I was sitting down at Mazda's press conference at the Toronto Auto Show last February. They were presenting us their Senku concept coupe. First of all, they flaunted the futuristic (read: fantasy) characteristics of the interior, that I'm quickly noting down. Then, they tell us that the centre console includes a USB port, the same type of connection that you use on your computer to plug in your mouse, printer, joystick, etc.
This USB port in the Senku is used for downloading music or directions to reach your next destination. These files and transferred on a hard drive integrated in the dashboard.
All my computers at home have an antivirus software that is scrupulously updated, as well as a firewall to prevent viruses and Trojan horses from installing themselves inside the machines and feeling right at home.
Now, I don't want to be a sourpuss, but I have the impression that a car infected with a computer virus shouldn't be too pleasant. As for the Senku, it's very unlikely that its hard drive is connected in any way with the car's engine computer, but still... I've heard rumours that viruses exist to infect BMW's complex iDrive system. It's probably just a rumour, but it still scares the hell out of me. I also think about vehicles equipped with Bluetooth technology; could your Pocket PC or PDA, attached to your belt or sitting in your pocket, be in the process of transmitting viruses into your car, without you noticing?
Just where are we heading with all this technology? Four wheels and a steering wheel, with a good sound system, isn't that sufficient to reach our destination? Having too much of it is like not having enough. Why should we have to download directions for a trip in the Senku, since more and more vehicles are now equipped with a good navigation system, that already helps you get from point A to point B?
We can now buy cars equipped with intelligent cruise control systems, which slow your car down automatically when you get too close to the vehicle in front of you. Aah, perfect time for a nap. Hey! Isn't that dangerous?
All this technology is expensive, and when it will break, it's going to cost even more. Can't someone give us a simple car, free of all superfluous equipment, and affordable for everybody? To hell with progress!
This USB port in the Senku is used for downloading music or directions to reach your next destination. These files and transferred on a hard drive integrated in the dashboard.
All my computers at home have an antivirus software that is scrupulously updated, as well as a firewall to prevent viruses and Trojan horses from installing themselves inside the machines and feeling right at home.
Now, I don't want to be a sourpuss, but I have the impression that a car infected with a computer virus shouldn't be too pleasant. As for the Senku, it's very unlikely that its hard drive is connected in any way with the car's engine computer, but still... I've heard rumours that viruses exist to infect BMW's complex iDrive system. It's probably just a rumour, but it still scares the hell out of me. I also think about vehicles equipped with Bluetooth technology; could your Pocket PC or PDA, attached to your belt or sitting in your pocket, be in the process of transmitting viruses into your car, without you noticing?
Just where are we heading with all this technology? Four wheels and a steering wheel, with a good sound system, isn't that sufficient to reach our destination? Having too much of it is like not having enough. Why should we have to download directions for a trip in the Senku, since more and more vehicles are now equipped with a good navigation system, that already helps you get from point A to point B?
We can now buy cars equipped with intelligent cruise control systems, which slow your car down automatically when you get too close to the vehicle in front of you. Aah, perfect time for a nap. Hey! Isn't that dangerous?
All this technology is expensive, and when it will break, it's going to cost even more. Can't someone give us a simple car, free of all superfluous equipment, and affordable for everybody? To hell with progress!