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Comment by dv_dt | Hacker News Reader

I don't even want a modular computer slot - I just want a built-in 'remote' display panel & speakers. Just setup a peripherial that can be wirelessly or usb/lightning cable linked that also transmits the touch info back to my phone and plays sound.

Maybe a switch to flip the display to access direct car controls (but really just give me hard-buttons/dials etc for climate control and keep the consumer electronic part simple and separate).

Extra points if there's a standard for sending car control api calls back and forth to the phone, but 90% of utility could just be handled with a remote touch display.

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You are exactly describing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Do you think those are physical switches in cars with tactile components? All of that UX stuff is still backed by a controller. If they are going to proved a remote display, i would prefer those pieces to be integrated so that if I move my mobile device to a different vehicle, then that vehicle imports my settings. While we are wishing for horses, we might as well make them unicorns :D

That's basically Android Auto.

Why not both? Eventually whatever connection you're using will be dated and considered inefficient crap. Would you want to have to deal with Bluetooth 1.0 today?

Use a standard modular platform so you can hook up whatever SoC you like. Whenever the old one gets dated, upgrade it and get all the latest fancy radios.

A modular platform is a much fatter interface than a display + touch peripheral. To me larger, more complex interface is more likely to go out of date and focused minimal interfaces last longer. People are still using VGA today, and will be using HDMI/DVI for a long long time. Whatever I carry as a phone is going to be updated much more frequently than my car or even a radio/consumer electronics module in my car.

USB C 3.1 is likely to stay. Video, audio, networking, power, and of course electronic peripherals. In one cable.

We're in agreement there, I'd prefer a USB link to a proprietary automaker module interface buried in the dash. The bigger problem is to me is that auto makers don't want to make a simple elegant peripheral interface as much as they want to own more of the value in the vehicle - which leads to more complex modules and are likely to put more effort into a more easily outdated interface.

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