It seems that in-car web technology has really gained speed, but major auto manufacturers have announced that they will not share user data with mega-corporations like Google and Apple, revealing that this traction is not without friction.
IT’S NOT ABOUT CHARITY or concern for drivers’ privacy
To add insult to injury, auto manufacturers like General Motors (GM) and Volkswagen will withhold their user data not for the sake of their drivers’ privacy, but to analyze and exploit the data for additional revenue. In fact, such auto companies are hopeful that vehicle user data will help them generate billions of dollars in e-commerce.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING NOW
Obviously, auto titans are new to the info market, but it’s presumed their use will mirror what consumers are already familiarized with–digital music and targeted advertising on user interface is as quotidian as checking one’s email, thanks to Apple and Google. But auto designers are also going to integrate phones into car systems, the potential for efficient multitasking in transit begins to look like a market of its own kind.
“THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED”
However, this isn’t exactly happening in a vacuum. Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto have already proliferated. The good news for auto companies is that, since they’ve put a hold on info-giants’ access to user data, there is still a well of potentially profitable information to mull over.
META-ANALYTICS TO COME
Some of the information withheld includes the vehicle’s most basic functional systems, e.g. steering, brakes and throttle, but some higher-order analytics like range, or the distance a car can travel on one tank of gas, travel planning services, auto-repair and insurance companies, make one’s imagination broaden with possible meta-maintenance applicability.
Consultant AlixPartners has opined that global revenues from digitally connected cars will increase to $40 billion annually by 2018, up from $16 billion in 2013. That is twenty-four billion dollars to be created within the next three years. One finds it hard to blame the auto tycoons for respectfully declining Google’s and Apple’s esteemed services.
DRAWBACKS
The downside of this data-withholding is actually ironic. Third-party infotainment systems, e.g. GPS coordinates for navigation, time-of-day dashboard adaptation, and reverse gear notification alerts, are all directly affected by automakers’ decision.
However this plays out, it seems drivers may have to make an additional meta-choice about their driving preferences when they hit the road–to stay reliant on their phone alone for continual connection to the web, or to bring their cars, and consequently their car’s company, into the fold.
