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from the nothing-escapes-the-grasp-of-the-marketers dept.
It looks like the PHBs are trying to figure out how to monetize a low latency car-car (and car-highway) data network before it is even deployed. Here's a cutting from a recent editorial in Automotive Engineering (Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE), discussing 5.9-GHz dedicated short range communications (DSRC).
Some observers feel that advertising may be sent to vehicles to help offset some of the cost. That's especially true for vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, which will require roadside beacons. DSRC data may also be sent to data-processing centers. Ads could help pay for these installations.
"Many models rely on some form of advertising," said Joe Averkamp, Senior Director, Technology, Policy & Strategy, at Xerox. "You need to make sure it's subtle and not distracting."
DSRC has multiple channels, so it's possible that one could be used to send localized ads or other information. That will depend on how bands are allocated.
"Advertising questions are still unresolved," said Mike Shulman, Ford's Global Driver Assistance and Active Safety Manager. "Seven DSRC channels have been allocated. Safety messages will go on one channel, things like traffic-light communications could go on another. An ad message channel has not been defined."
Some managers feel that advertisers will build an alternative infrastructure in the years before regulators mandate V2X and automakers start shipping equipped vehicles.
And GM appears to have already patented V2V and V2X adverts.
Knowing GM, this is probably a defensive patent, to plant a stake in the ground in case a patent troll comes along.
(Score: 2) by isostatic on Monday December 14 2015, @11:14AM
Someone has to pay for the adverts, they are a drain on society. Either pay directly via taxes, or pay via adverts for products. Sure, the market will mean you can just buy from the companies that don't advertise, thus can charge less than those that do. Good luck with that.
(Score: 2) by Nuke on Monday December 14 2015, @05:31PM
Sure, the market will mean you can just buy from the companies that don't advertise, thus can charge less than those that do. Good luck with that.
In general I do avoid buying stuff that is heavily advertised. Apart from the fact that I have a natural aversion to following a crowd, I also consider that the company is spending money (if I buy it, my money) on advertising (it is very expensive) rather than on quality.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 15 2015, @04:30AM
Ah, nerd hipsterism - "I try to buy products from companies you've probably never heard of..."
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 15 2015, @01:20PM
The problem with blanket adversing is that it lets companies charge a higher price for their product: even if the quality is the same or worse than a competing product.
It is a limitation of the price system where you do not know why a specific product is priced the way it is. While it is often true that "you get what you pay for", that is not always the case. Price and value are two different things.