[BJM]

JLG has just announced they essentially intend to go head to head with the tech industry...

The software, announced at the Los Angeles motor show on Tuesday, puts JLR’s technology up against that of Google and Apple, the Silicon Valley pioneers that have both launched in-car connected systems in the past year.

Carmakers are grappling with ways of developing connected systems that can keep pace with advances in consumer technology. The long lead times associated with vehicle development mean manufacturers’ best efforts can swiftly be outflanked by tech companies.

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/db41f448-6f37-11e4-b060-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3JSUWlHTv

 

[Winger]

I don't think that it is a very smart idea to try to pull this off on your own. Every other company that has tried hasn't ended up doing so well. They already contract out to a whole bunch of parts suppliers, why not contract out your infotainment software as well?

 

[Kingpin]

I agree, not a completely smart move, but who knows, maybe they're prove us wrong. They have done well with other things with their new vehicles so who knows.

 

[Winger]

Even if you hire really good engineers, they would have to start from scratch whereas APple and Google already have a ton of research and experience in the bank.

 

[BJM]

Even if you hire really good engineers, they would have to start from scratch whereas APple and Google already have a ton of research and experience in the bank.

not with cars they don't...

 

[Kingpin]

Hopefully they go about it the right way.
When it comes to infotainment, BMW is said to be one of the best in the industry, maybe they can take some pointers from them, along with others.

 

[Winger]

not with cars they don't...

I see what you mean, but I think that the car aspect of it isn't huge. What matters more is the interface design and such. This is exactly why tech companies would be better at making these than car companies. Car companies know cars but aren't great with user interface design. Tech companies know how to make usable consumer electronics with interfaces that make sense and menu screens that are easy to understand, etc...

 

[blueblood]

Interface, one of the reasons why I like Apple. Their interface is so user-friendly that even my 3 year old can figure out how to use it and do a darn good job at it too, better than some people i know.

 

[Winger]

Good for Jaguar if they are able to do a good job at it, but I don't think there should be any shame in outsourcing to a company that may be able to do a better job and has more expertise. I think that is a mark of good management, knowing when to delegate or outsource. I won't judge till we see what they do though.

 

[blueblood]

That's how it should be, anything that can be outsourced that should be outsourced should see to it that it happens, they can't be perfect at everything, at least it gives them more important things to focus on. Better use their resources.

 

[Winger]

And I mean Jaguar has a lot of other things to focus on. I would assume that software engineers could definitely be used in other areas of Jaguar instead of working on this. Or they could use the money they would spend on their salaries on different employees.

Jaguar seems like it should have other priorities instead.

 

[Kingpin]

And I mean Jaguar has a lot of other things to focus on. I would assume that software engineers could definitely be used in other areas of Jaguar instead of working on this. Or they could use the money they would spend on their salaries on different employees.

Jaguar seems like it should have other priorities instead.

and where do you think software engineers could be used?

 

[Manxxy]

if its part of the car how is not a priority to jaguar?

 

[blueblood]

And I mean Jaguar has a lot of other things to focus on. I would assume that software engineers could definitely be used in other areas of Jaguar instead of working on this. Or they could use the money they would spend on their salaries on different employees.

Jaguar seems like it should have other priorities instead.

 

[Winger]

I'm saying that instead of hiring software engineers, the could hire other engineers, or designers, etc... Its a huge corporation so its not like this would be a big deal, but even the software designers themselves could likely be used for different software development in the car. Most cars have a lot of computer chips that have to do with performance instead of user interface and infotainment.