This is NOT another article about the weaknesses of the AT&T network, but an open-letter to Apple and electronics manufacturers everywhere. When will the iPhone work in the place I really need it… the car? Sure, you can use the iPhone in your car, but when can I begin to use it as THE device in the car?
The iPhone and iPad seem to be everywhere. Try going out or turning on the TV without seeing a commercial, hearing a reference or actually seeing someone using one of these great devices. While the iPad is still very new and only 1,000,000 have been sold (there is a little sarcasm there), the iPhone has had years to make the rounds and find it’s way into the hands of over 50 million users (taken from TechCrunchies). The numbers are staggering, but the reasons are not. Apple has produced numerous solid products (multiple iPhones, iPod Touch, iPad) and made them easy enough for just about anyone to use. Add in the amazing list of applications available from the App Store and you have a product line that will be around for many years to come.
Now, I ask the question “What is everyone doing on their iPhone or iPad?” Seems like a simple question, right? Although I couldn’t find hard numbers on the subject, a few articles and polls supplied these common activities:
- Phone Calls
- Texting
- Listening to Music
- GPS/Navigation
- Checking and posting to Facebook
- Reading books
With the exception of using Facebook and reading books, I can assure you that all of these activities are currently performed by drivers around you and maybe even you. Yes, people are texting while they drive! Yes, people are checking and answering emails while they drive! Yes, it is dangerous….. but what if it didn’t have to be? What if the iPhone became the CPU of the car?
As the driver of a vehicle, you get in, adjust your mirrors and head out. You fiddle with the radio, answer calls, think about emails you need to send/answer and consult your phone (or GPS Unit) when you need directions. All of this currently happens with your hands or maybe even a docking station of some sort. For those who have really spent some time and money, your iPhone might be hooked to your car stereo, so you can make calls via Bluetooth and listen to music. The problem is that all of these activities have limitations and so far, no one has come forward with a product that allows you to do these things without putting your life, and the lives of others, at risk.
Here is What We Need
In a perfect world, I would get in my car and simply dock my iPhone in the stereo. The stereo would still perform it’s basic function as an AM/FM tuner, but my iPhone would do the real work. My screen is now visible and fully functional, allowing me to touch the screen if needed. Since it is docked, it is charging and communicating with the rest of the car’s speakers, antenna, etc.
Now, all of my normal activities can take place through this one device and, with the help of various apps, my activities can be completed safely:
Phone Calls – using Voice Control (available on iPhones since the 3GS), I don’t have to use my hands for input. I can simply speak to make phone calls- Texting – the app Dragon Dictation can turn my words into texts
- Listening to Music – Voice Control also allows me to select music by artist, turn shuffle on or off and even ask what is playing right now.
- Email – an app like TalkMail Pro can read my emails to me and Dragon Dictation can write responses or new emails for me.
- GPS/Navigation – Nothing changes here. I can still get directions and turn by turn instructions.
While Facebook and reading books may not be the best of ideas while in my new iPhone powered environment, I could still listen to a book-on-tape (does that terminology still work here?) if I wanted. I might just have to wait before catching up with my friends latest “likes” and Mafia Wars updates.
The Real Question
Why hasn’t this already been done???? Every car stereo manufacturer in the market is trying to develop head units that work with the iPhone, iPod or iPod Touch, but none of them have gotten it right. The big car companies are trying to make their own head units that have navigation and voice commands, but they each have their own idea of what “we want.” To make things worse, all of the current options are VERY expensive. Your minimum entry point is $500 and most are in the $1000 range. That’s before installation charges, harnesses, wiring adapters and opening up the dash of your car.
The tools (apps) are there. The hardware (iPhone) is there. Data (3G connectivity) is there. As a smart phone owner, you already pay $30 a month for a data plan and get service all over town. These additional head units or integrated options from care dealers are going to require an additional cost per month for connectivity. Using either of these will also mean a new learning curve. Why do that when we already have a pretty good idea of how to operate our iPhone?
The benefits are so numerous and the savings so great that this just makes sense. Factor in the safety concerns and you have a guaranteed winner. Apple, if this were out today I would own one. iHome, I’m looking at you next. Just contact me when you need a consultant.
Tags: Apple, car, dock, email, iPhone, iPod, navigation, safety, stereo, text
Pingback: The iPhone Should be the Car Stereo of NOW! « JumpstartMyPC – Getting the most out of your PC | LockerGnome.net Lifestream
Pingback: The iPhone Should be the Car Stereo of NOW! « JumpstartMyPC … | Car Audio Pro