search and integration with V Cast apps. Verizon is not offering the applications itself, but rather the platform and a set of APIs for developers that will enable manufacturers to develop and sell their own white label app store. Car makers can deliver a controlled catalog of apps, make their own apps available and manage all aspects of the connectivity with Verizon Wireless’ network, including policy protocols. The carrier is also working with Airbiquity to allow for short-term purchases of data on the go.
The carrier is working with MyAssist to integrate wireless connectivity with the company’s live-agent personal assistance for car makers and telematics service providers. On Verizon’s LTE network, MyAssist offers concierge, emergency travel and medical assistance to drivers and passengers in the car. The service can also be used to make dinner reservations, schedule a doctor appointment, book a hotel room or purchase tickets for an event.
Verizon is showcasing the Plex Media Center from Plex to highlight its ability to offer a digital media experience in the car that pulls content from a variety of sources in one place. And finally, on the cloud computing front the carrier is working with TeleCommunication Systems Inc. to deliver secure mobile communication technology over the cloud for navigation, local search, asset tracking, social applications and telematics.