Ford has proven that consumers don’t just want a car anymore; they want a mobile computer capable of connecting with their various devices that so many of us have come to depend on every day. The partnership with Microsoft is so far paying off; Ford has sold over two million Sync-equipped cars to date. This year the system gets revamped into the advanced Ford MyTouch interface.
Seeing Ford’s success, Chevy seems ready for a computer partnership of its own. GM has had its OnStar system installed on many cars for years, and now it’s getting upgraded with mobile phone connectivity. This includes a potential partnership with Google to use its Android operating system to power the Chevy Volt. How cool is that!
Chevy has already showed off some of the Volt’s mobile phone features. This includes the ability to monitor charging and battery levels via the phone, as well as operating systems like the air conditioning. But it still pales in comparision with the Sync, which allows users to hook up their MP3 players, give voice-activated commands, and now real-time traffic, weather, and directions. While OnStar already allows drivers to download directions, and it provides automated crash response, consumers want more technology from their green cars. Enter Google.
I love Google. The idea of a Google-powered car represents so many possibilities. Imagine plotting out a trip with Google Maps and uploading it to your car, no printing required. It could be synced with your smartphone, perhaps allowing you to not just control air conditioning, but the car itself, warming it up for your eventual trip right from your phone, opening windows, and more… from your phone! A Google system would likely make OnStar obsolete, which wouldn’t be a bad thing. It might even be able to bring you news, weather, traffic, and more. Ford versus Chevy, Microsoft versus Google. So does that leave Yahoo! and Dodge?
Source: Motor Trend | Image: GM
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