Consumers navigate toward connected cars
GM (GM) is crankup up the wireless features in its cars. Many new models across a number of its brands are getting Wi-Fi hotspots and other services. The cars will literally need their own wireless plans.
Turning automobiles into a form of consumer electronics isn't new, but the pace of conversion has picked up like a stunt driver heading into a movie lot storefront. A new study from Premier Farnell, which runs an online technology community called element 14, offers the likely reason: Consumers really, really want these new features.
In a more general look at the topic, the study asked people about their interest in technologically advanced cars. Thirty-seven percent said that they wanted to see self-driving cars commercially available this year, and 61 percent either owned or planned to own an Internet-connected car. Also, 51 percent wanted to "see electric cars become a reality" in 2015. Given that several electric vehicles are already available, presumably they were thinking of electric cars that had lower cost and longer driving ranges.
These were the five top innovations that really caught consumers' attention:
- Improved efficiency
- Passenger safety
- Lower up-front costs
- Reduced emissions
- Increased performance
All these ranked higher than improving the visual look of cars.
The interest in technology has nearly turned into a craze. Look at how many people were running down the recent rumor that Apple would release its own self-driving car.
The potential implications of the car tech boom could be sizable. But it also faces some hiccups. The implications of these truly mobile devices could have long-lasting effects. For example, hackers are starting to target automotive systems. A number of industries could face disruption from self-driving cars.
If that weren't enough, some of the technologies, like batteries, have a way to go. And once you have a connected car, you must learn to use it.