There. Stop whining. LOL

 

^^^ LOL....nice Andrew.



Guys, just relax. Let's get out of Winter and we'll see interior shots sometime soon.

 

I have a theory, and its just a theory:

Acura did not want to show the interior because they weren't allowed to. Honda has signed an agreement with Apple to include CarPlay for their upcoming models. Acura/Honda probably had a confidentiality agreement with Apple in place that would not allow them to show CarPlay until Apple announced it publicly. Since the Detroit auto show was before the public announcement (with pictures) from Apple, they decided not to show the interior. Interior shots could give clues to software/hardware interfaces, even if they are turned off, and therefore risk violation of the CA.

Just a theory.

 

They could have shown the interior without tipping off carplay, but it is possible. I still lean to the reason being it was a prototype and showing production interior would have taken some of the sex appeal away from the prototype.

 

I hope not, it looks like a freaking iphone or ipad turned sideways. I'm not an iphone fan at all. Although, I do own an ipad and a macbook pro. I just wonder how this would work with my android phone if Acura does decide to put car play in the the TLX. The Android better work with all the same features as an iphone if so.

https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/

 

It won't work with Android phones. They did mention that "Honda" vehicles would have Carplay this year. Maybe this is why the car was delayed... and why it will have no exposed exhaust tips.

 

That's kind of a deal breaker for me. I will be forced to buy an Iphone for this car? Unless its only offered as an additional package then I can just leave it off. But here is another tech tid-bit.

CarPlay infotainment will runs on BlackBerry QNX.
QNX will run the system and CarPlay wil be the interface, and this may extend to Android as well...

 

I believe if you look at the prototype in some shots and videos you can see the current RDX/MDX/RLX top of dash layout so again I don't expect many surprises with the interior.

 

Here is something on QNX.
http://techland.time.com/2014/03/04/...-qnx-platform/

I couldn't tell you the OEM process if I knew it, but I suppose it's possible that Google could imbed a system that could interface with the QNX backbone. Whether automakers would integrate it is another question. There are so many players here but (IMO) the bottom line appears to be that CarPlay is an Apple developed product designed to sell more Apple devices.

From what I observe, Apple has used their clout to get electronics manufacturers on board (head units are all sub-contracted), and they have the auto manufacturers on board. It seems to me that it would be in Apple's interests to insure their development money isn't wasted by setting up some exclusivity arrangements or protections to keep others from accessing the framework?

On a personal note, I'd prefer not to support Android at this time. Whenever we need to pair a customer's phone, if there is a problem, it's always with the Android. Too many versions of the OS, too many combinations of phones and carriers and I don't think I should have to become a phone 'expert' just to do my job. Also, don't underestimate the impact this will make in the service department. With CarPlay alone, there are now three parties involved (Apple, Acura, Radio Mfg) if there is troubleshooting needed... can you imagine all three pointing fingers at eachother? With Android it would be worse since there is Google (software) and the phone maker (hardware) involved.

 

Here's a lil' article that explains it some. You WON'T have to get an iphone to work with your new car. From my understanding of the article, QNX is going to run the infotainment system, and Carplay is just going to be a skin on the existing OS IF you have an iphone to pair with it.

"Apple’s CarPlay integration is something that sits on top of the existing infotainment system in cars."

"No iPhone, you get whatever terrible infotainment system your car comes with. Have your iPhone connected? You get the CarPlay interface with the ability to switch back to the car manufacturer’s system."

http://bgr.com/2014/03/05/apple-carp...launch-review/

 

Don't worry: There have been news stories about Honda running a google OS as well. Considering how bad most information systems are, I can't complain if Acura goes either way. Slight edge to Google, less Apple Maps guides our cars into bodies of water.

 

To use the features of Carplay, you'll need an iPhone since it requires the Lightning connector. Car manufacturers can support competing standards as well, from what I understand. Honda had said they'd support a similar Android offering called Open Automotive Alliance. So my guess is that one car may be able to support multiple offerings?

 

Nothing all that new regarding Acura. They ALWAYS only trickle out new model information. Frankly, I'm surprised they have let anyone see the TLX exterior already, given the launch was still months away.

I know when my dealer had the grand unveiling of the 4G TL, I hadn't even seen it except in camo'd "spy shots" in trade rags. Once I saw it at the dealership, I was pleasantly surprised.

 

They had better support both. Regardless which they choose, alienating a large percentage of phone users is not best practice.

 

I wish everyone would stop bending over for Apple.

 

 

Well it is really just an Apple shell on a QNX OS, but it's still not wise to use the horrible Apple Maps to go anywhere. I really don't like the amount of texting and driving, so the solution should be to ban these systems, not make it more complex.

 

Acura already posted a video that shows the interior.

 

With regards to Carplay, there's still no evidence the TLX will support it, but I found the following article interesting :


http://www.roadandtrack.com/genevamo...google?src=rss


I find it interesting simply because it's basically saying Mercedes is giving the user a choice between Android or Apple for extending the functionality of their infotainment systems while other manufacturers may (are?) not.


To add fuel to the not-yet-much-of-a fire, Honda has said they would support Carplay and also is one of the founding members of the Android group called Open Automotive Alliance.


From the article above :


Shortly after Apple announced the launch of its CarPlay system, Mercedes-Benz joined Ferrari and Volvo in supporting the iOS extension to its infotainment system in the new C-Class. Unlike the Swedes and Italians, the same Mercedes press release also announced plans to support Google's in-car efforts based on Android.

...

As the mobile marketplace continues to evolve, it's a smart move on Daimler's part to build a system that can support whatever technology a driver decides to use over the lifetime of a car, which is typically about 10 times as long as the lifespan of a phone. If other mobile platforms become popular, Daimler could probably add support for whatever comes along with a software update. Other automakers would be wise to follow Daimler's lead and avoid locking themselves into any one system.

 

Bahahaha. Trolls. Best ever.

 

A pic from China.