@DennisQ Car manufacturers have included the option of built in devices for the entertainment of those in the backseat for quite a few years now. I've made do without it as a parent, but I can understand the attraction for those constantly badgered by "Are we there yet?" or the bickering that tends to ensue when children are bored of sitting for so long.
Based on past experience, I would be wary of touch screen technology in anything more important than a handheld game or small appliance. In an automobilr appication, I expect a 10 year life at a minimum for essential devices. I think your article title says it all.
@Ariella, that's a good link, and I do agree somewhat on their overall concern.
This is a tough one. On one hand, it is clear consumers want more connectivity built-in to their cars. On the other hand, certain features could truly affect consumer safety: besides the obvious problems associated with distracted driving, you certainly wouldn't want someone to be able to defrost, as Barbara mentions.
I think it's very important to ensure that implementation of such control schemes will not potentially leave the driver unable to perform certain crucial tasks. It's fine if they can't play MP3s, but if they can't access basic, expected features that have been standard in cars for 10-20 years, that's a big problem.
All this being said, I think there are less issues in regards to putting technology into the backseats of cars to keep kids entertained. If anything, the ability to keep kids occupied and entertained may result in increased driver safety!
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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