I'm frequently driving long distances by myself, and I see there are many other people driving by themselves as well. While a CB would be nice for interacting with all these people, it requires getting a Ham license, etc., and I could only talk with other people with CBs.
An idea I had a long time ago was adapting the spread-spectrum technology currently used in wireless networking gear to create an extremely user-friendly CB system that didn't require a license, that was hands-free, and that was tailored to human conversation and chat. Because the system is digital, it would be easy to have a low-res version of your picture, a description of your car, and any other information all available for automatic retrieval by nearby cars. Also, you could broadcast the music currently playing in your car for all the surrounding cars to hear.
The conversation aspect of this system is pretty straightforward. There is a "public" or default channel where everyone sits, and there is a mechanism to jump to a different "channel". Each AutoCB unit has an ID that is unique in the surrounding region, so can be uniquely addressed (although there is nothing to prevent a hacked receiver from getting all the traffic). Fully encrypted communications can be achieved using 3DES session keys negotiated with public-key encryption.
There is a very critical social value to such a device. Americans generally spend more time in their cars than they spend walking about. The past several decades have seen a decline in common spaces, critical for the interactions and conversations of a healthy democracy. I strongly feel that this AutoCB technology/device would reclaim a space where interaction was not previously possible, and serve as a platform for a host of other applications ranging from emergency services to parking assistance to advertising and marketing.
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It sounds good to me, but there's always the problem of road rage. Presumably you'd want people to be open to conversation by default, but the moment they cut off the wrong driver, this opens them up to a torrent of abuse that they'd probably rather not have. Could you address this difficulty?
I like this. Instead of bowling alone or driving alone, this could help create a community. There are some badges out there which help you identify people with similar interests at conferences. You could do the same things with the phone in cars.
One issue: Driver safety. Talking while driving is more dangerous. But if it helps you stay awake...
This is an example of a great idea that is almost there! I can see a GMRS/FRS type radio with a range of two to five miles, privacy codes for people who want to jump away from the public channels but be able to continue monitoring, and voice activated hands-free controls. My family uses a Motorola GMRS radio when we hang around Orlando's parks so we can keep in communications, so the technology is there and works. The skill involved would be to adapt it to the auto environment and the needs of the traveler. Rest areas could transmit data about themselves. Exits could describe the basic amenitites there. Safety would be greatly improved - imagine getting caught in a traffic jam and being able to instantly warn fellow travelers! Accidents could be reported quickly. Breakdowns would not be such a problem anymore. Important messages could be relayed quickly, such as road repair, an animal in the road, or a tree down. This is a device that could be built and marketed and I think would become the "CB" of the new century.
Sounds neat. I understand that car makers (both GM and Ford) are pursuing what they call telematics. The technology they tend go with is via the cell phone network. How would this compare? This is taking up on DaleW's comment.
You can do this NOW. Just put your cell phone number on your bumper. Others that want to talk to you will do the same. (use a hands-free kit of course)
CB radio does not require a license the last time I checked. CB radio in cars was very popular in the 70's. The channels became so crowded with idiots that it soon turned into a useless bedlam. I don't think there is any reason you cannot simply go to Radio Shack and buy one. This is not a new idea.
Please refer to this site to check on the regulation of Citizen Band RadiosThe great thing I loved about CB's versus Cell Phones, is the lack of Air Time minute charges. Of course there were the usual pains in the Ear that used all sorts of language. I met my wife of 25 years on the CB. Sure was fun to go to all the CB Club meetings.
The novelty of the idea lies purely in its implementation and not in the higher-level questions of "how does this provide a new medium of any sort?". If implemented properly, an AutoCB unit would be able to offer a near-limitless number of channels, thus eliminating the problem of "idiots clogging up channels". Also, basing the technology on a digital protocol allows for exchange of metadata that opens up whole new worlds of functionality - things which would have been impossible with a classic analog CB.
Like Barry's comment about the wireless badges in bars and clubs that identify your interests and chime when you are near someone else that shares your interests, you can do a similar thing with AutoCB. Also, you can record conversations, share your music, etc.
already got a cb in my car... dont need a licence for it anymore... what we need is a way to transmit our handle and channel we are currently on, like a buddy list that displays whos on and who isnt, and what channel they are on
I kinda like the idea but I can also imagine a wild environment like an internet chat room. It would have to be very restrictive and moderated.