This weekend I heard about something called CarPlay.
Apple’s newly announced CarPlay, which is the rebranded version of iOS in the Car, a system for converting your vehicle’s in-car entertainment system into an iOS-powered dashboard fed content and brains by your phone, is a play that could massively expand the Apple mobile ecosystem – by turning cars into app-enabled iPhone accessories.
CarPlay essentially makes your iPhone available on the dashboard, of your car.
Hold me back.
First of all, the name CarPlay disgusts me and enrages me. Perpetuating the myth that our cars are a place of play, especially when driving, is dangerous and honestly, un-ethical.
Who has not heard officials say "texting and driving is not safe?"
Having all of these things available on your dashboard is horrifying.
If you click on Apple's definition you will be amazed at how they describe CarPlay:
CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your cars built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive message, and listen to music, all in a way that allows you to stay focused on the road. Just plug in your iPhone and go.
I'm kind of shaking as I type that.
What a joke.
Here is a message from Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx off of Distraction.Gov:
Texting and cell phone use behind the wheel significantly increases a driver's risk of crashing. Even a single, momentary distraction while driving can cause a lifetime of devastating consequences.
Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation has pushed for good laws, tough enforcement, and increased public awareness to help combat the deadly epidemic of distracted driving.
Mr. Foxx, how can something like CarPlay be legal?
What is going on that people believe that this can be OK to sell?
This is madness.
I implore you not to get this feature on your car and to ask why this is OK.
Seriously, this is sick and wrong.