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dashboard functionality imprisoned in an ancient (and possibly poor-performing) UI that cannot be upgraded. Doesn't that pretty much describe a cassette deck?

dashboard functionality imprisoned in an ancient (and possibly poor-performing) UI that cannot be upgraded. Doesn't that pretty much describe a cassette deck? :) It's easy to fall into the version-chaser trap with easily upgradable digital systems. But I've come to realize, when it comes to digital appliances, do they really need to be upgraded? I don't think so. My Toyota has a basic touchscreen UI that will probably never receive a software update, but you know what? That's fine. The CD player works, the radio works, the bluetooth works, and it will all continue to work. It really isn't all that different from the cassette decks of my past cars.

MrZongle2 12y ago
Doesn't that pretty much describe a cassette deck? :) LOL, yes, if the manufacturer components aren't intended to be upgradeable via software. A virtual speedometer or gas-gauge, for instance, should be simple enough to never need a patch. Navigation and entertainment systems, on the other hand, can be a lot more complex. Not only does mapping software need to be upgraded, but I think there can be some temptation on the part of content publishers to endlessly tweak potential revenue channels (the continuously increasing number of apps on my AppleTV comes to mind). What happens when one of these updates results in degraded performance? Again with an Apple comparison: I think about my iPhone 4S' performance after iOS7 rolled out. A vehicle's performance degrades as it gets more mileage, but it can be offset by care and maintenance. What happens when a manufacturer (or their subcontractor) pushes an update that turns your 2-year-old responsive console system into a sluggish mess? Would you have purchased the car if it had performed like that?
- sliverstorm 12y ago
  Which is why it doesn't need to be upgraded at all! All you need is map database updates- that road closed, this new road was put in, end of story. My Garmin works like that, and I've seen first-hand with it that map databases tend to stay current "enough" for years. Through that lens, you could view the fact that pre-WiFi, pre-cellular dash systems can only be upgraded by invasive action at the dealer as a blessing...

MrZongle2 12y ago

Doesn't that pretty much describe a cassette deck? :) LOL, yes, if the manufacturer components aren't intended to be upgradeable via software. A virtual speedometer or gas-gauge, for instance, should be simple enough to never need a patch. Navigation and entertainment systems, on the other hand, can be a lot more complex. Not only does mapping software need to be upgraded, but I think there can be some temptation on the part of content publishers to endlessly tweak potential revenue channels (the continuously increasing number of apps on my AppleTV comes to mind). What happens when one of these updates results in degraded performance? Again with an Apple comparison: I think about my iPhone 4S' performance after iOS7 rolled out. A vehicle's performance degrades as it gets more mileage, but it can be offset by care and maintenance. What happens when a manufacturer (or their subcontractor) pushes an update that turns your 2-year-old responsive console system into a sluggish mess? Would you have purchased the car if it had performed like that?

sliverstorm 12y ago
Which is why it doesn't need to be upgraded at all! All you need is map database updates- that road closed, this new road was put in, end of story. My Garmin works like that, and I've seen first-hand with it that map databases tend to stay current "enough" for years. Through that lens, you could view the fact that pre-WiFi, pre-cellular dash systems can only be upgraded by invasive action at the dealer as a blessing...