4 ms·
This story is a little bit underreported. Not because this is a Model 3 competitor. But because it is launching with a native Android Infotainment. This is the
by dmode 8y ago
This story is a little bit underreported. Not because this is a Model 3 competitor. But because it is launching with a native Android Infotainment. This is the iPhone moment of the car industry kick-started by Tesla. With electric drivetrain and battery making car manufacturing is almost a commodity. Cars now have to rely on advanced infotainment to differentiate themselves. Tesla didn't outsell BMW 3 series just because it has an electric car. It is outselling 3 series because it has a 21st century entertainment and control system. Something that can be continuously updated an improved. If this trend persists, Google and Apple will likely be the biggest players in the car industry.
- drewg123 8y agoI wonder how much differentiation there will be between different auto brands who adopt the native Android Infotainment. There is very little differentiation on newer Android platforms, like Android TV (eg, between Nvidia Shield, Nexus player, and Xiaomi Mi Box). I think Google prefers to minimize vendor customization after allowing way too much leeway for phone handsets. But if this is true, then the same infotainment interface will be available on $20k economy cars and $100k luxury cars, and manufacturers will hate this. I wonder if that's why the uptick is slow.
- marssaxman 8y agoIf only there were some way to opt out. I don't want a goddamn tablet on the dashboard, I just want a car that works. If it's android-based, it's going to be utterly Google-dependent, calling home all the time, it'll constantly try to change itself around according to the whims of Google's designers, and half of its features will stop working after five years. Please no: do not want.
- dogsgobork 8y agoIf it's treated like other Android hardware, software support will end before the drivetrain warranty is up.