By Andrew Eisner
While we were working on our report on future Apple products we started to wonder what an official Apple car might look like.
Of course, the car would be simple and fun to operate and incorporate all those benefits and limitations of being part of the Apple family but who knows if something like this could ever get beyond the drawing board. Unfortunately, we're pretty sure we'll never see a real iCar but that didn't stop us from dreaming up a list of features we think we could see in a Steve Job- inspired incredible, amazingly beautiful, revolutionary transportation device.
Drivers don't need more than one button
There will only be one button used to make the car run. The big question will be whether the button is used to make the car go, or make it stop?
A patent is pending on a new car UI
Other functions in the car will be controlled by swiping and tapping somewhere on the steering wheel or dashboard. You may have to tap the virtual gas pedal to make the car accelerate or swipe and pinch the windshield to run the iCar apps but however it works, it will be easy, intuitive and fun.
No access to sealed battery
Apple will apply its battery expertise to making the car super efficient and environmentally-friendly but the bad news is you won't have access to the battery. The car will have to be driven to an official Apple service center to have its battery changed.
Full service only at the iGas Store
The iCar will only run official, Apple-branded fuel which will only be available from Apple iGas Stores located in major metropolitan areas. The fuel might be a special blended gasoline or some special branded electricity but whatever it is it will be superior to any other fuel and will cost more too.
Proprietary connectors required
Anything attached to the car like a tow hitch will require a proprietary Apple connector. Of course U-Haul dealers and others will be happy to rent or sell you the adaptor to hook up one of their trailers.
An assortment of colors
The car will be available in an assortment of bright rainbow colors and a huge industry will spring to supply matching seat covers, floor mats and other color coordinated accessories.
Speaking of accessories ...
We predict a large third party industry for accessories to spring up around the iCar offering custom-made garages, covers, docks and even matching clothing.
iCar apps available at the iCar Store
iCar apps will be sold exclusively through the iCar store and will do things like help you find a parking space or provide precise answers to the kids when they ask, are we almost there?
What do you think?
Now that you're heard our ideas of what a Apple iCar might look like, what do you think? Did we leave anything out? Should Apple give Tesla a run for its money?
Read more at http://www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2011/04/insanely-great-apple-icar . (Eisner is director of Community and Content for Retrevo.com, a site that does research on electronic shopping).
