The use of a proprietary cable and connection for iPod integration is a telltale sign of how automakers are typically behind the technology curve compared with most consumer electronics devices. It's also an indication of how long it takes automakers to implement the latest tech trends and ditch outdated ones.
For example, whereas most of the industry has moved on the more universal USB port, a few holdouts still remain, including Volkswagen. The 2014 VW Jetta GLI Autobahn with Nav model I recently tested had a proprietary iPod cable in the center console storage compartment.
As you can see in the photo above, the short length of the iPod cable caused my iPhone to dangle over the cupholders in the center console. It's meant to be stowed in the armrest storage bin, but if you do that, you can't access the phone at all.
While this is a small annoyance, at least I own an iPhone, so I’m not shut out from having a way to plug in my device.
If you own an Android, BlackBerry or Windows device, you’re relegated to the aux-in jack in the dash or to transmitting audio wirelessly via Bluetooth. In both cases you have to use the controls on the device rather than on the car’s touch screen, which can be more distracting.
While swapping a proprietary iPod cable for a USB port may be something that an automaker like VW may not be able to address until the next design cycle, it could at least make the cord a little longer.
And it's better than VW's other method of storing the cable for an Apple device in the glove box, as pictured below.
Source: MSN
No comments:
Post a Comment