Even the best factory infotainment system is a heavy piece of techno-vanilla designed to inflate a car’s sticker price and already bloated waistline. I look forward to the day we’ll replace it with something better. Sadly, the iPad isn’t it.
The concept of being able to swap in your own, custom computer system is the right one. Imagine buying the cheapest, most stripped-down version of a car and still having all the information and entertainment you need and want. The OEM version of customization is letting us choose what garish version of blue we want for the backlighting. A small portable device frees the user to create exactly what he or she wants.
Paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for a stock system is ridiculous when you can just plug in your 3G-equipped device and stream music, get route guidance, pull up information, use apps like Trapster, and talk to a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. And the best part for enthusiasts of a tablet-style system isn’t the connectability — it’s the disconnectability. If I want a tech-free drive, I can just leave my tablet in my bag — or take it from one car to the next. OEM systems are always there, always lurking, always taking up space.
I wanted the iPad to be the Jesus tablet, healing the sick control stacks and feeding the poor dashboards with information. It’s not. It fails in a number of fundamental ways as a replacement for the infotainment systems we have today.
1. It Can’t Multi-task The iPad has been compared to a big iPad touch, which means if I want to use GPS to lead me on my journey, listen to Slacker Radio through the 3G connection, and track my car’s diagnostics I have to stop, switch apps, and start over. That’s not gonna work for me.
2. It doesn’t make calls — probably As much as I’d like to believe no one makes phone calls in their cars, the reality is it happens all the time. Even I do it. Right now the iPad — as announced (there’s some question as to whether the SDK, which allows for app development for calling capability on 3G-equipped models, will allow that function on the iPad) — doesn’t accept calls so it’s on my own to develop a system to have the iPad work as a phone (one even worse — an iPhone) with the phone in my pocket. Even the most basic modern infotainment systems can handle a phone call.
3. No Voice Control — probably The most important factor with any in-car multi media interface is the ability to control the system without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. Systems like Ford’s SYNC and Audi’s MMI, using voice or steering wheel control, have managed to automate numerous commands. Using the iPad out-of-the-box as a solution is wildly dangerous (unless voice control present in the SDK is allowed when it reaches the iPad), even with the big screen, because it’s designed to be stared at and played with and not used autonomously.
4. Super Monkey Ball As much as I’d like to use it to layer custom maps and monitor my car’s performance it’s just as likely to be used by an inattentive teen sitting in their V6 Mustang about to ram into me because they’re playing Super Monkey Ball or reading a blog. Like the iPhone, it’s too good at things — like reading books — you should never do as a driver in a car.
All of this doesn’t mean the iPad has no place in the car. It makes a very plausible rear-seat entertainment system and one much cheaper than the $1,995 they charge for a headrest DVD player in a new Toyota Sienna. Imagine spending just $499 per device for your kids loaded up with enough episodes of Dora The Explorer to keep their mouths shut through all of Western Canada.
I was all ready when the iPad super debut geek techsplosion occurred to write about how this thing was going to end up in every car but I couldn’t. Will someone put an iPad in a car? Totally. It just sure as hell won’t be my car.
@fstrthnu: Ha! yeah I should know but my budget keeps me well away from the interior of an R8
Neener
any one remember the buick crt screen? as always the new is recycled old
vdubber69
I was thinking about buying an in dash DVD player for my car. The iPad would be WAAAY better for about the same price range as the receivers I was looking at. Now, all I need to do is find a way to mount it. Oh yea, and get one too.
justinpe
Thousands of Amazon commenters have already weighed in on this topic… [www.amazon.com] To summarize, they like it!
RäcinG73™
I too, wanted this to be the $600 ultimate in-car PC to replace the radio. However, since it doesn’t pick up FM, let alone HD Radio, can’t do navigation with streaming radio and no external storage to connect to all my music, it’s not going to happen.
HP Tablet, you’re next in line.
Wrathernaut
@KeyserSöze – Professional Blog Commenter: Like this one
McMike
The iPad is a douche, but I successfully used my iPhone to navigate around some stuck traffic on a recent trip. Saved myself hours by pulling up the maps app and letting the GPS get a fix on me so I could find a way out of the mess. All it needs is a good mount and a 3.5 input and voila, you can have music, phone, and navigation at will.
DonLuc
Screw Apple, screw multimedia computers in cars. Give me some speakers that work, a CD player hooked up to them, and windows that roll down and I’m good.
jedimario
@Roberto G.:
Churras
It makes a very plausible rear-seat entertainment system
What is this “rear seat” of which you speak?
wkiernan
I respectfully disagree. Even if you only use if for music and GPS, the iPad would work well (although it may be a little big). Excellent music software (obviously). You can choose among multiple GPS programs to use (including pulling up Google street view) if you get the 3G version. Odds are that there will have a really nice Pandora app for those long trips after you get bored with your 60+ GB of music. Movies and email for when you aren’t moving.
What is going to seal the deal is a locking mount (with dock connector) to lets you attach it to your dash semi-permanently…
JacquesAss
@Optixtruf:
duurtlang
@BigHarv: Just drive south. You’re out of it in three or four hours.
/I will NEVER drive east from here
Number_Six
@PowerTryp Reply Master: Yep, when you crest the off-camber hill somewhere around Chase and your kids yell “Again again!”, you know you’re doing it right.
- For those who may be getting in a snit, I don’t stunt or do irresponsible things with my kids in the car – ever.
wheatieboy
Touchscreens should not be in cars, ever. Ironically, they cannot be used via touch alone, like real buttons can.
Paul Y. can’t get in the club; gotta parking lot pimp
@Tom_Servo: Haha. good point
08GTImkV
@RamblinReck89: You know, a woman got killed on the I90 near Buffalo this week because of a trucker watching porn on his laptop (and driving on not nearly enough sleep to boot).
That sort of thing belongs in a parked Nitro.
Paul Y. can’t get in the club; gotta parking lot pimp
The only emotion I wish to convey is meh.
GreenN_Gold
Dear Jalopnik Overlords,
I don’t like that I have to click to see replies now. please fix that.
Fondly,
KeyserSöze
KeyserSöze – Professional Blog Commenter
@vitrium: The multitasking disable is a very understandable choice. Allow 3 apps to run, the thing slows down and then the news that the iPad is slower than an 8086 goes viral. Open the doors to any ol’ app, there’s a crash and suddenly ‘the iPad is buggy’ (Microsoft: “Happens to me all the time!”). They should throw us a bone and fix these things, but can’t fault them for not doing so.
cchannel BLT
As a quasi fanboy of Apple products (hey, I’m honest) I was hopeful as well. While I agree with most of this, I think it’s important to see that this is version 1.0 and there will be major improvements (as there has with the iPhone). For instance, the multi-tasking is a fundamental problem but it will likely be addressed in time. Same with calling and voice-control, via apps or upgrades. Monkeyball, however, remains a serious issue.
But that said, while the iPad isn’t right, a future iteration of the OS may be. In that regard, it may not be the actual tablet that’s plugged into the dash so much as a version of the technology — A large touchscreen operated OS which connects and integrates seamlessly with your iPod, phone or PC/Mac. If my car could automatically download my iTunes purchases and calendar updates or, conversely, inform my computer (and dealer) of detailed service needs and data, I’d be stoked.
Regardless, integration of all my media and information in a consistent interface is the goal for me. If not Apple, I hope someone does it.
Kuro
@08GTImkV: Yo dawg?
støke has the whole seat, but only needs THE EDGE!
@cchannel BLT: Very good point. Some company will try to come up with an “iPad slayer” but it will fail.
I’ve had my iPhone for three full years now and, because of apps and its interface, it still feels new and cutting edge. It still has no competition. And don’t throw the Droid at me as the answer. I was excited as shit when it came out hoping it could move me to Verizon. no joy.
IppoJ
Ipad still sounds like a feminine product. just saying
Optixtruf
Get your car away from my iPad.
Nurburgring
@t5brick: RIP Eddie Griffin. (Not the one of Ferrari infamy.)
GreenN_Gold
@wheatieboy: Oh the body roll and weight transfer… I can only imagine.
PowerTryp Reply Master
I would love the GT-R
s readout screen in my ’90 C124 too.
Webran61
The iPad has a built in mic and Voice Control is a standard feature in the iPhone OS. So yes, it will have voice control, at least to interface with native 1st party apps.
(you reach voice control by holding in “home” on the iphone and ipod touch).
weendex
@08GTImkV: The first or second??
Tom_Servo
@dculberson: I should have addressed Matt’s points. 1) it can play mp3s and navigate. You can’t stream but that’s not something any existing factory entertainment system can do, either. 2) probably? Well, the hardware supports bluetooth and it has a microphone it so it’s a software issue. We won’t know until much later whether Apple allows it, but using as a point against it now is premature. 3) Again, probably? Same exact counter-argument as 2. 4) Any in-car system beyond toggle switches has this exact same risk. It’s no more likely to come into play than texting. Which is to say, very likely, but that doesn’t mean the system is the problem – that’s 100% operator error.
dculberson
That picture gave me the idea of buying an ipad and putting it on my steering wheel so i can play a racing game while driving.
08GTImkV
I’m waiting for a rotary cellular phone, so I can connect my ’95 W124 to it.
Pulse-dialing…FTL.
Actually, all I want in an info system is monitor things like what the GT-R does. I want to know oil, trans, diff, engine temps, MPG, distance to empty, and things like this.
I could not care less if there is any DVD/CD functionality. That’s what Crutchfield is for.
The OEM interface for the 5.9 Cummins ISB allows this, so I can see boost pressure, intake manifold temp, accurate oil pressure, engine temp, fuel GPH, engine hours, and as many trip odometers as I want (like the one from second one of run-time), configured how I want (plus a lot more).
When in Canada, eh, I make a speed readout in KPH, issue solved.
I like knowing I’ve pumped 12K gallons of diesel through that engine. I got’cher carbon footprint right here.
Baby beater Benz
@layabout: iNsane
zeeboid
@PowerTryp Reply Master: I built my kids resistance to motion sickness by driving from Golden – Salmon Arm like I had a rally car; in an Olds Silhouette.
I figure I can use the truck to take away their fear of intense oversteer.
wheatieboy
iKnow! But seriously, Apple is a company that fundamentally understands on which side its bread is buttered. Its strategy is so obvious but its competitors never learn.
Here’s the formula: Build a chic appliance with an intuitive and responsive interface that even the most un-geek can understand. Voila! I borrowed a Dell netbook on trial. The thing took 5 minutes to boot up. What a joke.
cchannel BLT
@Ray Wert: You’re right, though, Ray. It depends on the apps and accessories that will be available for it, but it has the potential, using nothing beyond the hardware we know it has and a connection kit, to be the best car infotainment system ever. Whether or not that potential is realized is a question that will take a few years to truly answer.
dculberson
I’m still waiting for the day that aftermarket companies can use an ipod touch or iphone as an tunable standalone ECU. There are already wireless obd2 monitor systems for them, as well as keyless entry/security system but its just that much more piece of mind that some crook can’t steal a car without its power train control module.
But thanks to apple’s lockdown that won’t happen anytime soon. Maybe jailbreakers can take advantage?
btw, it was a design choice not to multitask. Theres a jailbreak option for it already.
vitrium
@Ray Wert: I have to side with Matt on this one. I’ve been playing with an Android device and the several car-related apps that are available for it. The potential for distraction is too high.
Alfisted
@BigHarv: Not to mention they’ll shut the hell up once you get onto the twisty tight roads of inner mainland B.C.
PowerTryp Reply Master
I’d much rather that simple solution that was posted here a little while back where the person was sick of getting their stereo stolen out of their pickup and rigged up an amp with 1/8″ input to the speakers. That really is all I want/need.
tintern
@BigHarv: Yep, eight hours to Regina, 12 hours to Vancouver. At least going west we get corners and mountains. Going east… at least you can see Regina coming (go ahead make the joke) from a long way off.
wheatieboy
@layabout: Ha. I was too late. I guessed it, based on the 8.5kRPM redline, clutchless manual, and shiny Al knob. Oh, the flatbottom steering wheel and DIS panel, too.
Turboner
@bearslayer: The wifi model does not have GPS, the 3g+wifi model has assisted GPS. Uses the 3g cell radio to assist startup performance – same sort of thing on the current iphone 3g/3gs, other smartphones. [en.wikipedia.org]
protomech
Now you’ve done it Hardigree. Be prepared for a wave of Apple Fanboy hate more venemous than anything you’ve ever seen in your days on Jalopnik. If you think you’ve got trolls here, take a look at the pink section in this article. Gizmodo Apple fanboys are going to try to overrun you like Zombies in a George A. Romero movie.
NorwoodIsMyHero
@RamblinReck89: Do you drive a Dodge Nitro?
t5brick
@bearslayer: As well as a hardware compass as opposed to a “lets triangulate your signal and guess your vector” compass.
dorkstar
My idea of in car entertainment would be front bumper and fender cameras, mounted with some sort of vibration damping material (aka, rubber) that record to a built in hard drive. Telemetry would be nice too.
nataku8_e30
@Alfisted: Not so much. It’s the product of arguments here between staff. Specifically me saying the iPad would be an awesome all-in-one tablet for dropping and swapping between vehicles and Matt telling me I was fucking wrong.
Guess who won the argument. Look who wrote the post.
Ray Wert
You don’t need that lame iPad, to get distracted… the multimedia car is already a reality…
Roberto G.
Attaching the iPad to my steering wheel like that would make watching porn and masturbating while stuck in traffic so much easier.
RamblinReck89
On the up side it has an accelerometer, so you can get the Dynolicious app, but its too much of a distraction. I like my iPod touch, its not so big that its distracting but it does (almost) everything i want it to do, Sync would be nice.
gearhead_318
@layabout: i+1
Scandinavian Flick
@Neener: WHY ARE YOU ON THIS WEBSITE
fstrthnu
I was driving my father-in-law’s 2009 Acura MDX the other day. Nice to drive, fairly sporty for a heavy SUV, corners great. But, I could have cheerfully, gleefully, elatedly ripped the satnav/infotainment unit out of the dash and fired it into oncoming traffic.
This was my first experience with new, intrusive whiz-bang technology in a vehicle (beyond having a cd player). I’ve got to say, if this crap is becoming standard – that is if I have to take it in order to get the faster, better-handling vehicle, I won’t be buying anything built after – what -2006(?) ever.
My latest vehicle is a newly-acquired 2003 Toyota Tundra Stepside (imported to Canada from the US). It’s fully loaded, which for its day means leather, 6 disc cd player and the power do-dads (seats, windows), cruise and air con. No satnav, no bluetooth, no built-in DVD for the back seat, no little fake electro-voices telling me the best way to go.
I love this truck.
edited to add: Yes I know I can turn the damn thing off.
wheatieboy
@gargravarr: You know how many people put Mac Minis in their car?
Matt Hardigree
And for the record, there’s so much Western Canada, your kids are going to telling you they’re too grown up for Dora by the time you’re done anyways.
Seriously, I live out here and the damn place NEVER ENDS…good thing it tends to be pretty.
BigHarv
fuhgetaboutit, You have to buy it to us it in a car. and with no flash support, removable battery, and no SD or micro sd slot we are being lead on like sheep. I’m sure they will eventually release the features we enjoy in later versions. In the background the irony continues as all the Apple “Nut Swingers” (Thanks John) continue to be enslaved to their particular brand. The same position they accused us PC guys and gals of for many years. Ha Ha Ha, Last Laugh.
M4XVLTG3 makes rotary love
@gargravarr: My guess – every Gawker site has to meet a quota for iPad posts.
Alfisted
@rickerbr: I’m irked someone else replied first. Nice job, though!
Leeeeena the Jalopchick
Why are you responding to an argument that no-one has yet made? In all the pre-launch hype, I saw no mention of putting the iPad in a car. Besides, no-one is forcing you to do anything. I just don’t get the point of your post, Matt.
gargravarr
@layabout: and the new V10 FSI monster.
Matt Hardigree
@layabout:
layabout
@bearslayer: IT does have GPS
Matt Hardigree
iBoring. ps no GPS right? so like, its totally useless.
bearslayer
@Matt Hardigree: Joke answer Trabant……real answer R8 (check the gear shifter)
layabout
Yeah the iPad has that Star Trek look about it. While I’m sitting in the captains chair I want a yohman in a tight skirt with pointy boobs to bring it to me.
QuadraBog
Airbags: Live short and fester.
Ash78, totally stoiched!
iDont care
layabout
@Neener: R8. But most likely the Dragon Edition, so it’s not really usable now that Ray’s been done with it.
Nurburgring
@Neener: Any guesses?
Matt Hardigree
iFlop
KeyserSöze – Professional Blog Commenter
@Neener: Given the notch on the wheel, my best guess is Audi. A Google image search confirms it’s the R8.
KTown Hoonboy
@Neener: R8
rickerbr
I know this guy, he parks like that every day.
videoCWK
That’s a nice looking interior…what car is it?
Neener