Software Wars Have Reached Cars

Giancarlo Perlas March 5, 2014

The connectivity of vehicles with mobile devices and the Internet are crucial to their survival in the market. This statement came from Daimler boss Dr. Dieter Zetsche during his interview with Reuters after Mercedes revealed that Apple’s new iOS for car system called the “CarPlay” will be integrated with its upcoming vehicles.

Daimler also confirmed that they will be offering compatibility to devices running the Android platform-based on the source. This is definitely an indication that the speculations about its Projected Mode project with Google are real.

Going back to the report, Dr.Zetsche set as an example the iPod to illustrate his point. He explained that the device was not just a game changer based on design or technology. The Daimler CEO pointed out that it was about the gadget’s capability to conveniently connect to iTunes. He added “customers are buying the total package.”

The Software Wars Between Apple and Google are Reaching New Heights

Looking at the new trend, it seems that the two software giants, namely Apple and Google, are now taking the competition to new heights. The software wars are no longer just contained within the smartphone or tablet industry; it has already reached vehicles.

This would possibly trigger a change in the way that we perceive cars in the near future, because cars nowadays are no longer just assessed based on engine performance, handling, stability, style and convenience. Instead, they are now assessed by consumers with their technological advantages in terms of safety, navigation and entertainment features–thanks to the new trends introduced by software makers into the car industry.

Too Much in the Infotainment System Can Become a Distraction

Some pundits or traditionalists heavily criticize the way that car manufacturers are putting up so many leisure or communication features in their cars. According to them, many of these things can potentially cause accidents due the distraction that they provide to drivers.

An article in Mashable stated that a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and National Safety Council determined that calling hands-free, or using voice-activated texting or email pose moderate to high risks to drivers. The research only gave a rating of “mild” in the danger that listening to a radio or audiobook could result to.

The studies went on to claim that maintaining the direction of the driver’s eyes on the road does not necessarily mean that he or she is focused. It further said that the mentioned activities would give drivers slower reaction time than if they were legally drunk.

So, seriously, do we need all of these in our cars? Let us know your thoughts about this matter. Feel free to share them to us through our comment box below.

Tagged with: Android, apple, Apple and Google, CarPlay, daimler, daimler ceo, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Google, iOS for car, iPod, mercedes, Projected Mode, smartphone, tablet

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