January 8, 2009 9:40 AM PST

Ford trucks getting LogMeIn remote PC access

by Rafe Needleman
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The remote PC access product LogMeIn is getting into trucks. A branded version of the software, "LogMeIn for Ford Work Solutions" will be included in the new F-150 trucks (and a few other models) equipped with the optional Ford Works Solutions suite, a collection of options that includes Internet access, a dashboard monitor, and a wireless keyboard and pointing device.

Remote desktop.

(Credit: Ford)

LogMeIn spokespeople, in a CES announcement, said they envision construction contractors and other mobile workers using the remote access product to work on billing and other office documents without requiring them to carry a laptop in their vehicle.

I'm a LogMeIn user and can vouch for the product. For remote networking software, it is extremely simple to set up and use, and its performance is fast enough over a wireless connection. It works on both Windows machines and Macs, and cross-platform as well (you can control a Mac from a Windows desktop, and vice versa).

No news as to whether the feature will be disabled for the driver while the vehicle is in motion, or if LogMeIn running on a desktop PC or Mac will be able to tap into the truck's on-board Windows-based computer.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally will be giving an afternoon keynote at CES today. CNET News and Car Tech will have a full report.

Originally posted at Webware
Rafe Needleman writes about start-ups, new technologies, and Web 2.0 products, as editor of CNET's Webware. E-mail Rafe.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (8 Comments)
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by moordrake January 8, 2009 10:41 AM PST
As if texting while driving wasent bad enough, now I can work on a spreadsheet at 70mph.
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by JonahBek January 8, 2009 10:59 AM PST
LogMeIn is a great service, just not sure what use it would be in a vehicle. Can't name one time when I was in the car thinking I wished I could remote to my pc at home.
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by rafe January 8, 2009 4:56 PM PST
I think the idea is that if you're a contractor sitting at a job site all day, you can head in to your truck and use it like a mobile office. Although a laptop would probably be a better -- an in-dash screen is kind of awkward for detailed productivity work.
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by CydeSwype January 8, 2009 8:59 PM PST
I get the contractor thing...but I think the better target audience is the road warrior salesperson. They generally have to log in and respond to email, update salesforce, etc. a lot more...and they are most likely NOT going to be driving a truck. If this is the innovation Ford is looking for to dig themselves out of their financial woes...I worry for them.
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by rhomboid1 January 9, 2009 4:43 AM PST
OK, how many people will actually behave when using this new technology. Let face it, as human beings we tin to do the wrong thing first and then we think about the consequences later. Right now as I'm typing this comment, there are people everywhere Texting and talking on their cell phones while driving there Cars, SUVs', and yes even Trucks. It's an interesting new tech, but do we really need another way to be distracted while we are operating motor vehicle?
Reply to this comment
by mietz January 10, 2009 4:08 AM PST
We do not need any more distractions in our trucks.
Shame on you Ford.
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by techoftheday1980 January 12, 2009 12:50 PM PST
Ummm, LogMeIn seems to come out with more and more sketchy ways to draw everybody's attention, and for the price they charge for their remote access tool, they will soon be out of business due to the negative response most of their new ideas are getting. People are switching over to cheaper remote access solutions such as Techinline and Teamviewer, and these guys just continue to rob people with ideas such as the LMI Ignition and this truck thing
Reply to this comment
by March 12, 2009 10:47 AM PDT
C'mon now, really?
The most obvious benefit I see it the manufacturer/dealer having remote access to the vehicle.
But in order to justify the available connectivity, they needed a "driver benefit" and that's where "LogMe In" came in .
As a justification.
There is no way the primary reason for doing this has anything to do with the Driver, contractor or otherwise. It's 2009!!!
By now a contractor or any other driver that needs remote access already has a laptop.
or it is someone's brilliant idea in order to differentiate the truck from the competition.

Still doesn't have anything to do with the Driver, contractor or otherwise.

Probably the #1 hack will be to connect a laptop to the dash screen.
Nothing beats watching U-Tube while stuck in traffic :)
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