Apple CarPlay

[cartman]

Apple is finally going into the automobile space. They've partnered with manufacturers to have an iPhone-centric car stereo. I hope they also go the aftermarket route as well, so it isn't limited to new cars. I have a JVC-NSX1, which has app support, but when I upgraded to my 5S, most of the apps stopped working. Pioneer has the AppRadio, but is missing a few features that I like with the JVC unit.

Apple - CarPlay (http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/)

[DaddyTorgo]

As a consumer I'd hate this - by electing it as an option I'm effectively limiting myself to Apple's ecosystem of phones for as long as I own the car/until I want to pay to have a new stereo installed.

Makes sense for Apple, makes very little sense for a consumer.

[cartman]

As a consumer I'd hate this - by electing it as an option I'm effectively limiting myself to Apple's ecosystem of phones for as long as I own the car/until I want to pay to have a new stereo installed.

Makes sense for Apple, makes very little sense for a consumer.

Wouldn't someone who made the choice to select this option be aware of that? Not sure how that makes very little sense for a consumer, if they planned on sticking with iOS.

[DaddyTorgo]

Wouldn't someone who made the choice to select this option be aware of that? Not sure how that makes very little sense for a consumer, if they planned on sticking with iOS.

Because you typically buy a car for a longer time period (especially a new car). There's no telling - you could HATE the next version of iOS and decide to switch...boom...you're fucked.

For instance - i HATE iOS 7. Wish I'd never updated my iPad. Now I was going to replace my tablet/phone anyways, so the fact I'd have to go with iOS 7 means that I'm switching my tablet purchase from Apple to Android (which my phone already is).

If that happened with my phone and I had this stereo system - I'd just be screwed.

As a consumer I want FEWER things that limit my choices long-term, not more.

[cartman]

Because you typically buy a car for a longer time period (especially a new car). There's no telling - you could HATE the next version of iOS and decide to switch...boom...you're fucked.

For instance - i HATE iOS 7. Wish I'd never updated my iPad. Now I was going to replace my tablet/phone anyways, so the fact I'd have to go with iOS 7 means that I'm switching my tablet purchase from Apple to Android.

If that happened with my phone - I'd just be screwed.

As a consumer I want FEWER things that limit my choices, not more.

But, once again, you are aware of that when you make the purchase. You aren't forced to select that option. And if you do, you aren't forced to upgrade to the latest and greatest phones either. Just because it doesn't appeal to you doesn't mean that it isn't an attractive option for others.

[DaddyTorgo]

But, once again, you are aware of that when you make the purchase. You aren't forced to select that option. And if you do, you aren't forced to upgrade to the latest and greatest phones either.

Of course. I'm not arguing that it isn't attractive for SOME consumers. Just saying that I wouldn't look at this and go rushing to buy Apple stock expecting it to blast through the ceiling based on this announcement.

So like I said - no-brainer from Apple's perspective as a marketing tool given how much it probably cost to develop.

I'm sure some people who are wedded to Apple long-term will pick it up and love it, but if I'm "Joe the Plumber" from Abilene who isn't a hardcore Apple-fanboy I wouldn't even consider it (assuming I was smart enough to realize this).

In summary:
-Great move for Apple
-Moderately attractive for consumers, but don't see it being "the next iPod"

[cartman]

I wonder if there is any meat to the rumors that Apple was interested in acquiring Tesla. It would take a big chunk of their mountain of cash, and be way outside of their core business.

[Galaxy]

Hopefully this is an aftermarket option, not a standard feature.

[DaddyTorgo]

Hopefully this is an aftermarket option, not a standard feature.

Presumably.

[cartman]

No, you will be forced to use an iPhone to get the car to function at all. Just like you have to use a Microsoft phone with Ford's SYNC.

We'll know more after it is officially unveiled tomorrow at the Geneva Auto Show. But from what it sounds like, if you have this option in your car, once you connect your iPhone, then extra features are unlocked, like the apps displaying and voice control. Any other phone will do the normal bluetooth connectivity.

Google is also working on something similar for Android. http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/02/google-projected-mode-mercedes-benz-leak/

[Galaxy]

No, you will be forced to use an iPhone to get the car to function at all. Just like you have to use a Microsoft phone with Ford's SYNC.

We'll know more after it is officially unveiled tomorrow at the Geneva Auto Show. But from what it sounds like, if you have this option in your car, once you connect your iPhone, then extra features are unlocked, like the apps displaying and voice control. Any other phone will do the normal bluetooth connectivity.

Google is also working on something similar for Android. Google's 'Projected Mode' in-car system possibly leaked by Mercedes-Benz (http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/02/google-projected-mode-mercedes-benz-leak/)

Thanks, smartass. ;)

[Marc Vaughan]

Looks like a 7'' iPad running a slightly customised OS which will restrict some choices, not a bad idea and tbh I've been amazed that someone hasn't already written software to do this and marketted it to car manufacturers ... then again, perhaps they did and Apple quietly bought them.

[cartman]

Companies are starting to announce aftermarket head units that will support CarPlay.

Pioneer to upgrade 5 existing consoles for CarPlay, no new hardware required | Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/apple/2014/04/pioneer-to-upgrade-5-exisitng-consoles-for-carplay-no-new-hardware-required/)

[Desnudo]

No, you will be forced to use an iPhone to get the car to function at all. Just like you have to use a Microsoft phone with Ford's SYNC.

We'll know more after it is officially unveiled tomorrow at the Geneva Auto Show. But from what it sounds like, if you have this option in your car, once you connect your iPhone, then extra features are unlocked, like the apps displaying and voice control. Any other phone will do the normal bluetooth connectivity.

Google is also working on something similar for Android. Google's 'Projected Mode' in-car system possibly leaked by Mercedes-Benz (http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/02/google-projected-mode-mercedes-benz-leak/)

humorously the MS phone doesn't integrate with MS car. According to someone who works there.