Something new, but when.

[wireman]

How long from now, who knows but it looks interesting.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/apple-carplay-ultra-phone-mirroring-first-look-review?utm_campaign=MOTORTREND-Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=SES&utm_type=organic&utm_content=20250515_MOTORTREND-Newsletter&utm_term=apple-carplay-ultra-phone-mirroring-first-look-review&email_subject=Apple CarPlay Ultra Is Set to Take Over the Entire Dashboard&email_list_name=motortrend&n_emid=4c943b74518f31e8a515bfbabd0aed1b&element_parent=Featured Stories&element_name=Apple CarPlay Ultra First Look: Taking Over the Entire Dashboard#google_vignette

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[Jmuns]

Will be cool when it’s available. I rented a 2025 Explorer 2 weeks ago that is running the New Ford Digital Experience and I really liked it. Built-in google maps that you can mirror to the digital cluster so the screen can be used for other items. It’s pretty slick. After seeing that I’m not sure why they aren’t pushing that to more 2025 models.

 

[Warped9]

No, thank you. I want my car to look like a car, not an oversized iPad which many of them look like already.

 

[wireman]

Some will like, some won't. It's a choice at least.

I find a decent head-up display to be something I would like to see in a lot of cars.

Driving info displayed on the windshield

Not like the popup screen that's an option in the Escape.

Here's a good one that's an option on the Mercedes line. There are others out there.

 

[SN19745]

Will be cool when it’s available. I rented a 2025 Explorer 2 weeks ago that is running the New Ford Digital Experience and I really liked it. Built-in google maps that you can mirror to the digital cluster so the screen can be used for other items. It’s pretty slick. After seeing that I’m not sure why they aren’t pushing that to more 2025 models.

I like that as well. Only bad part is you have to pay for the google subscription after the first year to keep it working. Imo being able to do this with a phone via AppleCare play or android auto would be better. I personally would rather pay for unlimited data on my phone than a subscription that can only be used in a car.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I will say even for being older than dirt, I’ve come to appreciate having Waze maps on my dash. Much better than the 11x14 atlas stuffed between the console and seat. I typically don’t use turn by turn nor did I even with the Garmin. But, I do like to know where I am at and where the PoPo are.

 

[Ecom911]

Hmmmm, I'm torn on this....Good info Steve, and appreciate the topic. As you may have seen previously, I am dead against anything that distracts a driver's attention from actually driving and the deletion of tactile controls for vehicle operation, which in my opinion is a huge safety issue. As a retired ditch-doctor (paramedic) I can't tell how many times I've seen and heard the effects of distraction.

I do agree with the enhanced safety of a good heads-up display and additional integrations for safety (i.e. FLIR visual enhancement) but as a non-Apple user (and never will be) I am also not a fan of having anything subscription based or feeling forced into something just to drive a vehicle.

I think these integrations lead to more expense, complications for service and perhaps ability to drive certain vehicles in more extreme weather conditions ( I live where it hits -40c and lower in the winter) and these displays really don't like the cold.

We shall see how things progress; for me, make it simpler and less digital, not more. I don't even use 90% of what I have in my BB!

Cheers

 

[wireman]

10-4. When safety is paramount, as you stated, eyes on the road is key to safer driving.

That's why I suggested have basic info as minimum on an HUD would keep us safer on the road.

But there's always that 10% who will never learn.

 

[rms34208]

I Previously owned a 2013 Escape SEL which was Loaded with Electronics, When the seat control module fried it took Two Weeks to locate and deliver the part. My BB BS has No additional Electronics and at (2023) the end of the warranty period will be traded in. The cost of vehicle ownership is exceeding their value and I wish I lived in a walking district like NY or LA. Traffic, maintenance, insurance all have exceeded the value and enjoyment of everyday travel. Not sure
if I will purchase a vehicle but if I do it will be a Hybrid preferably a Plug in which will hopefully reduce the cost of ownership ( Dream). ).

 

[Robins21]

The problem is the use of too many electronics in these vehicles.

 

[Dannyp56]

I also don't like all the electronics. The more electronics you have the more you have to spend to repair them. Plus, it's driving up the price of the vehicle.

 

[wireman]

I also don't like all the electronics. The more electronics you have the more you have to spend to repair them. Plus, it's driving up the price of the vehicle.

Your spot on. If we want a particular option, we may have to buy it in a package that drives up the price.

The genies out of the bottle when it comes to electronics in today's vehicles. An evil to some, but others want the features offered.

I'm willing to pay the price for features that I consider essential to me. ACC, 360 degree camera, etc.
Features that help with safety and enhance my driving experience.

We're all different in our priorities.

A HUD will be near the top of my list on my next vehicle purchase, whenever that is.
.

 

[Mark S.]

Some will like, some won't. It's a choice at least.

I find a decent head-up display to be something I would like to see in a lot of cars.

Driving info displayed on the windshield

I'm guessing as "smart glasses" proliferate and become more capable we will see an interface between the glasses and cars. Imagine glasses that show your route overlayed on your field of view, that provide on-demand popup info on the location you are viewing, etc.

 

[Warped9]

It would be interesting if you could buy just the features you want rather than being forced to take everything.

The number one complaint new car buyers have with contemporary vehicles is feeling overwhelmed with all the electronics and intrusive info screen and digital displays. And it’s made ever worse by manufacturers always trying to cram more into it rather than simplifying it. Instead of trying to minimize distractions and streamline the experience they compound the problem. They’re not listening to their own customers.

One option could be to offer a system with a basic set of common features. A second option could unlock additional features. Of course, someone would likely devise a way to hack the system to get the additional features without paying, but steps could be taken to make that difficult.

I’m grateful the system in my 2024 BS is not intrusive and the screen is a modest size that isn’t in my face and overwhelming the interior. I also appreciated the manual switchgear I have for heated seats, audio controls and climate system. Although my phone connects to the system I never use it that way. I simply don’t bother with the phone in any way whatsoever when I’m driving.

 

[wireman]

I'm guessing as "smart glasses" proliferate and become more capable we will see an interface between the glasses and cars. Imagine glasses that show your route overlayed on your field of view, that provide on-demand popup info on the location you are viewing, etc.

If it can somehow allow using the phone, even texting and keep the phones out of driver's hands, that's a plus.
It's amazing how addicted people are to these devices and can't for a minute put them down, even while driving.

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