There are rumors that Apple may be working on a new in-car GPS navigation system, according to German magazine "Focus". The system is being built exclusively for Mercedes, but could be made available in other cars 6 months later when it debuts in 2009.
Apple may use Google maps for the navigation like on the new iPhone. They will use knowledge from their computers, MP3 players and the new iPhone to develop the new system. The company is said to be planning an all-in-one communication, entertainment and navigation system for cars.
It is interesting that Apple chose to work with Mercedes on this product and not one of the more hip auto brands, like Scion or BMW.
Full Story: Motor Authority
Comments (3)
INTERESTING??? You must be off your rocker, my friend. Apple has been trying to push themselves into this "Mercedes of Computers" position since their comeback in the late 90s. I'm sure this will go out to other automakers at first, but this is only a image thing. They are trying to make you think Mercedes is to cars, as Apple is to computers. And we will all comply like good little machine heads :)
Posted by Dominic | June 18, 2007 10:26 AM
Posted on June 18, 2007 10:26
Personally, my Mercedes sucks. From fit to finish and overall customer experience. If anything, Apple just wants to associate itself with a name only company.
Apple did make the first car kit for MB and of course the one in my MB can only be controlled by the steering wheel and no display in the Radio screen.....
The only problem with integrated NAVs, etc is it brings down the resell value of all cars that have them equipment. The reason is people do not want outdated units in cars and external units are cheaper and have better features.
The hype of the iPhone is just that, all hype. People need to wait and see if it really is "that" good.
(I own an iPod)
Posted by Andrew | June 18, 2007 7:23 PM
Posted on June 18, 2007 19:23
Personally, my Mercedes sucks. From fit to finish and overall customer experience. If anything, Apple just wants to associate itself with a name only company.
Apple did make the first car kit for MB and of course the one in my MB can only be controlled by the steering wheel and no display in the Radio screen.....
The only problem with integrated NAVs, etc is it brings down the resell value of all cars that have them equipment. The reason is people do not want outdated units in cars and external units are cheaper and have better features.
The hype of the iPhone is just that, all hype. People need to wait and see if it really is "that" good.
(I own an iPod)
Posted by Andrew | June 18, 2007 7:24 PM
Posted on June 18, 2007 19:24