Peggy Smedley talks about how tablet devices aren’t just for consumer entertainment, citing an example of a new initiative that will enable doctors and patients to communicate remotely with each other in realtime via a mobile tablet. Smedley also talks about the buzz surrounding 4G networks and whether or not M2M applications will even need 4G despite one analyst firm’s predictions for explosive growth in 4G module sales in the next five years.;

 

Bob Schumacher, general director of advanced product and business development, Delphi’s Electronics & Safety Division, discusses what ‘connectivity’ means to Delphi and what he sees as some of the most significant connectivity trends currently taking place in the automotive industry. He also gives an overview of how Delphi’s technology is enabling drivers to connect with their vehicle ‘cockpits’ using wireless technology.;

 

Melvin Diaz, manager of product planning, Alpine Electronics of America Inc., talks about Alpine’s INA-W900, its “all-in-one navigation/audio/video system,” and how the device differs from portable navigation units. Diaz also discusses some of the trends that we can expect to see from Alpine moving forward with regard to in-vehicle connectivity.;

 

Smedley and Mike Carrozzo, chief editor, M2M magazine, talk about how some smartphone applications, designed specially to help doctors and patients identify and deal with health conditions, should only be used as reference materials and should not be used as a replacement for a doctor visit. They also discuss recent speculation that the FDA may be considering some sort of regulative position over mobile healthcare applications.