The Next “Mobile” Platform

The next mobile platform has been evolving for a number of years – too many years in fact.  This platform has incredible power, potentially limitless screen space, and in most cases already had speech control.  That platform is of course, your vehicle.

Like many, I have watched vehicle capabilities evolve from enhanced stereo controls (where you could – stand back – actually change the color of the display), to social media on wheels.  Many even mid-priced models offer voice-enabled audio controls, turn by turn navigation, and even the ability to read and respond to Twitter and Facebook.

However, it has taken an unbelievably long time to get to this point.  Capabilities that evolve on a true mobile device can go from concept to production in a matter of months in some cases.  And your car?  You’d be lucky to get something in 24 months.  And when it does become available, it will likely be a proprietary implementation with little if any upgradeability.  I know the answer as to why.  Trickle out the technology and sooner or later, it will offer just enough wow factor for you to pony up for a new set of wheels.

Of course the larger problem is that I already have my mobile device, which is actually taking on more and more functions for me (browsing, wallet, loyalty cards, home automation control, social, oh – and a phone).  I have my social media configured, my task management tools enabled, my messaging functions setup with the right filters and alerts, as well as my contacts.  Why do I have to configure the same thing again within my vehicle?

I can appreciate that, however, I think there is a better way.  I would like to see auto manufacturers actually create a platform by which your mobile device and its applications integrates into the car.  BMW has taken a good first step at this with BMW Connected.  Ford has some capabilities with the Sync option. The downside to both of these is that they are optional.  Ford even goes further by offering four different configurations of Sync.  I would think it would be far easier for auto manufacturers to create a platform for others to build on.  They could then focus on building auto-specific capabilities into the apps as complements (and differentiators).  Seems that has been done before on the mobile front…

Here’s to looking forward to that next new mobile platform – maybe with the 400hp feature but not hands free.