[invisiblewave]

Yes but we all have and use our phones so having the same interface on our cars keeps things familiar? KISS😀

This is the exact opposite of keeping things simple.

 

[invisiblewave]

How long before you start to see ads whilst driving?

It's a fair point, but this isn't about ads, it's about controlling the self-driving car market, which means it's only applicable to brands which have switched to an electric steering rack anyway.

 

[invisiblewave]

Ah ok, it makes perfect sense in that scenario, so excuse the rant

I completely agree with your rant. There's zero advantage to drivers to having either system so deeply integrated into the car's systems. All the advantages lie with the manufacturer and the tech supplier. It's a simple task to make the interface user-friendly without being so deeply embedded with the rest of the vehicle.

 

[invisiblewave]

😄
View attachment 229367

This makes a lot of sense. Ferrari owners are much more likely to need Apple CarPlay. 😂 It was probably easier for them, too, because of the technology transfer from Fiat and Chrysler.

 

[invisiblewave]

That is a concern to be sure @gsxrian there's already precedent to that with BMW charging a subscription for heated seats which is disgusting, its hardware built in and there is no excuse to charge for access to something that already exists.

There's a right and a wrong way to provide features as a service and the example above is absolutely the wrong way. The right way is for items which add value and have a clear cost to provide. If I saw a manufacture trying to charge me to unlock a hardware feature the car already had simply wouldn't buy from them on principle as that's a slippery slope to you not owning the item you paid for and have in your possession.

I'm not sure what the big deal is here. It's really no different than leasing a car, for example, or renting any other sort of equipment. It's probably more cost-effective for the manufacturer to make all cars the same, then add options using software switches at the time of purchase, maybe give the buyer the choice of buying the option outright, or renting it to spread the cost.

 

[invisiblewave]

I can definitely understand that perspective, the option to buy outright or spread the cost definitely has it's merits for some. I must admit I didn't spot the Unlimited option when I last looked, possibly it's changed based on customer feedback.

I do however wonder if it's a way to try and make more money from customers in what could be seen as underhand way. I would also wonder if these types of services include extra warrantee. For example the heated seats if a customer is paying for that option monthly and they fail but is out of standard warrantee does the subscription extend that component so you still get a free repair?

I have no idea what the specifics of the BMW deal are, or the warrantY situation, I'm just speculating on how this relatively new arrangement might develop.