The future is here (again): Nokia merges cell phones and cars

This week at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Nokia unveiled the newest way for drivers to jack into the Matrix while on the road: the device is called “Mirrorlink”. This is a new updated marketing speak term for the protocol they first introduced under the less exciting name: “Terminal Mode.” (Which brings up exciting images of logging into an IBM 360 Mainframe).

The protocol is backed by GM, Hundai, Toyota, and Volkswagen--among other manufacturers--with the goal of making it easier for drivers to become distracted while they should be paying attention to what’s on the road in front of them. 

But don’t think that you can just plug your handset into your car’s dashboard--similar to that fancy device that lets you play cassette tapes on your car’s 8-track deck. No. To take advantage of the future that Mirrorlink offers, your car will have to be equipped with one of the latest “infotainment” systems. These babies don’t come cheap: some run into the thousands of dollars--as any avid watcher of “Pimp My Ride” can tell you.

The other thing you’ll need to use this futuretech device for is, of course, the app. Nokia put their thinking caps on for this one and came up with another out-of-the-park name for the new system; appropriately titling it: “Car Mode.”  Before you start worrying about all those knuckleheads out there--who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time trying to access their Gmail box through their phone handset while they’re piloting a two thousand pound vehicle--rest easy: certain functions of “Car Mode” are disabled while docked to the car infotainment center.

Relax, KYC readers: the future has safely arrived and “Car Mode” will soon be showing you the way! Now where is my flippin’ jetpack?