Toyota Cars to 'Tweet' Their Drivers

			Welcome
English

Technology

Japan's Toyota Motor on Monday said it planned to create a private social networking service that will let cars "tweet" their drivers when they need servicing.
The Japanese automaker said it would work in conjunction with US cloud computing firm Salesforce.com to create the "Toyota Friend" service for owners of electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles to be introduced next year.

Toyota will invest 442 million yen ($5.4 million) and Salesforce.com will spend 223 million yen on Toyota Media Service Co., a Toyota subsidiary providing data services to drivers.

Microsoft Corporation, which in April announced a strategic partnership with Toyota to build a global platform for next-generation communications services, will invest 335 million yen.

Toyota described the service as "a private social network that connects Toyota customers with their cars, their dealership, and with Toyota."

The service will be accessible through smart phones, tablet PCs, and other advanced mobile devices.
Cars will be able to send tweet-like alerts reminding drivers to recharge their batteries, Toyota said.

"Social networking services are transforming human interaction and modes of communication," said Toyota President Akio Toyoda.

"The automobile needs to evolve in step with that transformation."(AFP)

Beirut, 23 May 11, 14:17


Your Comments


You Make the News

Cast Your Comments on this Article
View & Recommend Readers' Comments

Other Headlines

D'oh! Sony Ericsson's Site Hacked, 'Page has Gone Walkabout'

EBay May Use Skype Money For Acquisitions

Cisco Sued for Helping China Monitor Internet

Yahoo Ready to Deliver on Promise to Upgrade Email

Soccer Fans, Twitter Users Defy UK Privacy Rules

Toyota Cars to 'Tweet' Their Drivers

Apple Looks Set to Launch Cloud-Based Music Service

Google Stops Digitizing Old Newspapers

Shoe Attack on China Web Censor Sparks Online Buzz

Amazon Selling More Kindle Books Than Print Books

Microsoft Says One-in-14 Software Downloads Malicious

Eee Pad Tablet Transforms Into Laptop


Other Categories

Editorials
SpecialReports
Lebanon
Middle East
The World
Interview
Away From Politics
Lebanon Business
World Business
Culture
Lebanon Sports
World Sports
Health
Fringe


Comments

Please wait while we load the comments

Click to Comment
Recommend Readers' Comments to Promote Their Views