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The Coming Wave of In-Dash Auto System Obsolescence

Posted by timothy on from the new-din-standard-called-for dept.

jfruh writes "Automakers are striving mightily to bring their in-dash systems into the modern age, providing integration with smartphones and other advanced features. The problem: while smartphones go in and out of vogue every few years, modern cars have lifespans of a decade or more. Add in the fact that many (though not all) manufacturers have no plans to allow software upgrades to their systems, and you might end up driving a car with a fancy in-dash computer system that's completely useless for much of the time you own it."

5 of 445 comments (clear)

  1. This is already the case with in-dash GPS. by ZorinLynx · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I already know at least two people who have in-dash navigation systems, yet use their smartphone or a standalone GPS because either the automaker stopped providing map updates, or wants to charge an exhorbitant amount of money for them (as in, SEVERAL TIMES that of a stand-alone GPS or even a smart phone!)

    Someone needs to come up with a docking module on the dash, to which you can dock a standard device that can be upgraded over the years. Kind of like the old "DIN" standard for car stereos, but more flat, intended for touch screen devices. Then when your in-dash system gets outdated you can upgrade it.

  2. Re:Like BMW's startac phone integration? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Lets see, I have a 2001 740 BWM (Bought in 2011). The phone was (apparently) an analog based and mostly useless now(don't know, when I got my car it did not include the phone). I have the cable as part of my armrest in the center.

    Now, if I'm willing to spend a few hundred dollars, I can get a bluetooth module that will hookup to my current phone and I can use the cars controls for the bluetooth phone.
    And, apparently on phones can display text messages on the dashboard display (1 line, 15 characters or so).

    So the car is upgradeable, but it ain't cheap.

  3. What the hell? by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    http://www.mirrorlink.com/

    This problem has been solved.

    --
    Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
  4. Re:Like BMW's startac phone integration? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I was thinking the same thing! I have a 2005 BMW; there's a button on the mirror which would let me make a call if i had one of those phones or, iirc, a bluetooth module which cost $800... I think all the manufacturers should do is agree on a standard for attaching mounts to the dash, provide bluetooth to the sound system, and have usb power outlets strategically placed. Of course that's not what's going to happen.

    We already have ISO 7736. Let's just say that it is treated as more of a series of polite suggestions than as anything actually worth implementing.

  5. I worked as a contractor for GM by MpVpRb · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ..and tried to tell them this

    Don't put electronics in dashboards, build interfaces and docking stations

    Concentrate on things like speakers, that must be designed to fit the space and don't change a lot

    Needless to say, I was ignored