The World of Consumer Electronics

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Chainfire98

This commentary reeks of bias. I love the subtle love directed towards apple and the barbs/insult slung at Microsoft. The iphone is nothing special. There were cell phones on the market prior to it that had mp3 playback and pda functionality and several devices that are superior to it.

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=iphone

but anyways, i was off topic. I did not realize the success that Microsoft's sync was garnering for Ford. Wish GM had it!

Actually, I was pretty complimentary to Ford-Microsoft taking the opportunity of being first-movers in this new segment. They are the first ones to really integrate the disparate technologies, brand it, and then sell it for an affordable price. And it's boosting Ford sales, and gaining incremental dollars per vehicle sold.

What we know of Apple's automobile industry involvement is primarily based on rumor, that they aided in the center console design for Jaguar XF, and that they worked with automakers on iPod integration. That's it. It is still just one leg of the solution. Once can even call it a precursor of what's to come in future vehicles.

I believe the automotive industry will be significantly influenced by consumer electronics in the near future. Ford's already seeing automotive buying decisions being made around Sync. No doubt other companies will attempt to mimic Ford's success in some way -- with better integration, more features, etc. And as Ford only has an 18 month exclusive with Sync, no telling who else Microsoft has lined up.

Originally Posted by Butz

The thing is, what about the people who want a car and not a consumer electronics on wheels. You know software, they've got bugs and they crash. I wont want software that has a chance of getting infected with a virus in my car.

Then uncheck that option on the options list.

[F14CRAZY]

Since when did you become a staff member?

[stevecmh]

Originally Posted by megeebee

....and one of your nicest.

Diggin' the new avatar, too.

also like the avatar.. going to be a great movie


also i hope GM can come with some sort of Sync system.. i like it

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

Since when did you become a staff member?

2-3 years ago, I guess.

[F14CRAZY]

Oh, well, my bad

[AndrewGS]

I like how GM has "historically been well behind the technology curve". Maybe they've never seen GM's tech cars of the '80s, heard about the EV1 or understand what a significant step OnStar was and still is. GM even puts remote start in their $15,000 cars while most luxury automakers don't even offer it. Night Vision and LED tail lamps on the 2000 DeVille, HUD on the 1988 Cutlass Supreme, CRT Touch Screen in the 1986 Riviera, etc., etc.

Just because GM doesn't offer Bluetooth right now or navigation on it's lower-priced models doesn't mean they're low tech.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

GM is in a unique situation here. They have historically been well behind the technology curve. But the CTS shows what is possible, but that system needs to be taken across all lines and all models. But it needs branding – something to catch the consumers eyes and ears, something that isn’t just buried in an options package (Premium Luxury level II). One idea is to build on the brand recognition of OnStar and turn that into a true Infotainment system. GM has quite a bit of potential in developing a similar sort of system. Another route for GM is to work with a major company that is currently developing or will be developing an infotainment system – Apple or Bose or Delphi.

With all this talk about convergence between consumer electronics and the automobile, it is easy to forget the one negative that comes with consumer electronics – planned obsolescence.
What do you do when your Sync system v1.0 is now at v2.0? Most people would either dump the old electronic part and get a new one. Or put it up on eBay or Craigslist. But this is in your car! Software upgrades would alleviate most of that problem. But what if a technology change is needed? Like OnStar switch to digital? It becomes a burden on the customer to do the upgrade.

I would really like to see On Star get upgraded and offer more functionality, similar to the IPhone concept and other ideas. I don't think this plan obsolescence is such a big deal since most people keep their vehicles for 3-5 years now a days. Software upgrades would keep the technology useful for most of the life of the car. It would be really cool if you could download the updates through On Star.

Originally Posted by bfred

I just want to go on record saying that I will _NEVER_ buy a car with Microsoft's Synch installed. I'll abandon GM if they ever force it upon me.

That is a ignorant statement, that would be like saying Domestic vehicles are inferior to their imported counterparts. I owned several Microsoft products and for the most part they work fine. That includes a 2 year old Xbox 360 that never broke.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

I would really like to see On Star get upgraded and offer more functionality, similar to the IPhone concept and other ideas. I don't think this plan obsolescence is such a big deal since most people keep their vehicles for 3-5 years now a days. Software upgrades would keep the technology useful for most of the life of the car. It would be really cool if you could download the updates through On Star.

The problem with OnStar, is that there is a recurring fee. Say GM's system is $500 on the options list. Then it's another $200 annually for the life of the car. Or more for more robust services.

They can certainly expand OnStar's offerings. Like using Turn-by-Turn on a true navigation screen.

But the point is GM needs to start generating buzz around a "consumer electronics-like" device that is in all GM cars -- much the same way Sync is working for Ford. It means GM swallowing its pride a bit with OnStar. It means hefty marketing, hefty branding and heft positioning.

GM can't just say, "well we have that too, just check off "Media Infotainment package Level 2" on your car's options list." Well, who cares? There's no aura of coolness or the "it factor" for consumers. That's what works in the world of consumer electronics.

GM just needs to take that extra step to get there, and they need to ensure all of its cars get this media device, so it helps boost sales, and consumers start recognizing it as a "must have device" for their cars.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

The problem with OnStar, is that there is a recurring fee. Say GM's system is $500 on the options list. Then it's another $200 annually for the life of the car. Or more for more robust services.

They can certainly expand OnStar's offerings. Like using Turn-by-Turn on a true navigation screen.

But the point is GM needs to start generating buzz around a "consumer electronics-like" device that is in all GM cars -- much the same way Sync is working for Ford. It means GM swallowing its pride a bit with OnStar. It means hefty marketing, hefty branding and heft positioning.

GM can't just say, "well we have that too, just check off "Media Infotainment package Level 2" on your car's options list." Well, who cares? There's no aura of coolness or the "it factor" for consumers. That's what works in the world of consumer electronics.

GM just needs to take that extra step to get there, and they need to ensure all of its cars get this media device, so it helps boost sales, and consumers start recognizing it as a "must have device" for their cars.

On Star charges customers a recurring fee right now because they offer their customers a service, they have an operator at the other end to give you directions, send you help, etc.

If On Star offered Infotainment features I don't see how they can charge you for it. Say for example if On Star in the future offers you Bluetooth built in, and a MP3 interface that would have to be free once the car is purchased while On Star's telemetric service is all you pay for. Telemetric service might include something similar to the IPhone concept if it works through On Star cellular system, so you could be charged.

I would consider paying for turn by turn directions if the On Star system offered a screen to show you the map but as it is I rather bite the bullet when I purchase my vehicle and spring for the traditional in dash navigation system.

Like you said its important GM touts this feature and offers it as optional equipment in most if not all cars. This could grow to become a very useful and desirable feature but if it’s a small footnote on an option list it will be waste of time and money. That why it should be integrated with On Star, not only for the added functionality but since many people know about On Star. On top of that it will quite the people who say GM is behind the times.

[Ytriox]

I thought it was interesting that Ford is pushing Microsoft Sync and they also just announced that they would be switching over to Sony branded audio systems, what with Sony and Microsoft being arch enemies these days in the home entertainment market. Corporate culture makes for strange bedfellows.

[breaker104]

Originally Posted by bfred

I just want to go on record saying that I will _NEVER_ buy a car with Microsoft's Synch installed. I'll abandon GM if they ever force it upon me.

I would abandon GM if they go for Apple crap... they should use linux... much cheaper!

[mdavis2]

It is truly pathetic that manufacturers must load cars with quickly-obsolete electronic gadgets in order to sell them. Look at any car ad today and you'll seldom see any mention of the main fuctionality of the vehicle, its specs, its performance ... unless of course it is targeted as a performance vehicle, and there are few ads for those because they hurt the CAFE numbers when we buy 'em. No mention of any such from Ford, just a demo of the Sync toy on TV. We don't enjoy a car for its essence anymore, and the run of the mill offerings have become so generically boring that it must be necessary to add pseudo-bling to sell them.
I'm with "Bone" on this one. My current ride is an '05 GTO -- a car that was denounced for its mediocre styling -- a car that lost a front page Jan 05 Car & Driver competition with the Mustang GT despite it's waxing the GT on every spec but trunk space and the "gotta have it" fudge category. The car is nothing but fun, nothing but performance, nothing but quality. I've hopped it up with a GPS and a radar detector (which I seldom use), but I don't need those. I'm often mistaken for a GrandAm, which is just how I like it. As a kid, I took the emblems off of my Plymouth GTX, installed a Belvedere grille, removed the exhaust pipe extention tips and had a true sleeper. I buy cars for transportation, safety, performance and handling, not to show off to neighbors at stoplights or impress girls anymore. I put my money into the car, not the toys that will die and remain forever unrepaired in my dash after the warranty is out.

[ponchoman49]

All this wonderful complicated technology stuffed into cars is great until it breaks or doesn't do exactly what it is supposed to do. I hope manufacturers keep enough sence to only offer this stuff as options and not force it down our throats. That goes for GM too. There is no reason Onstar and XM radio should be standard equipment on any Chevy or Pontiac but cruise control is an option or there is no glovebox light or overhead assist grips or protective bodyside moldings or red paint is a $295.00 extra cost item. Car companies have been doing too much substitution of electronic frills for everyday common items that should be included on todays cars. If I want XM or Bluetooth I will check that option off or find a car that is ordered that way. Cars should not be rolling electronics on wheels save for some of the real high end luxury models perhaps.

[PAULSTS1]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

BTW.... This is post #20,000!!!!

Mgescuro:

Congrats on your 20K! I enjoyed your commentary on the 2008 CES.

My favorite electronic feature was lost in the 1970's the recordable auto cassette. The one I am familiar with was manufactured by Blaupunkt and was featured in VW. It was a handy item, which I had expected would be re-released in MP3 and re-offered today? What made the aforementioned so convenient was that with the touch of a red button, the recording would commence--simplicity and very little distraction from driving.

As a big fan of talk radio, I would love the ability to archive some of that chat to be revisited at other "opportune times." Also when out driving I occasionally hear those Oldies, that I can no longer find...I would love to obtain a copy (without computer downloading), strictly for personal consumption.

[FStephenMasek]

Originally Posted by bfred

I just want to go on record saying that I will _NEVER_ buy a car with Microsoft's Synch installed. I'll abandon GM if they ever force it upon me.

Why? You can remove the factory radio and install whatever you want.