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While I do see some interesting uses for this type of system in a car, I like some things to NOT be controlled via a centralized interface.

When it's hot in the car, I like to twist a dedicated knob into the blue. When I want to change the radio station, I like to hit a button that I know will change the station and only change the station, anytime I press it, without any modifiers or menu selections or anything else.

Like all other advancements, I think this type of interface is going to trickle down to the Hyundais and Kias (which are on the move up-market just like Honda and Toyota once were) and all the other entry-level vehicles.

I guess my comments are more about the trend in auto interfaces generally, not unnecessarily this system which seems to focus on gear selection (is that really an interface in need of refinement in an automatic vehicle??)


I think there may come a time when it's actually cheaper for a car company to just plop a single interface computer screen to control a car's functions, on an otherwise barren (and easier to manufacture and assemble) instrument panel.

At that point, I think the high-end carmakers are going to return with a sense of nostalgia to the instrument panels of old, with the luxury and refinement of dedicated buttons and switches that each carry out their own individual tasks!

I guess these comments are more applicable to the general trend of car interfaces lately, not necessarily this particular system for gear selection (is that an interface really in need of refinement in an automatic vehicle??)
 
Automobiles and robots are the next place for OSX. Microsoft already has the lead in both sectors.

Unfortunately iRobot and iCar are both already taken. :(
 
Callum's new XF - It's not your Granddad's Jag

I was actually just reading about this in my latest copy ofCar and Driver.

I don't know, I like what Callum has done with his new Jags. The XK (and XKR) are really nice looking cars. The new XF looks to be a winner too - it's much more advanced than the other Jaguars that we've seen lately. And it certainly is different from the other cars in the automakers stable.

Ian Callum seems to have a knack for taking dying British car companies and putting some life back in them. Look at what he did with Aston Martin.

The XF is set to replace the S-Type in 2009.
 

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Step inside and the starter button starts to pulsate like a heartbeat. Press it and the car comes to life. The air vents rise up and the JaguarDrive Selector pops up. We took so much comment on the old J-gate change and felt it was time for a change. The dial takes up less space, too. We have been working with Apple on control interfaces.

Something seems odd about this whole paragraph (which stands alone in the interview in this way). The English seems incorrect and imprecise. For instance "We took so much comment on ..." doesn't sound right. Maybe it's just a British-ism.

In any case, I think an alternate understanding of that sentence would be that they either took cues from Apple's products (these seem obvious cues to pilfer, although one wonders why no one else had before) or that, like Apple, they've been working on control interfaces.

Until we have a second source saying they worked together, or a more positive statement from this source, I don't think there's anything to be all excited about here.
 
*sigh* it still makes me a little sad that "Apple Computer" is no more... cell phones and now cars? when are they going to open the Apple Bank or Apple Jewlery store... perhaps they could make an new soft drink to compete with pepsi/coca cola. :(

(i know they're not really producing the cars, i'm just being dramatic)
 
Not a manual drive? I don't want to drive a go-kart :(

The XF is actually an automated Manual. The car has paddle shifters, something very common place in today's market.

Also, some more pictures of the XF.
 

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No. Absolutely NOT, and for the same reason I will never buy a car that has a MS OS in it. Standardized OS's which MS and Apple have lead hackers to more easily crack said OS then a proprietary one created by a single auto maker that no one can download specs on off the net. Its an unknown. That isn't to say that its crack proof. However any additional barriers you put in place are a good thing™ even if its simply security through obscurity.
 
It's about time.

Why did Apple take so long to start exploring car computer functionality? Hopefully we will see products soon...
 
Did any of you ever read this article about a guy who found a Russian Tatra that was--if memory serves--originally built as a fly by wire prototype. Later the car was converted to a conventional control system. The guy in the article found the derelict car and converted it back to fly by wire using a Mac G4 as the control head. He did a beautiful job. It's an interesting read:

http://tinyurl.com/2x9yc

As for the 'Bangle Butt' the surface development makes much more sense when you see it this way:

http://tinyurl.com/2497tr

The real Chris Bangle has something of an off beat sense of humor... Are you the real Chris Bangle? But on the on the other hand the real CB wouldn't put 'Head of Design' in an e-mail address.
 
Firstly, why can't Apple pursue this at a more affordable auto level - honda's, nissans, toyotas...I can understand the BMW, Jag, associative snobbery/luxury implications - but VW???? Ugh.
... Sometimes, I hate people alot...

Oh brother.:rolleyes: Get over yourself. Now take a deep breath and seek some counselling.

You too, are being snobby by having a subjective viewpoint that Apple pursue their possible interface with Asian cars.

I also enjoy how you associate people who drive European automobiles as some how being snobs (yes, I own a BMW-big deal).
 
All I want is a user-replaceable Double-DIN Apple iHeadUnit with multi-touch and direct and full interface iPhone/iPod support. 6 Disc CD changer would be splendid also.
 
I just have one question.. Why do nearly all Japanese cars have that stupid digital clock which looks like its from the 70's.. Even the latest lexus GS or whatever its called has it and thats one of the most advanced cars ever made? Thats like Apple selling the iphone with windows mobile instead of OS X... (but windows mobile isnt too bad) unlike the blasted digital clocks.... Get rid of them ... Pleeeese.:mad:

I guess they've never been enlightened by Douglas Adams.


FFS, Why VW? I can understand the BMW, Jag, associative snobbery/luxury implications - but VW???? Ugh.

Do you know what brands are in the VW group?

I don't get the who-ha about it all anyway. I have a $100.00 auto-charging ipod dock that I can switch between any car I want (also works with my portable Milwaukee jobsite radio)

I believe we should have FW/USB plugs in cars already built in.

Just for charging or for direct file access? Direct file access won't work. I don't think iPods can send decompressed/decrypted digital audio signals over the USB connector. Direct file access might work, but only if you don't have DRMed files.
 
Its a well known and well followed fact that using CAPS in internet text (email, im, etc) means your SCREAMING AT THE PERSON.

It doesn't matter if you like this or not. If you use CAPS in your MESSAGES people will get upset at you. END OF STORY!


An all-caps post can also mean you're an AOL-er. All-caps for words and phrases has been a standard convention for yelling long before computers were used for communication. Acronyms don't count. People generally read all-caps words slower than lower case too, it uses different forms of brain processing to understand it.
 
So Basically, in 20 years, we'll all be living in modular 20'X30' iHomes and driving iCars. Nice.
Actually, I wouldn't mind a nice reliable car from Apple. Maybe they could team up with Ralph Nader and bring us a compact, good looking and affordable green car.
 
I'm hoping the real Chris Bangle is so unamused that he drives himself into the sea. Then he won't pollute the world with any more of his eyesores.

Followed by the idiot who designed that revolting open-mouth grille for Audi. Please.
 
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