Cars Are Now Rolling Computers: So What Happens When They Stop Getting Updates?

[vdeane]

Interesting article from Wired about how automakers are having to contend with figuring out how long to support software features and how to ensure that they'll work that long.  It looks like we might be looking at planned obsolescence for cars like we already do for phones (and, for people who don't run Linux, desktop/laptop computers).  What's missing from the article, however, are the security implications of a car that's connected to the internet but not receiving updates.  This is especially noteworthy as cars aren't more secure than phones or desktop/laptop computers - the automakers actually have a reputation for making software that's LESS secure.  A LOT less.

https://www.wired.com/story/cars-are-now-rolling-computers-so-how-long-will-they-get-updates-automakers-cant-say/

[ZLoth]

I am part of the users whose vehicle no longer has OnStar support. The reason? 3G support which was a very much a viable option when my vehicle was first put into production, is no longer supported by any of the mobile providers, and there is no way to upgrade the radio to support 4G. My vehicle was assembled in May, 2013.

[Scott5114]

It looks like we might be looking at planned obsolescence for cars...

If there's one way to shock the US into becoming a transit-oriented country, it's this. New cars are already expensive enough that a lot of people can't afford them and can only afford used cars. (And even used cars are too expensive for some Gen Zers.) If the used-car market gets destroyed by a profit grab in the form of planned obsolescence, car ownership will be out of reach for enough people that you then have critical mass for cities that don't have trains to start getting them.

[kalvado]

I would hope for some upgradeability to be designed into the cars. EU mandates certain support window for parts, concept can be extended to feature support as well.
I am not sure Android Auto and Bluetooth would age nicely as well.
My humble opinion is that some standardized entertainment units, which could be upgraded without affecting core functions like engine ignition control, should become the thing.

[Max Rockatansky]

I am part of the users whose vehicle no longer has OnStar support. The reason? 3G support which was a very much a viable option when my vehicle was first put into production, is no longer supported by any of the mobile providers, and there is no way to upgrade the radio to support 4G. My vehicle was assembled in May, 2013.

The MyLink system on my 2014 Sonic went bust when I was approaching 100,000 miles.   I never bothered to fix it given the car was old and there was nothing broken that made it go.  I would imagine my feelings to my current aged car will still be predicated on whether or not it is mechanically sound.

[WillWeaverRVA]

Interesting article from Wired about how automakers are having to contend with figuring out how long to support software features and how to ensure that they'll work that long.  It looks like we might be looking at planned obsolescence for cars like we already do for phones (and, for people who don't run Linux, desktop/laptop computers).  What's missing from the article, however, are the security implications of a car that's connected to the internet but not receiving updates.  This is especially noteworthy as cars aren't more secure than phones or desktop/laptop computers - the automakers actually have a reputation for making software that's LESS secure.  A LOT less.

https://www.wired.com/story/cars-are-now-rolling-computers-so-how-long-will-they-get-updates-automakers-cant-say/

As I said over on Facebook, this is partially why I'm doing everything I can to keep my 2007 Camry on the road, because I'm concerned about the hackability of today's much more computer-integrated vehicles. It seems that more and more automakers are going down Tesla's road of having a completely "smart" car (not to be confused with Smart cars, also known as "certain death if you're ever involved in a collision"), beyond just having radio/multimedia/GPS displays that are basically tablets. The 2025 Camry (only available as a hybrid) has a completely computerized HUD with no analog gauges or speed/tachometers - if that breaks you basically have a brick.

[mgk920]

Just like with 'touchscreen' controls, could this also result in a public outcry for a return to the 'old school' way of doing things?

Mike

[roadman65]

Well I can say this, collection agencies love this as they can repossess a car by using a GPS to find it.

The mechanics can see your driving habits to determine factors on what you do to create problems and such. They know when you need an oil change and such. Clark Howard says they use it to report common driving habits for whatever other reasons.

[ZLoth]

The car companies are not known for embracing the "latest and greatest" in technology, and some of the past choices in implementing technology have left some head scratching, including using some underpowered processors in the integrations. Then, you have certain companies who want to implement their own "smart solution" instead of utilizing the standard Android Auto or Carplay solutions already availalbe.

As for Bluetooth, the newer standards are backwards compatible with the older standards. It's here to stay since CD players are practically obsolete.

[roadman65]

Meanwhile the consumer has to pay for this added shit to your vehicles.  At one time computers were luxury items and an expensive option.

Even power windows were an option founded in cars except Lincoln's and Cadillacs where, for obvious reasons, were standard. Now they're standard to all buyers as we all know.  Todays kids never heard of a window crank.

[formulanone]

Just like with 'touchscreen' controls, could this also result in a public outcry for a return to the 'old school' way of doing things?

Mike

Public outcry is always attenuated by the masses swooned by shiny new objects.

[ClassicHasClass]

Just like with 'touchscreen' controls, could this also result in a public outcry for a return to the 'old school' way of doing things?

Mike

It sort of did, at least for Civics. I have an '18 Civic Si which is almost all screen controlled and there was so much backlash (it's pretty bad) that they went back to some physical controls. So there's at least a little market correction now and then.

[roadman65]

Someone once mentioned on line how Berets were for military men serving a certain amount time spent in service. Now they offer them to Privates, which got the poster upset as he considered it stolen valor to offer that to all military.

I consider technology nowadays to be that as at one time owning a  piece of the latest was a result of hard work and savings to obtain it. Nowadays everyone can obtain it eliminating that satisfaction of owning that piece of equipment one felt upon purchasing it.

Cell phones are the perfect example. When I first got mine, the average Joe didn't have one due to the cost. So in essence I felt honored to own one. Now that our society demands cell phones, it gives me that stolen valor feeling and owning a phone is like " So What?"

Ditto with computers in cars. Now society forces automakers to produce them, not only are we all possessing what only those in higher incomes once could afford, but we are forced to be in more debt due to still pay for these items that we definitely can live without.

[SEWIGuy]

Comparing military "stolen valor" to owning technology framed as "stolen valor" is quite the thing.

Anyway, what you describe has been happening for quite a long time. New inventions that were once available only to those with resources become more commonplace as production costs decrease and supply increases.

There is always new technology to purchase if you want the status symbol that comes with it.

[GaryV]

Henry Ford's wife, Clara, didn't drive a Ford car. Instead she drove a car made by Detroit Electric. That way she didn't need to use a crank start.

No cars have a crank start anymore today. The electric starter became ubiquitous - but it was not always so. For a while, it was a technology for the rich, used in luxury vehicles.

Just like any other part of technology, eventually the option becomes standard. In some cases, it's because the majority of buyers want that option, and it is less complex to build every car with the device than to skip it for a few.

It doesn't mean that something that's supposed to be exclusive it now available to the masses. It just means that technology has become more available.

[In_Correct]

Henry Ford's wife, Clara, didn't drive a Ford car. Instead she drove a car made by Detroit Electric. That way she didn't need to use a crank start.

No cars have a crank start anymore today. The electric starter became ubiquitous - but it was not always so. For a while, it was a technology for the rich, used in luxury vehicles.

Just like any other part of technology, eventually the option becomes standard. In some cases, it's because the majority of buyers want that option, and it is less complex to build every car with the device than to skip it for a few.

It doesn't mean that something that's supposed to be exclusive it now available to the masses. It just means that technology has become more available.

If any thing seems to be typed by an Artificial Intelligence, it is that has been featured inside the quote box.

[Molandfreak]

Henry Ford's wife, Clara, didn't drive a Ford car. Instead she drove a car made by Detroit Electric. That way she didn't need to use a crank start.

No cars have a crank start anymore today. The electric starter became ubiquitous - but it was not always so. For a while, it was a technology for the rich, used in luxury vehicles.

Just like any other part of technology, eventually the option becomes standard. In some cases, it's because the majority of buyers want that option, and it is less complex to build every car with the device than to skip it for a few.

It doesn't mean that something that's supposed to be exclusive it now available to the masses. It just means that technology has become more available.

If any thing seems to be typed by an Artificial Intelligence, it is that has been featured inside the quote box.

I thought it was a good post. Very interesting and educational.

[mgk920]

Agreed in many ways, ICE cars themselves at one time made the transition from 'rich mans' toys' to a practical transportation option.  But even then such things can and do often go too far.

Mike

[In_Correct]

Henry Ford's wife, Clara, didn't drive a Ford car. Instead she drove a car made by Detroit Electric. That way she didn't need to use a crank start.

No cars have a crank start anymore today. The electric starter became ubiquitous - but it was not always so. For a while, it was a technology for the rich, used in luxury vehicles.

Just like any other part of technology, eventually the option becomes standard. In some cases, it's because the majority of buyers want that option, and it is less complex to build every car with the device than to skip it for a few.

It doesn't mean that something that's supposed to be exclusive it now available to the masses. It just means that technology has become more available.

If any thing seems to be typed by an Artificial Intelligence, it is that has been featured inside the quote box.

I thought it was a good post. Very interesting and educational.

Another One ?!

The actual interesting and educational is that the technology such as Dry Erase Marker Boards, Teleprinters, Even The Internet It Self, and even in the case of Automotible Engine ... The Battery Electric, and The Diesel Electric ... and other Hybrid Engines. ... have exist more than one century now.

I most certainly do not shun technology development. I love to drive Chain car. I shall refuse to be drive the Belt car ever again. Chain car is much better.

A C.V.T. Car is not better, thus I do not like it.

And this so called technology lacks development. It is poorly designed to begin with ... perhaps if you have a Linux ... Red Hat Enterprise Linux for example ... also I support Digital Federal Credit Union ...

And as for Windows, and for Web Browsers, there are peoples that kindly made it easier to use via Extensions and other Modifications to reduce the Unwanted Nonsense. If they are going to have software in every thing, do it right the first time. However, they do not even bother. And if they are not going to bother getting it right the first time with Automobiles, that results in many more Recalls.

The reaction to Unwanted Nonsense is unacceptable. Get the Ear Pieces out of your ears before it is too late.

I should wrap this up now. I do not want to risk being late.

[hotdogPi]

I think you're the AI.

[GaryV]

I think you're the AI.

Maybe.

Because it's not me that's the AI. I'm not intelligent enough for that. I do have one artificial body part ...

[SSOWorld]

You buy a new one, just like a computer.

[Scott5114]

You buy a new one, just like a computer.

Sure, cause everyone has $50,000 to spend every 4 years on a new model.

As I said above, if that's the business model the car manufacturers want to go with, all of a sudden transit will start to look real nice for a lot of people.

[vdeane]

You buy a new one, just like a computer.

Sure, cause everyone has $50,000 to spend every 4 years on a new model.

As I said above, if that's the business model the car manufacturers want to go with, all of a sudden transit will start to look real nice for a lot of people.

I'm pretty sure the business model they want to go with is making the car itself a subscription.

[formulanone]

You buy a new one, just like a computer.

Sure, cause everyone has $50,000 to spend every 4 years on a new model.

As I said above, if that's the business model the car manufacturers want to go with, all of a sudden transit will start to look real nice for a lot of people.

I'm pretty sure the business model they want to go with is making the car itself a subscription.

Fuel, maintenance, insurance, and tag/registration are the existing subscription charges.