
Apple recently took out a patent for a car dashboard, on the heels of the iOS In the Car app released earlier in the year. With Android taking a big chunk of iPhone sales away, Apple is serious about diversifying revenue streams and making their way into your next car.
The patent is for a car display interface that can control nav, music, HVAC, wiper and defrosters. Apple is working to involve tangible feedback from the system. While operating the interface the screen would respond beyond a subtle vibration (shot at Cadillac). The screen could include raised edges, indents and grooves to make finding controls easier when barreling down the highway.
Already iOS In the Car will be offered by 12 makers next year, so it’s interesting that all in car interfaces could potentially be homogenized similar to the way iTunes took over music management for most people. BMW has already stated they are not on board with this venture.
With Ford/Lincoln already heavily into Sync with Microsoft, will cars be the next PC vs Mac debate?