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Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

wsj.com

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Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#61

Post by kryptiskt »

r00fus wrote: post #47

On one hand, Apple is clearly not in their wheelhouse when it comes to vehicles - even Google has more experience than them. On the other hand, I would kill for an electric (or even hybrid) minivan. The Model-S with 2 extra seats just isn't enough room. On the gripping hand, look at how Apple played the industry and pundits on sapphire. Where is WSJ getting their info - they didn't even describe their sources.

Did Apple play anybody on sapphire (except for the supplier)? The press rumors were mostly true in hindsight, Apple had big sapphire plans (and there's real estate to prove it), it just didn't work out.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#62

Post by orbifold »

trhway wrote: post #49
orbifold wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you are deluding yourself, if you believe that an average person would choose their car based on the entertainment system.

>I think you are deluding yourself, if you believe that an average person would choose their car based on the entertainment system. who said entertainment system? Design is among, if not the, main aspects when people decide on tech choice. With cars being electric - simple commoditized drivetrain - design will become even more important.

I'm pretty sure design wise the entertainment system would be the only thing they could beat the designers of Porsche, Mercedes etc. at, I have less doubt that they might be able to kill off some of the American car manufacturers.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#64

Post by adventured »

kryptiskt wrote: post #61
r00fus wrote: post #47

On one hand, Apple is clearly not in their wheelhouse when it comes to vehicles - even Google has more experience than them. On the other hand, I would kill for an electric (or even hybrid) minivan. The Model-S with 2 extra seats just isn't enough room. On the gripping hand, look at how Apple played the industry and pundits on sapphire. Where is WSJ getting their info - they didn't even describe their sources.

Did Apple play anybody on sapphire (except for the supplier)? The press rumors were mostly true in hindsight, Apple had big sapphire plans (and there's real estate to prove it), it just didn't work out.

It's also worth noting that they appear to still be working on the sapphire concept.

"GT Advanced officially confirmed its settlement with Apple and the closure of some of its sapphire plants. As part of the deal, Apple will recover its $439 million pre-payment made to GT Advanced over the course of four years, without interest. The Mesa factory will be closed and all of its 650 employees laid off, but GT will retain ownership of production and ancillary assets. GT and Apple will “continue their technical exchange,” and work on developing next generation sapphire crystal."

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-sapphire-screen-su...

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#65

Post by notatoad »

r00fus wrote: post #47

On one hand, Apple is clearly not in their wheelhouse when it comes to vehicles - even Google has more experience than them. On the other hand, I would kill for an electric (or even hybrid) minivan. The Model-S with 2 extra seats just isn't enough room. On the gripping hand, look at how Apple played the industry and pundits on sapphire. Where is WSJ getting their info - they didn't even describe their sources.

Google only has experience in vehicles because they started up a vehicles program. If apple wants to get into vehicles, they have to start somewhere too. "they haven't done it before" is not a good reason why they aren't doing it.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#66

Post by bsdetector »

orand wrote: post #58
ohquu wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Stop caring so much.

I don't care. And I'm not offended or upset in the slightest. I'm simply curious. And mildly amused.

Karma actually has a real value on HN because it prevents some people from downvoting. If an Google fan keeps an Apple fan below the karma threshold then the Apple fan won't be able to shape future discussions. The system encourages people to downvote even reasonable comments that are from the "other team". You ran into somebody like that.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#67

Post by leereeves »

cgusto wrote: post #63

Wow, this rumor is out of control. I guarantee they are not working on a complete vehicle. Probably battery systems and some type of autonomous control, if anything. I think this is just a moonshot program to attract engineering talent.

That's what I thought at first too, but as I thought about it, I began to wonder.

They certainly have the chutzpah to try, and they have an ocean of money to spend overseas. A longshot bet on building another trillion dollar product might be preferable to paying corporate and personal income tax on dividends.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#69

Post by trhway »

orbifold wrote: post #62
trhway wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>I think you are deluding yourself, if you believe that an average person would choose their car based on the entertainment system. who said entertainment system? Design is among, if not the, main aspects when people decide on tech choice. With cars being electric - simple commoditized drivetrain - design will become even more important.

I'm pretty sure design wise the entertainment system would be the only thing they could beat the designers of Porsche, Mercedes etc. at, I have less doubt that they might be able to kill off some of the American car manufacturers.

>the only thing they could beat the designers of Porsche, Mercedes etc.

i think electric cars for some segment like "Millenial urbanites" would be a market where Porsche and Mercedes don't have any starting advantage in car design over Apple as all their established design themes of high power/dynamics, masculinity, posh-ness, etc... wouldn't resonate that much there.

Re: Apple Gears Up to Challenge Tesla in Electric Cars

#70

Post by orand »

bsdetector wrote: post #66
orand wrote: post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't care. And I'm not offended or upset in the slightest. I'm simply curious. And mildly amused.

Karma actually has a real value on HN because it prevents some people from downvoting. If an Google fan keeps an Apple fan below the karma threshold then the Apple fan won't be able to shape future discussions. The system encourages people to downvote even reasonable comments that are from the "other team". You ran into somebody like that.

Ah, interesting! Thanks for sharing. I thought my comment was fairly ambiguous as to which "team" I'm on (I develop for both iOS and Android), but I guess when it comes to these kinds of polarizing politics, if someone doesn't immediately identify with your viewpoint, you must be from the "other team".
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