Download music - into your car!

[AutomotiveDigest]

As reported in USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2005-03-17-car-stereos-usat_x.htm), automakers are buying into the music downloading craze.

According to the article, "Chevrolet will introduce an entertainment-system option on its Uplander minivan this spring that has hard-drive memory capable of storing 40 movies, 10,000 song tracks or basic video games. It will be offered in General Motors' other minivans by the year's end."

The benefit to this setup is reduced clutter in the car, since there will no longer be a need to store movies and CDs in the vehicle - they can be left at home.

See AutomotiveDigest.com's digest at: http://www.automotivedigest.com/view_art.asp?articlesID=15228

What do you think about this development? Do you think this "Automotive iPod" will be a hit with consumers?

[Viper 10]

I don't know if it will take off or not, but coming directly from the hi-tech industry I know that the gas station companies are pouring money into this application. The goal is to be able to download movies, games and MP3 while waiting at the pump.

Brad

[Paul12801]

To determine if it will take off or not, I must ask- Does this fill a needed role in someone’s life?
I am not sure. It will only complexity and frustrate mine, but for someone else, that’s a different story.
However that is special quality for the minivan so thats competitive edge.

[Russ]

I'm sorry to say, I've been around long enough to remember the same discussions for the 8-track, cassette, and CD. This kind of technology is short lived but industry makes a fortune providing it to the consumer and the consumers love it. This one is here, it's off and running and you can't stop it. If you don't like it, just turn the knob to the off position...or just "ask it" to shut down.

[loren_parker@yahoo.com]

Automakers need to focus on providing solutions that leverage the existing technology(ies) a car owner already owns. The idea of having an "integrated iPod" in a vehicle appears to be nothing more than an upsell for the automaker. I already have an iPod. Why would I buy such a thing rather than taking advantage of a portable device (so I can use it more) that likely costs far less (in this case I already own it) than its integrated counterpart. Automakers could do simple things with low-cost that would provide better value to customers. How about easily available "IN/OUT" jacks on all factory radios (easily available means on the front of the unit - reachable without taking the dash off)? How about dashboard design to accomodate the new devices many of us connect to our car radios? :confused: