2) I seem to recall AI having extensive articles on CarPlay when it first premiered earlier this year at a car show.
Me too, but I remember reading them and thinking that they hadn't really told me what it does, or at least not in terms a dummy like me can understand. My recollection of those articles is that they used words like "Framework" and "platform" without really describing the actual USER experience.
Maybe I'm wrong and the articles were fine but I just didn't get it. Either way, seeing it demonstrated via the Hyundai video finally forced some level of understanding through my old, thick skull.
Me too, but I remember reading them and thinking that they hadn't really told me what it does, or at least not in terms a dummy like me can understand. My recollection of those articles is that they used words like "Framework" and "platform" without really describing the actual USER experience.
Maybe I'm wrong and the articles were fine but I just didn't get it. Either way, seeing it demonstrated via the Hyundai video finally forced some level of understanding through my old, thick skull.
The Hyundai demo was the worst I've seen. Mercedes and others had demos back in March that i thought demoed the tech better as it was more complex without the lag shown by Hyundai.
Although saving money and fuel is a nobel cause, that little vehicle would be squashed like the bug of its namesake if colliding with an SUV or truck. I know that I am not being all that environmentally responsible but give me a solid heavy duty automobile any day of the week over that minuscule death trap.
But ... it's damn fast too. LOL
Yes, I know what you mean and 100% agreed. Then again, accidents happen and people get killed due to many bizarre reasons!
That said, we all gonna die some day anyways so let's have some fun ...
Although saving money and fuel is a nobel cause, that little vehicle would be squashed like the bug of its namesake if colliding with an SUV or truck. I know that I am not being all that environmentally responsible but give me a solid heavy duty automobile any day of the week over that minuscule death trap.
I'd think if your vehicle is lighter it will be more likely to reflect off the other object. I'd also think it's about the durability of the structure, which is why cars have been getting both lighter and stronger for a given size over the years.
[...] I'd also think it's about the durability of the structure, which is why cars have been getting both lighter and stronger for a given size over the years.
That's one factor. You need a compartment around the occupants that won't deform in a collision.
The second factor is where these tiny cars fail: energy absorption/dissipation. In a larger vehicle the engine compartment and trunk area collapse, absorbing some of the energy and slowing the rate of deceleration for the occupants. If all you have is a rigid cage with no crumple zones, your body takes the full brunt of the hit. The end result is a car full of meat sacks -- the bodies are intact but their organs are all ruptured.
I like my BMW. Even if it had CarPlay I would probably prefer the built-in software using iDrive instead of having to reach out and touch the screen.
I don't like being distracted while driving so the other things that iOS would bring to the screen are generally things I do not want anyway, especially not Siri. I get so frustrated trying to use Siri, I would likely be pounding my fist on the dash. That has got to be the most aggravating piece of software ever invented. When something only works about 50% of the time, you are better off doing without it altogether in my opinion.
I'm a big BMW fan as well, I currently own a BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo but it's going up for sale as we reserved a Tesla X. When I drove it was never very far so going all electric won't be a problem. Anyway I can't wait to finally use a system that isn't iDrive, it's really the only thing that was wrong with the BMW. That being said the interface at least looked good in the car, I'm not sure if Apples solution really fits the look of a 75,000 CHF car, it looks a bit cartoonish to me. Which I guess is fine for the likes of Chrysler but not BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc, will car manufactures have the opportunity to customize the interface? Yes I know the Tesla's 17" touch console is a bit nuts but the interface is actually very low key and fits the aesthetics.
I'm a big BMW fan as well, I currently own a BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo but it's going up for sale as we reserved a Tesla X. When I drove it was never very far so going all electric won't be a problem. Anyway I can't wait to finally use a system that isn't iDrive, it's really the only thing that was wrong with the BMW. That being said the interface at least looked good in the car, I'm not sure if Apples solution really fits the look of a 75,000 CHF car, it looks a bit cartoonish to me. Which I guess is fine for the likes of Chrysler but not BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc, will car manufactures have the opportunity to customize the interface? Yes I know the Tesla's 17" touch console is a bit nuts but the interface is actually very low key and fits the aesthetics.
I'm selling my BMW too. I'm at the end of my free maintenance and roadside service program anyway. Like you I don't drive mine very much either. I only have around 15,000 km. I'm not sure what I will get next, perhaps another BMW, I really like the Alpina. My needs are really basic in terms of software so iDrive works fine for me. I think I still prefer built-in navigation as the tiles do not have to be downloaded over the cell service, although the onboard info does get out of date sometimes. I almost never bother plugging my phone into the car and I have a reasonable music collection stored on the local hard drive so no need really. I don't believe in reading emails while driving even if they are being read aloud. Too distracting.
I'm selling my BMW too. I'm at the end of my free maintenance and roadside service program anyway. Like you I don't drive mine very much either. I only have around 15,000 km. I'm not sure what I will get next, perhaps another BMW, I really like the Alpina. My needs are really basic in terms of software so iDrive works fine for me. I think I still prefer built-in navigation as the tiles do not have to be downloaded over the cell service, although the inboard info does get out of date sometimes. I almost never bother plugging my phone into the car and I have a reasonable music collection stored on the local hard drive so no need really. I don't believe in reading emails while driving even if they are being read aloud. Too distracting.
When I went to the BMW dealership I almost bought the M5. It drove wonderfully, incredible performance and looked good to boot. My husband was in the in the middle of the paperwork when I noticed two new Alpina's in the back where the maintenance center was. I questioned a sales person and he said they were a special order for Mark Rich, a Bill Clinton pardoned American criminal who lives in our area. He ordered four but only paid for two so the dealer was at a lost as to what they would do with them, these things where pretty tricked out. I asked if I could drive one and then instantly knew that I wanted it more then the M5. It was fitted with a factory installed super charger that replaced the turbo, don't ask which one as I really don't know but I'll go down to the garage later and look it up. Anyway it produced a 100 more PSI then the M5, now these type of things don't thrill me but the other extras like power converters built into the back with traditional plugs for laptops, lowered profile, custom interior and bullet proof glass for the back windows kind of did. I interrupted my husband and we got the Alpina for only 5 grand more then the M5, but later found out that the Alpina cost more then a 100 grand to make. The dealer was all too happy to get rid of at least one of them, don't know why but the other one was on the lot for at least a year before they sold it at a major lost. I hope the dealership went after March Rich for whatever they lost in the deal but it's none of my business, all I know is we got a pretty incredible car for a great price that has been absolutely trouble free for the last 5 years. Kids like it too, I even caught my son hitting the back window with a bat once to show to his friends that they had a K.I.T.T. car, the little f***** didn't break the window but managed to scratch the door handle, a 500 CHF touch up job, what paint cost's that much, custom paint, it's great until you have to pay for small scratches.
I also don't like doing things with the inboard computer while driving but I do like to listen to Podcasts however I always load them before I take the car on the road. I think these in-dash entertainment systems are a really big driving hazard and should be deactivated if only one passenger is detected or until the car is motionless. I know a lot of car manufactures are now disabling controls to things like SatNav until the car is in park but if people can now install apps like Face Book or Twitter in them, I think these restrictions should also apply. I am so adamant about this that I would even vote in a law that permits the installation of cell jammers in cars, only to be disabled when the car is in park. I know this sounds like an overkill but if you've read the statics of how many people are injured or worst killed by people texting or talking on their phones and is progressing each year, something drastic needs to change. Maybe even forcing mobile manufactures to install something on the hardware level that disables the phones connection when it detects movement of over 10KM, would be an easy solution as all phones have GPS now.
If your looking for a new car you should really check out the new Audi 5 series, their just incredible to drive and look at, my husband almost pulled the trigger on one to replace his leased Range Rover but was wooed by a big breasted slutty sales girl at a Maserati dealership, came home with this thing called a Ghibli. What kind of name is Ghibli, anyway I can't complain, it's only a lease and is actually cheaper monthly then his Range Rover was. I haven't driven it yet as I am on some pretty heavy medication but I have gone for a ride, it's really pretty inside but kind of stiff to drive in, turns corners like it was being chased by the cops, mid-life crisis car defiantly, at least it has 4 seats for the family. I will miss the big Range Rover though as it was perfect for going shopping and picking up plants from the nursery. The Tesla X's two back jumper seats fold down so I'll be happy, the only thing that's going to be pain is the kids will have to get out of the car before I park it in the garage, the back doors are gullwinged, cool to look at but will be fantastical pain in the butt when parking with people or kids and the dog in the back, I could have lived without them, such a boy thing to have.
Although saving money and fuel is a nobel cause, that little vehicle would be squashed like the bug of its namesake if colliding with an SUV or truck. I know that I am not being all that environmentally responsible but give me a solid heavy duty automobile any day of the week over that minuscule death trap.
No concern here for that tiny Fiat, I just don't fit inside it. It's also overpriced when well equiped !
If you are concerned about serious damage from a large SUV of truck hit, don't worry as even a mid sized car as I drive would be in trouble from such a hit. But the mid sized car's handling makes it safer overall than a large SUV or truck.
I found with a recent rental of a mid sized car, a VW Passat 1.8L TSI, that one doesn't need to get a tiny car to get very good fuel mileage. That Passat consistently gave 41 MP(US)G at 65mph, except for Kangroo gas fill which was 10% less !
The Passat also ran very smoothly, with good acceleration. I had to watch my speed closely, even on the highway.
Should have got cruise control. Don't have to watch your speed then.
I'm selling my BMW too. I'm at the end of my free maintenance and roadside service program anyway. Like you I don't drive mine very much either. I only have around 15,000 km. I'm not sure what I will get next, perhaps another BMW, I really like the Alpina. My needs are really basic in terms of software so iDrive works fine for me. I think I still prefer built-in navigation as the tiles do not have to be downloaded over the cell service, although the inboard info does get out of date sometimes. I almost never bother plugging my phone into the car and I have a reasonable music collection stored on the local hard drive so no need really. I don't believe in reading emails while driving even if they are being read aloud. Too distracting.
When I went to the BMW dealership I almost bought the M5. It drove wonderfully, incredible performance and looked good to boot. My husband was in the in the middle of the paperwork when I noticed two new Alpina's in the back where the maintenance center was. I questioned a sales person and he said they were a special order for Mark Rich, a Bill Clinton pardoned American criminal who lives in our area. He ordered four but only paid for two so the dealer was at a lost as to what they would do with them, these things where pretty tricked out. I asked if I could drive one and then instantly knew that I wanted it more then the M5. It was fitted with a factory installed super charger that replaced the turbo, don't ask which one as I really don't know but I'll go down to the garage later and look it up. Anyway it produced a 100 more PSI then the M5, now these type of things don't thrill me but the other extras like power converters built into the back with traditional plugs for laptops, lowered profile, custom interior and bullet proof glass for the back windows kind of did. I interrupted my husband and we got the Alpina for only 5 grand more then the M5, but later found out that the Alpina cost more then a 100 grand to make. The dealer was all too happy to get rid of at least one of them, don't know why but the other one was on the lot for at least a year before they sold it at a major lost. I hope the dealership went after March Rich for whatever they lost in the deal but it's none of my business, all I know is we got a pretty incredible car for a great price that has been absolutely trouble free for the last 5 years. Kids like it too, I even caught my son hitting the back window with a bat once to show to his friends that they had a K.I.T.T. car, the little f***** didn't break the window but managed to scratch the door handle, a 500 CHF touch up job, what paint cost's that much, custom paint, it's great until you have to pay for small scratches.
I also don't like doing things with the inboard computer while driving but I do like to listen to Podcasts however I always load them before I take the car on the road. I think these in-dash entertainment systems are a really big driving hazard and should be deactivated if only one passenger is detected or until the car is motionless. I know a lot of car manufactures are now disabling controls to things like SatNav until the car is in park but if people can now install apps like Face Book or Twitter in them, I think these restrictions should also apply. I am so adamant about this that I would even vote in a law that permits the installation of cell jammers in cars, only to be disabled when the car is in park. I know this sounds like an overkill but if you've read the statics of how many people are injured or worst killed by people texting or talking on their phones and is progressing each year, something drastic needs to change. Maybe even forcing mobile manufactures to install something on the hardware level that disables the phones connection when it detects movement of over 10KM, would be an easy solution as all phones have GPS now.
If your looking for a new car you should really check out the new Audi 5 series, their just incredible to drive and look at, my husband almost pulled the trigger on one to replace his leased Range Rover but was wooed by a big breasted slutty sales girl at a Maserati dealership, came home with this thing called a Ghibli. What kind of name is Ghibli, anyway I can't complain, it's only a lease and is actually cheaper monthly then his Range Rover was. I haven't driven it yet as I am on some pretty heavy medication but I have gone for a ride, it's really pretty inside but kind of stiff to drive in, turns corners like it was being chased by the cops, mid-life crisis car defiantly, at least it has 4 seats for the family. I will miss the big Range Rover though as it was perfect for going shopping and picking up plants from the nursery. The Tesla X's two back jumper seats fold down so I'll be happy, the only thing that's going to be pain is the kids will have to get out of the car before I park it in the garage, the back doors are gullwinged, cool to look at but will be fantastical pain in the butt when parking with people or kids and the dog in the back, I could have lived without them, such a boy thing to have.
Glad to hear that you're getting rid of your 4x4; only farmers need them.
Yep, gas guzzlers too, although I know why people buy the Range Rover. Not only do they have some of the most luxurious cabins in the car world but they can literally drive almost anywhere. Their very expensive though and not the most reliable cars, much better now that Lucas is out of the picture but still British none the less. My grandfather collected cars and one of his favorites was a 1972 Jaguar Type E-Type 12 Cylinder, loved that car but he always told me that the 12 actually means the amount of weeks a year it spent in the shop.
My grandfather collected cars and one of his favorites was a 1972 Jaguar Type E-Type 12 Cylinder, loved that car but he always told me that the 12 actually means the amount of weeks a year it spent in the shop.
Hahahaha! That's a good one.
OT, how are you doing? I think it's now two weeks ago you wrote that you had to get back in for surgery in a fortnight, so that would be next week(?). Of course I hope you'll get better after this operation, but I also hope you will be freed from all aggressive cells and possibly get fully healthy again, if there is the slightest chance in that.
OT, how are you doing? I think it's now two weeks ago you wrote that you had to get back in for surgery in a fortnight, so that would be next week(?). Of course I hope you'll get better after this operation, but I also hope you will be freed from all aggressive cells and possibly get fully healthy again, if there is the slightest chance in that.
Praying for you Relic!
Thank you so much, it's the 12th, actually the 14th but I check in on the 12th. I even get to fly in a helicopter to Genève, better then a 3 hour train ride.
Thank you so much, it's the 12th, actually the 14th but I check in on the 12th. I even get to fly in a helicopter to Genève, better then a 3 hour train ride.
Helicopter? While that sounds cool, I certainly hope your body isn't that brittle that a helicopter is mandatory. But perhaps it takes some of the stress away, and that's a good thing. Best to you, and your loved ones.
After watching the videos @MacSince1988 and @SolipsismX linked (thank you!) I see what CarPlay is supposed to do.
A couple lingering questions:
1. I don't yet own a Siri-equipped phone so I don't know if it (she?) can select music tracks. Does anyone know if I'll be able to ask Siri to select a specific song from my local library via CarPlay?
2. Does the telephone component connect via the Lightning cable or Bluetooth? I don't want the head unit trying to decide which iPhone it should pair with when my wife and I are both in the car!
After watching the videos <a data-huddler-embed="href" href="/u/65591/MacSince1988" style="display:inline-block;">@MacSince1988</a>
and <a data-huddler-embed="href" href="/u/150681/SolipsismX" style="display:inline-block;">@SolipsismX</a>
linked (thank you!) I see what CarPlay is supposed to do.
A couple lingering questions:
1. I don't yet own a Siri-equipped phone so I don't know if it (she?) can select music tracks. Does anyone know if I'll be able to ask Siri to select a specific song from my local library via CarPlay?
2. Does the telephone component connect via the Lightning cable or Bluetooth? I don't want the head unit trying to decide which iPhone it should pair with when my wife and I are both in the car!
1. Yes. "Play <song> by <artist>" or "Play (the) song <song>" or "Play <song>." With the last item it will play the artist if you don't Siri to look for a song and there is an artist that has the same or similar name.
2. The telephone connects via the Lightning cable when CarPlay is in use. This is because the CarPlay is a separate UI stored in the iPhone and BT can't begin to handle the bandwidth of that GUI. Perhaps once cars get WiFi it will be an option but you'd probably want to still use a Lightning cable so it can be charged whilst driving instead of being drained. Since this is different from BT I don't see why the car can't also connect your wife's phone via BT and your iPhone via CarPlay if you want to set it up that way.
2. The telephone connects via the Lightning cable when CarPlay is in use.
Re-reading my question, I see it can be interpreted two different ways, and I'm not sure if you answered the question I meant or the other possible interpretation!
I understand that the DEVICE (i.e. the iPhone) connects via Lightning cable. What I'm wondering is whether the audio and telephony data for a voice call is carried over that cable or via Bluetooth? If you look at the current crop of Pioneer decks slated to receive CarPlay, they all specify handling voice calls via Bluetooth even though they use the USB (Lightning) cable for everything else. I can't tell if that's something that will change when the firmware is updated to support CarPlay or if it's a design choice left up to the head-unit vendor.
Re-reading my question, I see it can be interpreted two different ways, and I'm not sure if you answered the question I meant or the other possible interpretation!
I understand that the DEVICE (i.e. the iPhone) connects via Lightning cable. What I'm wondering is whether the audio and telephony data for a voice call is carried over that cable or via Bluetooth? If you look at the current crop of Pioneer decks slated to receive CarPlay, they all specify handling voice calls via Bluetooth even though they use the USB (Lightning) cable for everything else. I can't tell if that's something that will change when the firmware is updated to support CarPlay or if it's a design choice left up to the head-unit vendor.
In my car if I turn off BT to make sure I connect via the Lightning cable the calls still come though the USB port in my car. Why Pioneer wouldn't offer that I don't know.
Comments
2) I seem to recall AI having extensive articles on CarPlay when it first premiered earlier this year at a car show.
Me too, but I remember reading them and thinking that they hadn't really told me what it does, or at least not in terms a dummy like me can understand. My recollection of those articles is that they used words like "Framework" and "platform" without really describing the actual USER experience.
Maybe I'm wrong and the articles were fine but I just didn't get it. Either way, seeing it demonstrated via the Hyundai video finally forced some level of understanding through my old, thick skull.
The Hyundai demo was the worst I've seen. Mercedes and others had demos back in March that i thought demoed the tech better as it was more complex without the lag shown by Hyundai.
[VIDEO]
[VIDEO]
Although saving money and fuel is a nobel cause, that little vehicle would be squashed like the bug of its namesake if colliding with an SUV or truck. I know that I am not being all that environmentally responsible but give me a solid heavy duty automobile any day of the week over that minuscule death trap.
But ... it's damn fast too. LOL
Yes, I know what you mean and 100% agreed. Then again, accidents happen and people get killed due to many bizarre reasons!
That said, we all gonna die some day anyways so let's have some fun ...
I'd think if your vehicle is lighter it will be more likely to reflect off the other object. I'd also think it's about the durability of the structure, which is why cars have been getting both lighter and stronger for a given size over the years.
[...] I'd also think it's about the durability of the structure, which is why cars have been getting both lighter and stronger for a given size over the years.
That's one factor. You need a compartment around the occupants that won't deform in a collision.
The second factor is where these tiny cars fail: energy absorption/dissipation. In a larger vehicle the engine compartment and trunk area collapse, absorbing some of the energy and slowing the rate of deceleration for the occupants. If all you have is a rigid cage with no crumple zones, your body takes the full brunt of the hit. The end result is a car full of meat sacks -- the bodies are intact but their organs are all ruptured.
I like my BMW. Even if it had CarPlay I would probably prefer the built-in software using iDrive instead of having to reach out and touch the screen.
I don't like being distracted while driving so the other things that iOS would bring to the screen are generally things I do not want anyway, especially not Siri. I get so frustrated trying to use Siri, I would likely be pounding my fist on the dash. That has got to be the most aggravating piece of software ever invented. When something only works about 50% of the time, you are better off doing without it altogether in my opinion.
I'm a big BMW fan as well, I currently own a BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo but it's going up for sale as we reserved a Tesla X. When I drove it was never very far so going all electric won't be a problem. Anyway I can't wait to finally use a system that isn't iDrive, it's really the only thing that was wrong with the BMW. That being said the interface at least looked good in the car, I'm not sure if Apples solution really fits the look of a 75,000 CHF car, it looks a bit cartoonish to me. Which I guess is fine for the likes of Chrysler but not BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc, will car manufactures have the opportunity to customize the interface? Yes I know the Tesla's 17" touch console is a bit nuts but the interface is actually very low key and fits the aesthetics.
I'm selling my BMW too. I'm at the end of my free maintenance and roadside service program anyway. Like you I don't drive mine very much either. I only have around 15,000 km. I'm not sure what I will get next, perhaps another BMW, I really like the Alpina. My needs are really basic in terms of software so iDrive works fine for me. I think I still prefer built-in navigation as the tiles do not have to be downloaded over the cell service, although the onboard info does get out of date sometimes. I almost never bother plugging my phone into the car and I have a reasonable music collection stored on the local hard drive so no need really. I don't believe in reading emails while driving even if they are being read aloud. Too distracting.
Come clean: you choked on your doobie at the wrong time dude! :smokey:
I'm selling my BMW too. I'm at the end of my free maintenance and roadside service program anyway. Like you I don't drive mine very much either. I only have around 15,000 km. I'm not sure what I will get next, perhaps another BMW, I really like the Alpina. My needs are really basic in terms of software so iDrive works fine for me. I think I still prefer built-in navigation as the tiles do not have to be downloaded over the cell service, although the inboard info does get out of date sometimes. I almost never bother plugging my phone into the car and I have a reasonable music collection stored on the local hard drive so no need really. I don't believe in reading emails while driving even if they are being read aloud. Too distracting.
When I went to the BMW dealership I almost bought the M5. It drove wonderfully, incredible performance and looked good to boot. My husband was in the in the middle of the paperwork when I noticed two new Alpina's in the back where the maintenance center was. I questioned a sales person and he said they were a special order for Mark Rich, a Bill Clinton pardoned American criminal who lives in our area. He ordered four but only paid for two so the dealer was at a lost as to what they would do with them, these things where pretty tricked out. I asked if I could drive one and then instantly knew that I wanted it more then the M5. It was fitted with a factory installed super charger that replaced the turbo, don't ask which one as I really don't know but I'll go down to the garage later and look it up. Anyway it produced a 100 more PSI then the M5, now these type of things don't thrill me but the other extras like power converters built into the back with traditional plugs for laptops, lowered profile, custom interior and bullet proof glass for the back windows kind of did. I interrupted my husband and we got the Alpina for only 5 grand more then the M5, but later found out that the Alpina cost more then a 100 grand to make. The dealer was all too happy to get rid of at least one of them, don't know why but the other one was on the lot for at least a year before they sold it at a major lost. I hope the dealership went after March Rich for whatever they lost in the deal but it's none of my business, all I know is we got a pretty incredible car for a great price that has been absolutely trouble free for the last 5 years. Kids like it too, I even caught my son hitting the back window with a bat once to show to his friends that they had a K.I.T.T. car, the little f***** didn't break the window but managed to scratch the door handle, a 500 CHF touch up job, what paint cost's that much, custom paint, it's great until you have to pay for small scratches.
I also don't like doing things with the inboard computer while driving but I do like to listen to Podcasts however I always load them before I take the car on the road. I think these in-dash entertainment systems are a really big driving hazard and should be deactivated if only one passenger is detected or until the car is motionless. I know a lot of car manufactures are now disabling controls to things like SatNav until the car is in park but if people can now install apps like Face Book or Twitter in them, I think these restrictions should also apply. I am so adamant about this that I would even vote in a law that permits the installation of cell jammers in cars, only to be disabled when the car is in park. I know this sounds like an overkill but if you've read the statics of how many people are injured or worst killed by people texting or talking on their phones and is progressing each year, something drastic needs to change. Maybe even forcing mobile manufactures to install something on the hardware level that disables the phones connection when it detects movement of over 10KM, would be an easy solution as all phones have GPS now.
If your looking for a new car you should really check out the new Audi 5 series, their just incredible to drive and look at, my husband almost pulled the trigger on one to replace his leased Range Rover but was wooed by a big breasted slutty sales girl at a Maserati dealership, came home with this thing called a Ghibli. What kind of name is Ghibli, anyway I can't complain, it's only a lease and is actually cheaper monthly then his Range Rover was. I haven't driven it yet as I am on some pretty heavy medication but I have gone for a ride, it's really pretty inside but kind of stiff to drive in, turns corners like it was being chased by the cops, mid-life crisis car defiantly, at least it has 4 seats for the family. I will miss the big Range Rover though as it was perfect for going shopping and picking up plants from the nursery. The Tesla X's two back jumper seats fold down so I'll be happy, the only thing that's going to be pain is the kids will have to get out of the car before I park it in the garage, the back doors are gullwinged, cool to look at but will be fantastical pain in the butt when parking with people or kids and the dog in the back, I could have lived without them, such a boy thing to have.
Although saving money and fuel is a nobel cause, that little vehicle would be squashed like the bug of its namesake if colliding with an SUV or truck. I know that I am not being all that environmentally responsible but give me a solid heavy duty automobile any day of the week over that minuscule death trap.
No concern here for that tiny Fiat, I just don't fit inside it. It's also overpriced when well equiped !
If you are concerned about serious damage from a large SUV of truck hit, don't worry as even a mid sized car as I drive would be in trouble from such a hit. But the mid sized car's handling makes it safer overall than a large SUV or truck.
I found with a recent rental of a mid sized car, a VW Passat 1.8L TSI, that one doesn't need to get a tiny car to get very good fuel mileage. That Passat consistently gave 41 MP(US)G at 65mph, except for Kangroo gas fill which was 10% less !
The Passat also ran very smoothly, with good acceleration. I had to watch my speed closely, even on the highway.
Should have got cruise control. Don't have to watch your speed then.
I'm selling my BMW too. I'm at the end of my free maintenance and roadside service program anyway. Like you I don't drive mine very much either. I only have around 15,000 km. I'm not sure what I will get next, perhaps another BMW, I really like the Alpina. My needs are really basic in terms of software so iDrive works fine for me. I think I still prefer built-in navigation as the tiles do not have to be downloaded over the cell service, although the inboard info does get out of date sometimes. I almost never bother plugging my phone into the car and I have a reasonable music collection stored on the local hard drive so no need really. I don't believe in reading emails while driving even if they are being read aloud. Too distracting.
When I went to the BMW dealership I almost bought the M5. It drove wonderfully, incredible performance and looked good to boot. My husband was in the in the middle of the paperwork when I noticed two new Alpina's in the back where the maintenance center was. I questioned a sales person and he said they were a special order for Mark Rich, a Bill Clinton pardoned American criminal who lives in our area. He ordered four but only paid for two so the dealer was at a lost as to what they would do with them, these things where pretty tricked out. I asked if I could drive one and then instantly knew that I wanted it more then the M5. It was fitted with a factory installed super charger that replaced the turbo, don't ask which one as I really don't know but I'll go down to the garage later and look it up. Anyway it produced a 100 more PSI then the M5, now these type of things don't thrill me but the other extras like power converters built into the back with traditional plugs for laptops, lowered profile, custom interior and bullet proof glass for the back windows kind of did. I interrupted my husband and we got the Alpina for only 5 grand more then the M5, but later found out that the Alpina cost more then a 100 grand to make. The dealer was all too happy to get rid of at least one of them, don't know why but the other one was on the lot for at least a year before they sold it at a major lost. I hope the dealership went after March Rich for whatever they lost in the deal but it's none of my business, all I know is we got a pretty incredible car for a great price that has been absolutely trouble free for the last 5 years. Kids like it too, I even caught my son hitting the back window with a bat once to show to his friends that they had a K.I.T.T. car, the little f***** didn't break the window but managed to scratch the door handle, a 500 CHF touch up job, what paint cost's that much, custom paint, it's great until you have to pay for small scratches.
I also don't like doing things with the inboard computer while driving but I do like to listen to Podcasts however I always load them before I take the car on the road. I think these in-dash entertainment systems are a really big driving hazard and should be deactivated if only one passenger is detected or until the car is motionless. I know a lot of car manufactures are now disabling controls to things like SatNav until the car is in park but if people can now install apps like Face Book or Twitter in them, I think these restrictions should also apply. I am so adamant about this that I would even vote in a law that permits the installation of cell jammers in cars, only to be disabled when the car is in park. I know this sounds like an overkill but if you've read the statics of how many people are injured or worst killed by people texting or talking on their phones and is progressing each year, something drastic needs to change. Maybe even forcing mobile manufactures to install something on the hardware level that disables the phones connection when it detects movement of over 10KM, would be an easy solution as all phones have GPS now.
If your looking for a new car you should really check out the new Audi 5 series, their just incredible to drive and look at, my husband almost pulled the trigger on one to replace his leased Range Rover but was wooed by a big breasted slutty sales girl at a Maserati dealership, came home with this thing called a Ghibli. What kind of name is Ghibli, anyway I can't complain, it's only a lease and is actually cheaper monthly then his Range Rover was. I haven't driven it yet as I am on some pretty heavy medication but I have gone for a ride, it's really pretty inside but kind of stiff to drive in, turns corners like it was being chased by the cops, mid-life crisis car defiantly, at least it has 4 seats for the family. I will miss the big Range Rover though as it was perfect for going shopping and picking up plants from the nursery. The Tesla X's two back jumper seats fold down so I'll be happy, the only thing that's going to be pain is the kids will have to get out of the car before I park it in the garage, the back doors are gullwinged, cool to look at but will be fantastical pain in the butt when parking with people or kids and the dog in the back, I could have lived without them, such a boy thing to have.
Glad to hear that you're getting rid of your 4x4; only farmers need them.
Yep, gas guzzlers too, although I know why people buy the Range Rover. Not only do they have some of the most luxurious cabins in the car world but they can literally drive almost anywhere. Their very expensive though and not the most reliable cars, much better now that Lucas is out of the picture but still British none the less. My grandfather collected cars and one of his favorites was a 1972 Jaguar Type E-Type 12 Cylinder, loved that car but he always told me that the 12 actually means the amount of weeks a year it spent in the shop.
Hahahaha! That's a good one.
OT, how are you doing? I think it's now two weeks ago you wrote that you had to get back in for surgery in a fortnight, so that would be next week(?). Of course I hope you'll get better after this operation, but I also hope you will be freed from all aggressive cells and possibly get fully healthy again, if there is the slightest chance in that.
Praying for you Relic!
Hahahaha! That's a good one.
OT, how are you doing? I think it's now two weeks ago you wrote that you had to get back in for surgery in a fortnight, so that would be next week(?). Of course I hope you'll get better after this operation, but I also hope you will be freed from all aggressive cells and possibly get fully healthy again, if there is the slightest chance in that.
Praying for you Relic!
Thank you so much, it's the 12th, actually the 14th but I check in on the 12th. I even get to fly in a helicopter to Genève, better then a 3 hour train ride.
Helicopter? While that sounds cool, I certainly hope your body isn't that brittle that a helicopter is mandatory. But perhaps it takes some of the stress away, and that's a good thing. Best to you, and your loved ones.
After watching the videos @MacSince1988 and @SolipsismX linked (thank you!) I see what CarPlay is supposed to do.
A couple lingering questions:
1. I don't yet own a Siri-equipped phone so I don't know if it (she?) can select music tracks. Does anyone know if I'll be able to ask Siri to select a specific song from my local library via CarPlay?
2. Does the telephone component connect via the Lightning cable or Bluetooth? I don't want the head unit trying to decide which iPhone it should pair with when my wife and I are both in the car!
1. Yes. "Play <song> by <artist>" or "Play (the) song <song>" or "Play <song>." With the last item it will play the artist if you don't Siri to look for a song and there is an artist that has the same or similar name.
2. The telephone connects via the Lightning cable when CarPlay is in use. This is because the CarPlay is a separate UI stored in the iPhone and BT can't begin to handle the bandwidth of that GUI. Perhaps once cars get WiFi it will be an option but you'd probably want to still use a Lightning cable so it can be charged whilst driving instead of being drained. Since this is different from BT I don't see why the car can't also connect your wife's phone via BT and your iPhone via CarPlay if you want to set it up that way.
Re-reading my question, I see it can be interpreted two different ways, and I'm not sure if you answered the question I meant or the other possible interpretation!
I understand that the DEVICE (i.e. the iPhone) connects via Lightning cable. What I'm wondering is whether the audio and telephony data for a voice call is carried over that cable or via Bluetooth? If you look at the current crop of Pioneer decks slated to receive CarPlay, they all specify handling voice calls via Bluetooth even though they use the USB (Lightning) cable for everything else. I can't tell if that's something that will change when the firmware is updated to support CarPlay or if it's a design choice left up to the head-unit vendor.
In my car if I turn off BT to make sure I connect via the Lightning cable the calls still come though the USB port in my car. Why Pioneer wouldn't offer that I don't know.
Wow. Never knew I was a farmer. Thanks for your wonderful insight.