News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

August 30, 2007

speculation

Putting the brakes on the iCar rumors

Posted Aug. 30, ’07, 9:19 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » Speculation

VW iCarPeople have gone a little been nutty about the idea that VW and Apple are teaming up to create a “iCar.” You can find coverage at Mac sites like Ars Technica and Apple Insider, as well as at the larger gadget blogs like Gizmodo and Engadget; even mainstream press like the International Herald Tribune and Wall Street Journal have gotten in on the fun.

Me, I’m a little more skeptical. This hardly marks the first time that VW and Apple have collaborated. Earlier this year, Volkswagen launched the iGolf in Spain, a version of their compact car that had a built-in dock for the iPod that was integrated with the stereo system, much like the solutions offered by manufacturers like BMW. Better yet, the iGolf came with an 8GB nano, so you wouldn’t feel like you’d wasted all that money on a car with features that you couldn’t use.

Maybe I’m totally wrong here, but my instincts tell me that the noise we’re hearing now about Apple and the Fahrvergnügen folks is along the same lines as the iGolf, probably expanded geographically. So don’t be surprised to see the iGolf in a VW dealer near you sometime in the next year or two. But don’t get your hopes up for a shiny white, four Click Wheel-drive Apple-logoed Jetta. With a remote. ‘Kay?


4 Comments

Jacqui Cheng said:

I think it's a little unfair to finger Ars as writing about the iCar in a light that is somehow different than you are right now. We were equally skeptical if you actually read the piece.

August 30, 2007 9:36 AM
Dan Moren Author Profile Page said:

My intent was certainly not to ding you guys for your coverage; as you point out, your article (as well as Apple Insider's coverage) was on the skeptical side as well. It was more meant for context on the story. Apologies. :)

August 30, 2007 9:49 AM
jayH said:

argh.. volkswagens break like koreans :(

August 30, 2007 10:53 AM
Gatesbasher Author Profile Page said:

I hope Apple doesn't bring out a car. I couldn't handle listening to all the complaints that it's metal instead of plastic and the windshield doesn't have a matte finish!

August 30, 2007 2:01 PM

Leave a comment

 



Visit other IDG sites: