VW, Apple 'iCar' in the works?

Could two icons of aesthetics be on the verge of announcing a fruitful partnership?

Apple and Volkswagen are reported to be in talks about an "iCar" or car integration system, according to reports from German magazine Capital and the Associated Press.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Audi Chairman Martin Winterkorn, who heads the Audi brand group that includes Volkswagen, met recently in California to discuss ideas, but no concrete plans, a Volkswagen representative told the Associated Press.

"We wouldn't comment on rumors and speculation," said Tom Neumyar, senior manager for iPod and iTunes at Apple.

Volkswagen of America would neither confirm nor deny the reports.

Volkswagen has been concentrating on the development of its navigation and human interface, Frank Weith, technical strategy manager for Volkswagen of America, told CNET News.com in an interview last week.

Its customers can expect to see some interesting things in this space in the near to long-term future, said Weith.

"I look at the vehicle as being static in a sense where you can create an environment where the vehicle can be connected to your home system. You can download your iTunes. We have a navigation companion on our Web site. You can download your trip, where you're going and, eventually, depending on the access, to download a movie. You can create the environment that you would like to have but make it static, download a week of your Internet," he said.

A Volkswagen/Apple partnership could give new cause for a leopard-themed Beetle.

(Credit: Volkswagen)

[shycelticwitch]

If anyone can do it, Apple can

God help us if Microsoft attempts anything similar. Considering
the hackability of their operating system, we'd be in HUGE trouble...

[mvpcarl]

Wow...

You are obviously incredibly attached to your little hippie machine. Are you one of those Goth kids who gather with 20 other freaks and dress in black, grow your hair out, and sit around your parents basements trying to compile "cool" movies using iMovie? Grow up. Your attempt to be different and cool have definitely failed. Good day sir.

[rdnetto]

They already have. IIRC, it hads this bug where the engine shutdown if you reached exactly 100 km/hr. (or was it mph?)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Mobile#Automobiles

[amngstmod]

iDrive?

if only that cheeky bmw set hadn't already brought the obvious
name to reality.

[Riquez-001]

click wheel steering?

The 'if anyone can' thread had me distracted there for a
moment...

Anyway, what I was going to say was: This will be interesting to
see what happens. I'm assuming it's going to be just in car
entertainment, because I don't think I like the idea of Apple
getting involved in the actual driving part - I'm jokingly
imagining a giant touch sensitive iPod click wheel instead of a
steering wheel & you have to rapidly rotate your finger to make
those turns.
Yes, that would be silly - but there is potential for navigation
system, on board chat, music & movies etc.
I can't see Apple putting that much commitment to this though
& it's likely to be little more than a fancy iPod system for your
car.
When Apple co-operate with other companies, it's usually a
small detail - like with that Razr? Phone - There wasnt much
Apple involvement there. If they were to make a car, it would
have to be the whole thing & with all the new iPods, Leopard &
Macs to concentrate on, I'd be surprised if they have time to fit a
car in!

[RememberEZ]

Another feature to include

Please include key systems that empower the car owner...

Allow the owner to make/remake car keys ANYtime ANYwhere.

Insure that no two cars will have the same set of keys.

The above can be easily provided at very little cost.

[Vegaman_Dan]

iBrakes not available after iCar OS update

We're sorry, but the feature 'iBrakes' has been removed from your updated iCar OS. Please use 'iScream' instead. We found that while the majority of users of iCar loved this feature, we wanted to remove it to make room for our new iFootrest instead.

Enjoy your car's new features!

(And for those of you using Windows Auto 2008, we are still working on the BSOD issues affecting your airbag systems. Please be patient- or patients at your local hospital.)

[Macbrewer]

Isolating engine noise within the sound system would be cool.

VW is known for some fantastic diesel engines. They have
made really quiet ones lately, but with the sound system they
could isolate the rest of it (for the driver and passengers) at
least.

Just put in a sound system that cancels out the sound of the
engine. Make it synch with videos and MP3/ACC playlists
("VDub Tunes" or "Car MOOVs" etc... when you park it in the
garage. Of course, include chargers for all iPods and Mac
Books.

Not sure I like the idea of in car chatting, at least not for the
driver or even front seat. Kids would love a video chat with kids
in other iCars or the internet via cell (pretty good service on the
highways). Just surfing in the car in the back seat, at any rest
area, etc. along the way would make sense.

Maps, well, duh. There is a lot that could be done pretty easily
when you consider all that is in place via the internet and iPhone
and iPod already.

Keys? Don't be silly. Unlock your car with a password from any
computer on the 'net.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Remote unlocking

" Keys? Don't be silly. Unlock your car with a password from any computer on the 'net."

Or let anyone else on the Net do it for you too... without your knowledge. :)

[apoluo]

A good example

Just another accident looking for a victim!

[StevenMShort]

Did you guys see this post: http://digg.com/apple/Apple_To_Save_GM_and_Introduce_The_iCar

Maybe Apple and GM? isn't there an announcement tomorrow from GM?