iPhone car is 40 times expensive than phone but iPhone
integration is one of the big selling points on Volkswagen AG’s new iBeetle
launched at Shanghai Motor Show.
Apple Inc. and VW Motors have done a deal to pair their
iconic products: Volkswagen new iBeetle and iPhone. It is the car that is
hoping to get a publicity lift from smartphone. But before getting too carried away this is not the “car as
platform,” opening up of a car’s systems to allow independent developers to
build car apps. Rather, iBeetle integration with iPhone comprises merely an
iPhone 5 cradle built into dashboard. A fuel-economy calculator and route-comparison features
aside, iPhone’s functions in new car are still largely entertainment and social
adding to media features of car rather than radically rethinking vehicle.
In one option phone plays music via Spotify AB or iTunes, in
another it reads out messages from SMS or Facebook allowing for hands-free
driving. Social features let drivers send location and photos to contacts. Then
there is a Foursquare-like game feature called milestones that rewards users
with milestone stickers for traveling certain distances. More technical features of Beetle app that connects iPhone
to car will allow phone to display certain dashboard gauges-include a G-Meter
for engine, chronometer and compass. iBeetle and iBeetle Cabriolet will go on sale at beginning
of 2014. Car-as-platform is a much talked about move in industry. Though,
obvious safety concerns abound as well as questions of interoperability between
car makers. Until these are addressed, perhaps a docking station is as good as
it is going to get. Volkswagen iPhone car is certainly a best buy.
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