Land Rover integrates iPhone into LRX concept
updated 01:40 pm EST, Thu December 13, 2007
Land Rover turns to iPhone
Photos of the new Land Rover LRX concept car suggest extensive integration with Apple's iPhone and iPod. The vehicle offers a space in the center console where drivers can insert an iPhone to essentially make the cellular handset a part of the car's electronics. The slot is angled to allow both the driver and passenger operate the touch-screen interface while on the road, providing hands-free phone calls along with access to the music library and Google Maps, among other features specific to iPhone.
Land Rover has yet to disclose the full extent of the integration, however, and it remains to be seen whether the phone will function as the car's navigation system and jukebox.
The vehicle is a two-door SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) and is scheduled for display next month at the Detroit auto show, according to Leftlane News. Designed in the same style as the recently unveiled BMW X6, the vehicle will serve as a "crossover coupe" marketed alongside the BMW as Land Rover attempts to reach young buyers looking for an affordable "off-road coupe."
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2004
TOO integrated
I like the idea, but imagine if the phone looked like the previous nano. The current one would never fit that nice spot. The problem is, Apple will be constantly updating/changing the form factor on their products, but a car has a life of 10+ years (in general), even if the original owner doesn't keep it. I'm not sure it's a good idea to integrate such a short life product so tightly with a long life one.