CES 2009 - Car Computers are Dead. Long Live Car Computing. -by Bugbyte

**Bugbyte** · 01-23-2009, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Deric

I think OEM car manufactures will start to integrate PC functions but the scalability of the custom built CarPC will always have an appeal to those who like to tinker.

Probably true. I suspect that an in car PC will probably hang on with hobbyists longer than any other type of device mainly because it gives you the flexibility to experiement. For the general public, though, I think as soon as something easy and useful comes along, they'll go for that.

The AVIC is a great example of a device that does pretty much the main things you use a car PC for. But it is mainly purchased by people who aren't interested in tinkering with a PC. If/when something better comes along, they'll switch over to that.

**durwood** · 02-10-2009, 10:02 AM

There was a small blurb on the local news here about the Chicago autoshow coming up this weekend. They showcased a Chrysler 200C and they were demonstrating the ability of an Iphone to sync to it and control pretty much anything electronic in the car.

**Bugbyte** · 02-11-2009, 11:29 AM

Wanted to link this thread to a new one on the use of iPhone in the car. A very early proof of concept experiment that demonstrates what I am talking about.

While this one is iPhone specific, it doesn't have to be and there is also an example of an HTPC running Windows Mobile that pre-dates the iPhone example.

**TruckinMP3** · 02-11-2009, 12:06 PM

This is an interesting topic... I wonder about the auto industries ability to move forward in the challenging economy we are facing.

Many people, members here included may choose to not buy a car or keep the car they have longer due to money concerns.

That being said, I look forward to seeing the ideas get released and figure out what I can do with the parts that I like.

**thomasamiller** · 05-25-2009, 04:27 AM

I tend to agree, I would love the auto industry to adopt a standard API for all the equipment in the car. Then people could customize the way their car works via software modules. Things like interior lights, power outlets, satellite radio could all be customized and work in a generic way. I could program it so that if XM played a song with a keyword it will dim my car dome light. All through a standard API that all the car manufactureres would adopt. I am a dreamer

**Marvin Hlavac** · 05-25-2009, 09:06 PM

Bugbyte wrote:

> This was the first time I've ever been to CES...
>
> ...The days of the car PC are numbered.

I suspect any consumer electronics show even any time in the past could make such impression upon anyone. CarPC has never been for the masses, and it never will be. It is for a very small market segment.

For my personal needs a PC will unlikely be ever replaced by a telephone.

__________________
Laptop GPS World

**Bugbyte** · 05-26-2009, 01:07 PM

I phrased it a bit dramatically, but when I say that the days are numbered, I mean that the reasons that a majority of car PC'ers run a car PC are being replaced by the mobile device for less money and at similar quality.

That doesn't beat a personally customized car PC, though. Probably won't for quite some time. But I do think it will happen. What are some of you personal needs that a smart device (not necessarily a telephone) can't replace?

**Marvin Hlavac** · 05-27-2009, 07:57 AM

Hmm, I would have to sit down and think to really give a good answer to that.

Just from the top of my head, the ability to run "normal" Windows OS is likely one of the top reasons. No other OS can compete with the vast selection of programs for XP / Vista.

Screen size is another important factor, but I think it was already mentioned on page 1 of this thread.

__________________
Laptop GPS World

**Rick99TAWS6** · 05-29-2009, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

What are some of you personal needs that a smart device (not necessarily a telephone) can't replace?

For the most part I agree that a mobile device would meet most needs - but of course I do have a application(HPTuners) which is always running for scanning and tuning of my motor and transmission, it has some real fun USB drivers with it - I could see a scanning solution offered but doubt that tuning would ever be

and of course there are always those like us who like to play with this stuff or are not satisfied with the offerings

**Bugbyte** · 05-29-2009, 09:35 AM

From the two responses by Marvin and Rict99TAWS6 I think it is accurate to say that it would be hard for the current crop of mobile phone/smart devices to provide the breadth of programs that are currently available for the PC.

I would agree that the LAST thing that a mobile smart device will replace is a specialty program. However, I can envision running specialty apps on a Windows server out on the net somewhere with a hardware device providing the data interface and the phone/smart device providing the user interface and perhaps the network connection.

A future scenario, to be sure, but I can see how if might be technically feasible if the issues of screen size and data latency could be overcome.