Ford trucks getting LogMeIn remote PC access
The remote PC access product LogMeIn is getting into trucks. A branded version of the software, "LogMeIn for Ford Work Solutions" will be included in the new F-150 trucks (and a few other models) equipped with the optional Ford Works Solutions suite, a collection of options that includes Internet access, a dashboard monitor, and a wireless keyboard and pointing device.
Remote desktop.
(Credit: Ford)LogMeIn spokespeople, in a CES announcement, said they envision construction contractors and other mobile workers using the remote access product to work on billing and other office documents without requiring them to carry a laptop in their vehicle.
I'm a LogMeIn user and can vouch for the product. For remote networking software, it is extremely simple to set up and use, and its performance is fast enough over a wireless connection. It works on both Windows machines and Macs, and cross-platform as well (you can control a Mac from a Windows desktop, and vice versa).
No news as to whether the feature will be disabled for the driver while the vehicle is in motion, or if LogMeIn running on a desktop PC or Mac will be able to tap into the truck's on-board Windows-based computer.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally will be giving an afternoon keynote at CES today. CNET News and Car Tech will have a full report.
Rafe Needleman writes about start-ups, new technologies, and Web 2.0 products, as editor of CNET's Webware. E-mail Rafe. 
Shame on you Ford.
- by March 12, 2009 10:47 AM PDT
- C'mon now, really?
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(8 Comments)The most obvious benefit I see it the manufacturer/dealer having remote access to the vehicle.
But in order to justify the available connectivity, they needed a "driver benefit" and that's where "LogMe In" came in .
As a justification.
There is no way the primary reason for doing this has anything to do with the Driver, contractor or otherwise. It's 2009!!!
By now a contractor or any other driver that needs remote access already has a laptop.
or it is someone's brilliant idea in order to differentiate the truck from the competition.
Still doesn't have anything to do with the Driver, contractor or otherwise.
Probably the #1 hack will be to connect a laptop to the dash screen.
Nothing beats watching U-Tube while stuck in traffic :)