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You're being downvoted because it's irrelevant to the thread, which was asking why a cell phone isn't sufficient. The NSA can already turn on cell phones remotely so there's still no huge difference. If you wanted to make a useful comment, perhaps point out how LE might be able to get around getting a warrant by abusing Hertz or something (if, say, Hertz adds to it's agreement that it can record and analyze video with any 3rd parties for any reason).

>Too bad there is not. The closest thing would be a cellphone, but non-hands free use is illegal in most states.

Really? As if they couldn't install bluetooth in the cars?

Yes, they could. Then you also need an easy automated way to unpair devices, or else you end up with 50 phones enrolled and the pairing setup can't handle any more. And you have to assume your average renter knows/expects this, and pairs their phone properly, BEFORE they are in a potentially stressful situation where they are trying to contact an agent.

Personally, I don't use Hertz, and this system would prevent me from wanting to use Hertz. If I need assistance, I can handle calling my own AAA service, and/or Hertz directly.

This system wasn't conceived and installed for the typical HN reader (IMO). I'm guessing the discussion went along the lines of "people already have cameras in their phones and laptops, and they like THOSE. We should put a camera in this too."

They could simply queue the devices. FIFO. What are the chances that someone will be the 51st person to rent a car will be the same person who first rented the car? And if it does happen, what's wrong with just re-pairing? Finally, add a clause in the rental agreement that the renter is personally responsible for unpairing the device. Otherwise, their phone will stay in the car's device list until it finally gets pushed out of the system at an indeterminate time, which depends on future rental volume.

>This system wasn't conceived and installed for the typical HN reader (IMO). I'm guessing the discussion went along the lines of "people already have cameras in their phones and laptops, and they like THOSE. We should put a camera in this too."

Those are cameras users AIM. Not cameras AIMED at them.

If you're building hardware into the car itself, there is no reason why it shouldn't be hands-free.

Just put a mic in the car, hook output up to the stereo, and install a little button on the dash that auto-dials the agent. Videochat is total overkill in almost every scenario; just build a hands-free "cellphone" into the car.

Basically OnStar.

But that doesn't have a camera which could be used to spy on you and gauge your facial reaction and vocal sentiment to algorithmically price your insurance / rental risk based on your frustration / road-rage score.

But they can't do that yet due to bandwidth constraints, so I'm sure there's nothing to worry about</s>

Car: "You just swore at another vehicle. Your insurance rate is now $400 per day. Do you wish to continue driving and have this charged to your account. Say 'yes' or 'later'."

Driver: "Later!"

Car: "You just stopped in traffic. Pickup from this position costs $2000. Leaving your car in this location will increase your insurance rate to $500 per day. Do you wish to continue driving or order a pickup. Say 'continue' or 'pickup'".

Driver: "Fuck you!"

Car: "You just swore at this vehicle. Your insurance rate is now $600 per day. Do you wish to continue driving and have this charged to your account. Say 'yes' or 'later'."

...

The article states that the video conferencing feature would only be available for use when the vehicle is stopped. In other words, any time you were able to use it you would also be legally allowed to use a cell phone.

I travel, a lot. And rent a lot of cars. More than once, by the time I get to my rental car my phone is near-dead and a charger isn't always handy.

Then you'd have the issue of pairing your phone with the car, which for some cars isn't always obvious.

People who don't travel a lot often have phone plans with crappy coverage in random areas.

In short, if you want to ensure a reliable way for someone to contact a customer support person from the rental car company, relying on the users cellphone and hands-free setup is NOT the optimal case.

So leave a Nokia brick phone in the glovebox and charge a $300 if the customer doesn't return it.

Putting a decent universal phone charger in every rental car seems cheap and useful enough.

Of course a lot of travelers don't even have a valid phone. Especially foreign tourists.

> but non-hands free use is illegal in most states.

Actually looks like only 15 out of 50 prohibit it.

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