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Computer industry

MobileAria Launches Hands-Free Mobile Internet Service Platform

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

MobileAria, a company dedicated to developing a hands-free mobile Internet service platform for the automobile, was launched on October 11, 2000, with significant investments from industry leaders Delphi Automotive Systems, Palm, Inc., and Mayfield Fund. This innovative platform aims to provide an open access system for in-vehicle management of personal information, mobile Internet services, and entertainment through a voice-activated interface.

Key Takeaways:

  • MobileAria plans to integrate hand-held computers, mobile phones, personalized information, Internet content, and voice recognition into a single, hands-free platform.
  • The company aims to launch the initial in-vehicle platform and service during the second quarter of 2001, leveraging the distribution channels of its strategic investors.
  • According to Delphi Automotive research, 36% of handheld computer owners reported using their handhelds while driving, highlighting a strong demand for in-vehicle connectivity.
  • MobileAria's open service platform is expected to capture a significant portion of the $33 billion voice and data automotive service market by 2010, as forecasted by UBS Warburg.
  • The primary source of revenue for MobileAria will be through customer subscriptions, with potential additional revenue through subscriber transactions and technology licensing.
  • The company's partnership with its investors, including Delphi Automotive Systems and Palm, Inc., provides significant synergies and time-to-market advantages, enabling the creation of a strong consumer brand.

Statistics:

  • North Americans spend 26 billion hours in their automobiles each year (Source: Goldman Sachs, E-automotive report, March 2000).
  • People in North America spend a combined 500 million passenger-hours in their vehicles each week, or 26 billion hours annually (Source: Goldman Sachs, E-automotive report, March 2000).
  • Up to 80% of cellular phone calls are initiated from within an automobile (Source: Delphi Automotive research).
  • Handheld computer owners are interested in having voice-activated access to their handheld computers in their next vehicle, with 73% expressing interest (Source: Delphi Automotive research).
  • The market for voice and data automotive services is expected to grow to $33 billion by 2010 (Source: UBS Warburg, Worldwide Telematics, Aug. 21, 2000).

Sources:

  • BUSINESS WIRE, "MobileAria Launches Hands-Free Mobile Internet Service Platform," October 11, 2000
  • Goldman Sachs, E-automotive report, March 2000
  • UBS Warburg, Worldwide Telematics, Aug. 21, 2000
  • Delphi Automotive Systems press release
  • Palm, Inc. press release
  • Mayfield Fund press release

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