The Detroit automaker is moving their manual on to smartphones. Consumers can look up features of a car, which includes a video demonstration. Smartphones have become like another extension to a car. There is even an iPhone app being developed which will let you keep tabs on key performances of a car by just plugging it into the dashboard.It feels as if this keeps on going, there will be a decrease in sales for GPS but, keeping an eye on your cars state will become much easier. There won't be anymore confusing instructions since everything can be shown visually and the performance of your car will be managed much easier. Overall, this seems like a good design for consumers, but it will hurt the sales of devices that did only specific jobs which the Smartphone will cover.
5 comments:
Wow, this is pretty crazy. There are continually new technological advances. It's really cool to me but also kind of scary. I feel that this new feature of the smartphone will greatly help people, but it can also hurt them. People can get too distracted by the smartphone's new features while they're driving, which might lead to an accident. I guess time will tell us if this is really beneficial or not.
After reading this, I feel like the technological world is becoming more and more combined. Meaning inventors are trying to downsize the number of gadgets and technologies on the market. While this does seem like a good idea, it will make it harder for people "unplug" for a while since everything we need will be at our fingertips. People will always be looking at their phones and never have a moment of peace. I guess this goes to show that we have become so technologically advanced in the last decade or so.
Here is the link for this article in case anyone was interested in reading further about it:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-11-08-carapps08_ST_N.htm
I think this only further supports the fact that technology is becoming more and more advanced (though I'm sure that this is common knowledge), and it's a bit scary to think so. I'm technologically challenged myself and refrain from using anything too complicated, but I do think that this will be convenient for those who are more "tech savvy." It seems like Chrysler and Audi are the main two car companies that are going to be featuring this new use of the smart phone, and by all means, they should. Car manuals are difficult to read through, so looking up information in your phone may be quicker and more effective in understanding your car. I am a little nervous to see how smart phones will be in the next ten years or so, in that it feels like everything we are going to be doing will just be focused on doing it through our phones. But I guess we will just have to wait and see! For the meantime, I'm interested in hearing about reviews for this new application.
@Eunice: I disagree that smartphones can lead to more distraction and thus more accidents. If smartphones can be connected to cars, people do not have to fuss around with phones to make a phone call. They can possibly just speak while driving to engage in a phone conversation. Voice-recognition software can aid texting or any typing required. Controls on the steering wheel or in any other convenient location can make operating the phone much more easier and safer. Technology can be scary sometimes, but I see a huge opportunity of progress with what automakers are trying to do with smartphones.
The idea of smartphones in a car isn't all a bad idea. If you think about it, it's something that is a hands free device which is safe, it has a built in GPS system, and it makes any car look more technologically advanced! All in all, this is a big step for automakers and it's one that will lead them to success.
Post a Comment