LinkedIn Pulse, 1-7-2017 -- My car was everything I expected it to be six years ago when I bought it for the fuel efficiency, excellent handling, and a stylish look.
Recently I purchased another car for my wife, a 2015 Mazda6 with the latest infotainment features they offered last year. We liked the built-in backup camera right up on the dashboard display.
So I found myself groveling over the basic radio that came with my beloved 2010 Mazda3 GT, and I'm not the only one.
Even though I could pair my phone through Bluetooth, the experience was lacking, and I could not see behind me without turning my head around.
How I Upgraded to a New Car
In my case, I ordered a Kenwood stereo system for roughly $600 on Crutchfield.com, and I haven't looked back since.
I'm probably first on my block to get Apple CarPlay, in a Mazda for that matter.
It took a weekend project to install, but it allowed me to connect any Android phone or iPhone to my 2010 Mazda3. The 7-inch user experience is simple, clean and efficient. My car felt brand new again, seeing as it still drove just fine.
But this made me think about how many people are struggling with the same situation. Proprietary phone connectivity is not the answer. Real solutions are necessary, or else third-party workarounds will continue to prosper and take revenue from new car sales.
Competition is Building, Leading to Change
Automakers fail to innovate on their own, and it's making other companies step in to fill the void.
We see some of the big automakers are beginning to implement these fresh technologies. Ford is offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in all their 2017 models. Meanwhile, Ford is conflicted considering their determination to maintain independence through Smart Device Link support.
In the aftermarket, companies like Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Sony are stepping up with something to offer. That's how I solved my issue, albeit not the ideal route to take.
More than 150 million Americans are using an iPhone, which is beyond the number of drivers on the road.
The lesson is clear: the automakers are failing to innovate at the pace of consumer electronics. That's why auto execs flock to CES each year to catch up, but they may be three years late.
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