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BMW software?
As car makers are not software makers and the new cars have computer like interfaces built into them that are becoming more and more integral to the driver experience/ergonomics, I think that it is about time the carmakers call on real software outfits to do their interfaces and systems integration.
With the iPhone interface and the promising functionality of OSX 10.5 (server and mobile side), I suggest BMW should leave other car makers in the dust and hire Apple to do their software (iDrive) development and integration. They are charging 3000$ a pop for the iDrive add on which fully justifies paying Apple 200 a pop to put in the operating system for them!!...
what do y'all think?
| | Reply » BMW software? |
BMW can ask Apple for some input but designing an in-car device is something that Apple has no background in. Sounds good conceptually but totally different science behind the design.
| | Reply » BMW software? |
the way I see it, about 80% of the iDrive functionality is a menu driven feature interface that has nothing to do with the actual technical aspects of a car. Navigation: Apple can do much better. Radio/CD etc. : Apple can do much better,
in Essence, Apple is a software house with vast experience in the field. I have a feeling that since the conception, BMW had good ideas in mind but because they were not and are not a software house, they got tangled in the whole area. If they offer a royalty (200/pop) to Apple and have them design/inplement based on BMW specs, they would be much better off. if they do it for a simple MOST adaptor with Alpine, their iDrive will benefit greatly from engaging Apple. If what happened with the iPod happens to the iDrive, many who don't buy Bimmers will get on board... maybe that's not such a good idea after all!!@!!!!
| | Reply » BMW software? |
Apple fanboys strike again..you realize that Apple did not even design the software for the iPod right..?
| | Reply » BMW software? |
Quote: the way I see it, about 80% of the iDrive functionality is a menu driven feature interface that has nothing to do with the actual technical aspects of a car. Navigation: Apple can do much better. Radio/CD etc. : Apple can do much better,
in Essence, Apple is a software house with vast experience in the field. I have a feeling that since the conception, BMW had good ideas in mind but because they were not and are not a software house, they got tangled in the whole area. If they offer a royalty (200/pop) to Apple and have them design/inplement based on BMW specs, they would be much better off. if they do it for a simple MOST adaptor with Alpine, their iDrive will benefit greatly from engaging Apple. If what happened with the iPod happens to the iDrive, many who don't buy Bimmers will get on board... maybe that's not such a good idea after all!!@!!!! | why do osx when linux or freebsd is free 
| | Reply » BMW software? |
Apple's brilliance is the seamless integration of hardware and software, i.e. ease of use. In a recent thread there was discussion about BMW quality that I'm reminded of in this one. I posited that the Japanese are great at electronics and the German brands have better driving characteristics but lack Japanese perfection seeking reliability. Apple has spent decades figuring out how today's consumer wants style and functionality with ease of use. Dispite what many say about Idrive, gee I wonder where that name came from, and how easy it is to use after you get used to it many/most drivers don't find it so. Whether it be Apple or some other outsourcer BMW's focus should be to make these cars irresistable. When BMW's have style, functionality, reliability, driving dynamics and ease of use they will no longer be an aquired taste, everyone will want one. I'm afraid BMW will need to admit that computer interface is an internal shortcoming some time in the future for them to go there.
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BMW software?