12 It's the designers yelling at you

The Computer Exorcist Podcast

Today we discuss the continued decline of automotive design. First up is a Porsche that uses microphones to detect if you're driving on slick roads (okay fine) but then nags and chastises you the entire time. What dawned on me is that it's not the tech necessarily - it's the designers who are yelling at you! This is why old cars are worth more - they're simple, reliable, and don't berate you.

We then reveal Ford's claim that they'd have robotaxis by 2021, GM's claim that they'd have autonomy by 2019, and Mobileye having Level 4 by 2022. Hint: None of it actually happened. The good news is, maybe none of it ever will, because these reckless, impatient jokers have no self-control and none of the tech actually works.

Then we discuss how the auto industry said "Gee whiz! People like smartphones so we'll make dashboards into smartphones!" But now you have to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen. 30 centuries later, Honda is bringing back knobs on the dashboard! Imagine that! Being able to reach down and lower your volume and climate control while keeping your eyes on the road! That used to be common sense.

Finally, Lincoln's infotainment system gets rave reviews for simplicity. That's something - although nobody driving one is actually going to use any of the advanced features. Remember when cars competed on quality and reliability, instead of gimmickry?