The car has always been a sanctuary, and in the pandemic that is only more true. Anxious as we all are about exposure to the virus, the cabin of a car represents a private reprieve from the outside world.
It’s the kind of move that makes sense in terms of what companies love to call corporate synergy. However, the movement of tech into the car cabin is also happening for a much more simple reason: big auto itself is really quite bad at tech. Consider that Ford signed a deal with Google to integrate its maps and voice assistant into their cars starting in 2023. Google also now forms the backbone for Volvo’s newest models where not only is navigation is handled by Google Maps, but in-car functions like climate, drive modes, and charging information is too.
That is in some ways an appealing prospect. In the face of poor design decisions and user interfaces, the idea of an Apple-made, “it just works” experience in a car is far more enticing than the mess of most modern auto infotainment systems.
navalang Wait till it asks you for a blood sample before it'll start the engine.
navalang And there will be a backlash where people will demand cars that are cars, not cellphones you can drive.
navalang I have Android Auto in my new car and honestly don't see the point of it.
navalang people are data, data is money