This is the first of two posts about the future of the connected car. The full piece originally appeared on WardsAuto.
The rise of Internet availability, data and connectivity over the past decade-plus have caused a fundamental shift in the way we use technology to interact with our surroundings. Connected homes, fitness devices, TVs, watches, taxi services and even medical devices have emerged as a result of exponential smartphone innovation and widespread use.
It would have seemed only natural—inevitable, in fact—that a connected car would rise to better assist users and more seamlessly integrate the world around the driver into the car. In fact, GSMA predicts that every car will be connected by 2025. In order for this to be fully realized, the interaction between technology and driver has to be frictionless, maximizing safety, while also assisting driving. The interface has to be so carefully thought through and tested in order for car manufacturers to get it just right.
As it stands now, the driver-technology interaction dynamic is something that’s up for solving. Recent reports found that drivers aren’t using a majority of the technology built into cars: 20 percent of new-vehicle owners have never used 16 of the 33 technology features measured, 38 percent have never used mobile routers and 32 percent have never used the built-in apps. There’s potential for the connected car to evolve and grow to not only better assist the driving experience, but ensure safety as well. While some aspects such as Google Glass for your car may be superfluous, there are real areas where in-car connectivity can help drivers everywhere.
In my next post, I’ll detail three growth areas for the connected car. In the meantime, what are your thoughts about the connected car? Tweet them to me @theaashishdalal or leave a comment.
