Tech for the future

[Larryjb]

I'm seeing tech debated quite often. There are some who want the latest and greatest tech, and those who want a back to the basics truck. Presumably, GM knows what the consumers want and have gone super high tech. But what would happen if we were offered the following choices?

A) A truck with all the latest bells and whistles of high tech. Screens galore, simple taps on the screen to operate all the cool features in the truck. Let's forget about the problems of being driving while distracted from all this tech. And tech isn't always bad, it can allow for safer use of the vehicle such as the 360 views on the screen.

B) A truck with more conservative use of technology. It might have a screen, but a smaller one meant for viewing only when backing up or maneuvering slowly around obstacles. It returns more basic buttons for the stereo so you can change between your connected tech and the radio for road reports or news without having to take your eyes off the road. Dials for HVAC so you can actually feel the settings without taking your eyes off the road. In other words, design a tactile easy to use dashboard that can be used without ever having to take your eyes off the road. (Voice control can be frustrating, been there many times....)

C) A truck with almost no tech in it. Simple heat, AC, radio. Only have tech designed with safety in mind: backup camera, power windows (so you can open or close passenger windows), power door locks so you can control passenger door locks, key FOB so you can unlock your doors as you approach etc. But now woosie tech like heated seats, heavens no to massage seats, sunroofs that can leak, etc.

I put in 4 choices in the poll. I already kind of expect I know what I'll see, but I'm curious to find out for real.

 

[Jason in DLH]

I love tech in nearly all aspects of life. That said...I should probably go live in the middle of nowhere and get back to the basics.

 

[iamdub]

I wish we could check boxes for the specific tech options we want, just like when building/ordering a vehicle. Rather than having to select an entire technology and/or convenience group, we could select specific features of the available tech. For one, I don't want tracking (geo-locating) or vehicle reporting. I also don't want so much stuff that it crowds and over-complicates the features I DO want. Above all, I want a glitch-free and intuitive interface. All of this extra stuff is crap to me if it has glitches because I won't realize it's a glitch and will get frustrated thinking it's actually something I'm doing wrong and the UI just isn't so intuitive. It's like me trying to operate an Android device.

 

[Doubeleive]

I disagree, GM lags and lags pretty badly, they could make a lot of things much more modular but they won't, they could very easily make parts fit more years and models and extend that for decades, save production cost's, save the environment. but no "we need to change this connector" every 2 years even though the part functions exactly the same.

 

[Stbentoak]

This is why I don't understand why people want to keep there vehicles for more than say 5-6 years, 6 year old tech and safety is starting to get archaic. I most certainly understand if there are financial constraints, but some of the latest advancements can really save your neck. Any more when I look for a new vehicle, safety of me and my passengers is a higher and higher concern....
I also believe big is better than small, hence why I'm looking at a Yukon..

 

[Fless]

This is why I don't understand why people want to keep there vehicles for more than say 5-6 years, 6 year old tech and safety is starting to get archaic.

You hit on the precise issue -- planned obsolescence. The engineers and accountants know what makes people buy new, even more expensive, products. Add to that government interference (nannyism) by mandating features that aren't necessary or wanted by everyone.

 

[Larryjb]

This is why I don't understand why people want to keep there vehicles for more than say 5-6 years, 6 year old tech and safety is starting to get archaic. I most certainly understand if there are financial constraints, but some of the latest advancements can really save your neck. Any more when I look for a new vehicle, safety of me and my passengers is a higher and higher concern....
I also believe big is better than small, hence why I'm looking at a Yukon..

I am noticing that some, not all, of the safety technology is simply replacing safe driving habits. The 360 view is nice, but if you use your mirrors properly and turn around to look out the back and side windows, you can back up just as safely. A simple backup camera is, however, a necessity given that you cannot see what is immediately behind you no matter what you. Other crash avoidance systems, lane deviation systems all are replacing good driving skills. Don't drive when tired, don't tailgate, stay alert and constantly scan the road and surrounding areas ahead of you.

 

[OR VietVet]

In the poll so far the majority of us have said, "No, but I still want some tech, but give me buttons, knobs, and dials."

Kind of goes along with what is being said as well. We want SOME tech but we don't want to get ridiculous about it and make it more user friendly. IMO, GM and other vehicle companies are catering to the millennials tech savviness and hope they allow for it to go on and on. Kind of like cell phones, lots of people get a new one every year or every other year, no matter what the cost. So much safety is being done for you instead of allowing us or expecting us to use common sense and skills.

 

[exp500]

I like the modular approach mentioned. That would solve a lot of problems. I'm also a believer in open source software.
There have been some very good designs of accessories, especially motors and drives, completley ruined by ridiculous computer control systems.

 

[Stbentoak]

You hit on the precise issue -- planned obsolescence. The engineers and accountants know what makes people buy new, even more expensive, products. Add to that government interference (nannyism) by mandating features that aren't necessary or wanted by everyone.

Well not to mention the fact that they might be getting wore out, undependable, or you just don't want to fix them anymore...there's always that...

At least some nannies can be turned off... and maybe not in your case, but as I get older, I will humanly admit...I'm not quite as sharp as I once was. Without a doubt things like blind spot monitoring, and rear traffic crossing alerts, Etc. have saved my tail and possible even an injury or expensive accident. They are developments I WANT. Yes, I did all those defensive driving things others mention when I was 35, but at approaching double that age , I'll take all the help I can get in the safety and collision avoidance dept....