Which mobile company will win the auto market ?

I struggle using Siri to call a restaurant or fedex. I spend 2 entire minutes while driving finding the right location, and often it registers my “yes” as a “yet” and I have to start over.  The process is tolerable at best.

The outstanding question I have asked for the last 2 years is why is the car integration so bad? Apple knows I am sync’d via bluetooth, so why is the font so small, why is the UI not responsive, why can I not utilize something that minimizes the total number of touches?

It looks like finally that apple has started to form the strategic partnerships in auto interiors.  The race to the TV entertainment center has been amended to also include auto integration. And why not. We have become partial cyborgs in terms of mapping, directions, and search, and cars seem like one of the most underutilized places for tech and multitasking. Not that multitasking is safe, but I am just saying the technology and displays in car has been lagging compared to the rest of our entertainment universe.

According to PSFK,  the following auto makers will sign on:  Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo initially. BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp

I am excited to see how mobile continues to integrate into our daily commute.

 

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The 3 Places that Innovation Really Come From

1. Firms with a lot of money or time.

Not always, but if you have the right culture, drive, and resources, you have the opportunity to be more creative. This does not guarantee results, but there is a reason a handful of firms continue to win Lion awards and adage mentions.  Certain places attract talent, and those places often attract jobs and resources that allow that to continue.  Culture can build culture.

2. From other industries who have a new perspective on an old problem. 

People always say great minds think alike. Really, great minds don’t.  Being the odd man out, can give you a different way of approaching a problem, and sometimes you are the disruption that everyone has been looking for.

3. From the bottom up. Out of Necessity. 

The opposite side of the spectrum is the underdog.  Ones that want it better then anyone else, and will sacrifice everything to get it.  More then resources, timing, its drive and passion that can find a way.  Sometimes even a bit of crazy.

 

Im not saying that innovation always leads to results. Thats a different topic.  But when you are looking for disruption, creativity, or different – those are the 3 places I would start.  As always, context and execution are everything.

-pd