Volkswagen has teamed up with Apple to offer a special version of the Beetle that comes with an integrated iPhone, a docking station, and a specially developed app. Going on sale from 2014, the iBeetle will be available in both coupe and cabrio variants. You can also get the package as an optional extra if you already own a Beetle.
The system includes a newly designed docking station (cradle) on center of the Beetle’s dashboard. Once you put your iPhone in it, all the features of the phone can be used in the car. It can be used to navigate, telephone via a hands-free unit, listen to music from the media library via the audio system’s amplifier and loudspeakers, and much more. This is a more logical solution than spending big bucks on a fancy infotainment system.
The bespoke Volkswagen Car Net The Beetle is designed so it can connect the iPhone, docked or undocked, to the Beetle’s data network. It’s capabilities goes beyond navigation and music, as you get a menu with the following functions is available: “Spotify”, “Expert”, “Trainer”, “Reader”, “Postcard”, “Photo”, “Post” and “Milestones”. Each features gives you access to the corresponding service. Out favorite is the “Reader” which can read aloud the latest messages from social networks like Facebook.
The iBeetle can also be customized inside and out, with features features such as:
18-inch “Disc” alloy wheels (painted in “Galvano Grey” with chrome wheel covers), door mirror housings and side trim panels in “Galvano Grey”, black door sill plates with “iBeetle” signature, “iBeetle” chrome badges and a “Chrome pack” (includes chrome trim strips on the sides). The iBeetle can be ordered in “Candy White”, “Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect”, “Black Monochrome”, “Deep Black Pearl Effect”, “Platinum Grey” or “Reflex Silver”, steering wheel accents in “Galvano Grey”, customised gear shift grip, black sport seats in exclusive “Vienna” leather and contrasting seams in light “Ceramique”.
This feature would make me NOT want to purchase a Beetle! Why iPhone? Why not the far superior, more prevalent, much more popular, and less expensive Android smartphones? Oh, I keep forgetting, Apple has a lot of money, and the lure of shiny, pretty product to throw around to influence decisions!
Answer is simple integration. All the apple devices work together simply. The closed system means it works the same across the entire platform. It also extremely easy. My 2,4,6 year olds all have there own Itouchs and iPads.. I personally use a Ipad mini that I carry everywhere with me, Wife has full sized Ipad. Typing this on new Imac 27" while one of the kids was streaming a movie from our central mac mini server to our flat screen via itunes sharing and an Itv…. Now, the possibility of being able to share our entire digital library directly with the entertainment in the car?… sweet. Netflix and Hulu in the car! (already do this) via my ipad mini with ATT, but not as simply integrated.
Also have an android phone. Hate it. but deal with it cause it one of those all you can eat plans for 17 bucks a month via republic wireless so made it the home phone. Find the Android OS to be a PITA, hard to integrate, complexly different from version to version, etc. NOT something I would want to be fumbling with while driving a car. Also build quality of the android devices is much poorer, unless your speaking of the Top of the line devices which tend to be as expensive or more expensive than the iPhone anyways…