Live data from Hacker News

Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

wsj.com

11–20 of 174 posts

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#12
post #6

At first I thought this was crazy. Then I realized it's all about extending Apple's ecosystem of hardware + software + services. Better together. Plus, they make their profits off hardware.

Wow, two downvotes in ten minutes! I'm honestly at a loss as to why. If anyone could clue me in, I'd be grateful. Thanks.

Edit: very funny, you mysterious downvoters. Now the downvotes are on _this_ comment, and the original one has been upvoted 4 times. And I still haven't learned how/why I should change my behavior in the future. The only thing I've learned is that up/down voting seems to be random.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#13
I would say apple has no domain expertise and they should focus on what they focus on. This is positive news for the "future" no matter how it is seen.

It might very well be the largest mistake Apple has ever done and seal its demise or the smartest move and they will be a global dominant company even more so than today...

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#15

"Apple would be looking to make such an enormous leap from its core competency — building great consumer electronics". Don't electric cars fall into the category of consumer electronics?

I agree that they phrase it oddly, but I would argue that cars are a product category with more user expectations about the particulars of functionality, and is thus less open to apple's typical refinements.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#16
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Enter WSJ headline into Google News search box. The corresponding link bypasses the paywall.

Right you are! Here's the link for anyone interested: http://www.wsj.com/articles/apples-titan-car-project-to-chal...

It would seem the link only works if the referral is from google.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#17
post #9
post #5

Nice of Elon Musk to open source Tesla's patents, will make things easier for Apple.

Who would you rather buy from though? The innovator, or the imitator? Price may be the differentiating factor, but I think most ppl would choose the innovator.

I think Apple has a big enough name that them being the "imitator" won't scare anybody off. I also think that Apple is a bigger household name than Tesla.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#18

"Apple would be looking to make such an enormous leap from its core competency — building great consumer electronics". Don't electric cars fall into the category of consumer electronics?

My first thought as well, if anything I can think of two reasons why Apple would be building their own car:

1. Compete in luxury electric automotive market. Motivation is there, but I find it dubious that Apple will go for it. On the other had Apple does have everything they need to become strong player in this field (engineers, cash, supply chain, strong U.S. lobbying presence, and army of lawyers)

2. Get competence on how to build cars in order to be able to rapidly prototype integration of Apple products with car entertainment systems. Possibly design said entertainment systems for car manufacturers, or at least influence the design to give apple products an edge.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#19
Could this be a form of concept car for Apple to test hardware/software on without any real intention of making their own car?

Maybe it's a demonstration platform to show partners what a well integrated system could feel like. Perhaps Apple wants to make the guts of the car control/infotainment system instead of just projecting an image over the OEM system.

Early reports on CarPlay from various vendors said that they varied widely in hardware speed/quality (I believe Ferrari's was said to be pretty bad). Apple doesn't like relying on third parties for their user experience (see: Moto ROKR).

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#20
post #9
post #5

Nice of Elon Musk to open source Tesla's patents, will make things easier for Apple.

Who would you rather buy from though? The innovator, or the imitator? Price may be the differentiating factor, but I think most ppl would choose the innovator.

Most people don't decide which product to buy based on who was first. If a competitor produces a quality alternative, they will compare the two and buy the one they like more (Where the product they like more is subjective and base on many factors).
Post reply on HN