选题: 20190724 How BMW’s new annual fee for Apple CarPlay could define the IoT

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[#]: collector: (lujun9972)
[#]: translator: ( )
[#]: reviewer: ( )
[#]: publisher: ( )
[#]: url: ( )
[#]: subject: (How BMWs new annual fee for Apple CarPlay could define the IoT)
[#]: via: (https://www.networkworld.com/article/3411478/how-bmws-new-annual-fee-for-apple-carplay-could-define-the-iot.html)
[#]: author: (Fredric Paul https://www.networkworld.com/author/Fredric-Paul/)
How BMWs new annual fee for Apple CarPlay could define the IoT
======
BMW's plans to charge for Apple CarPlay access illustrates the promise—and the pitfalls—of the internet of things (IoT).
![Apple][1]
Apple calls CarPlay “[the ultimate co-pilot][2].” BMW calls it the “smart and fast way to conveniently use your iPhone features while in your car. ... You can control your iPhone and use apps with the touchscreen display, the iDrive Controller or voice commands.”
However you describe it, though, Apples CarPlay system suddenly finds itself in the center of what could be a defining conversation about the future of the internet of things (IoT).
You see, the German luxury carmakers plans to charge $80 a year to access CarPlay have suddenly become the talk of the internet, from [tech blogs][3] to [car sites][4]. The hue and cry makes CarPlay the perfect illustration of the promise—and the pitfalls—of the IoT.
**[ [Learn more:][5] Download a PDF bundle of five essential articles about IoT in the enterprise ]**
First, the facts: BMWs website now reveals that beginning with the 2019 model year, its turning the CarPlay interface between iPhones and the vehicles infotainment system into a subscription service. While most car manufacturers that offer CarPlay make it available free of charge, owners of the “ultimate driving machine,” will get free access for only the first year. After that, [BMW drivers will need to pony up $80 a year—or $300 for 20 years][6]—to keep using it.
### An “outrageous” fee?
Some observers are labeling the new fee “[outrageous][7],” and its not yet clear what Apple thinks about BMWs pricing policy. For me, though, its both a shining example of the amazing new revenue opportunities generated by the IoT, and a terrifying warning of how the IoT could add new cost and complexity to everyday activities.
Look at this as a glass half full, and BMW is cleverly finding a new revenue stream by offering valuable functionality to a target market that has already demonstrated a willingness to pay for high-end functionality. The IoT and connected cars offer a new and better experience, and BMW is leveraging that to boost its business. Its the power of capitalism at work, and if BMW drivers dont value the CarPlay functionality, no one is forcing them to buy it.
In some ways, the subscription business model is similar to that of [satellite radio][8] or GMs [OnStar][9] system. The automaker builds in the equipment needed to offer the service, and car owners can choose to avail themselves of it if they feel its worthwhile. Or not.
### A particular bit of usury
But thats only one perspective on whats happening here. Look at it another way, and you could paint a very different picture. For one thing, as noted above, other car makers that offer CarPlay do not charge anything extra for it. BMWs are relatively expensive vehicles, and nickel-and-diming affluent consumers does not seem like a path to great customer loyalty. Think of the annoyance surrounding the fact that budget motels typically make Wi-Fi available for free, while luxury properties charge guests through the nose. (With the [rise of 5G networks][10], though, that particular bit of usury may not last much longer.)
Making matters worse, CarPlay is really just internal connectivity between your iPhone and your cars infotainment system. Theres no actual _service_ involved, and no real justification for a separate fee, other than the fact that BMW _can_ charge for it. It seems more like getting charged a monthly fee to connect your own phone to your own big-screen TV (like Apples AirPlay) or hooking up your smart light fixture to your home assistant or—I dont know—putting your lamp on your coffee table! It just doesnt feel right.
### Dangerous long-term implications?
Sure, if this kind of thing takes off in the larger world of the IoT, it could lead to a significant amount of new revenue—at least in the short run. But over time, it could easily backfire, encouraging consumers to view IoT vendors as greedy and to question the costs and benefits of everything from smart houses to connected enterprises. That could turn out to be a drag on the overall IoT market.
That would be a shame, and it doesnt have to be that way. If BMW had merely buried the CarPlay costs in the price of the equipment or options, or in the sticker cost of the car itself, nobody would be worrying about it. But just like breaking out the costs of checked baggage on airplane flights, charging a subscription for CarPlay makes it seem like a combination of bait-and-switch and price gouging. And thats exactly what the IoT industry _doesnt_ need. If the goal is to maximize the growth and acceptance of the IoT, vendors should strive to make IoT users feel like theyre getting great functionality at a fair price.
Thats often exactly what many IoT devices and IoT-based services do, so it shouldnt be too hard to avoid screwing it up.
Join the Network World communities on [Facebook][11] and [LinkedIn][12] to comment on topics that are top of mind.
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via: https://www.networkworld.com/article/3411478/how-bmws-new-annual-fee-for-apple-carplay-could-define-the-iot.html
作者:[Fredric Paul][a]
选题:[lujun9972][b]
译者:[译者ID](https://github.com/译者ID)
校对:[校对者ID](https://github.com/校对者ID)
本文由 [LCTT](https://github.com/LCTT/TranslateProject) 原创编译,[Linux中国](https://linux.cn/) 荣誉推出
[a]: https://www.networkworld.com/author/Fredric-Paul/
[b]: https://github.com/lujun9972
[1]: https://images.idgesg.net/images/article/2019/06/ios13-carplay-waze-100799546-large.jpg
[2]: https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/
[3]: https://www.engadget.com/2019/07/24/bmw-adds-a-80-yearly-subscription-for-apples-carplay/
[4]: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15530125/bmw-to-treat-apple-carplay-as-a-subscription-service-and-charge-customers-an-annual-fee/
[5]: https://www.networkworld.com/article/3269736/internet-of-things/getting-grounded-in-iot-networking-and-security.html
[6]: https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/app/index.html#/portal/store/Base_CarPlay
[7]: https://www.cultofmac.com/640578/bmw-carplay-annual-fee/
[8]: https://www.siriusxm.com/
[9]: https://www.onstar.com/us/en/home/?ppc=GOOGLE_700000001302986_71700000048879287_58700004855294718_p41772767724&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi7qn4IDO4wIVJRh9Ch1mlw6tEAAYASAAEgKQf_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
[10]: http://www.networkworld.com/cms/article/17%20predictions%20about%205G%20networks%20and%20devices
[11]: https://www.facebook.com/NetworkWorld/
[12]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/network-world