Room 101

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

Trouble is if one or two manufacturers are doing it likely the others will catch on?

"Oh, you actually want the wheels to turn sir - that's an option, £10 a month sir"

I believe BMW were forced by bad publicity, to abandon trying to charge a sub to use the heated seats.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I believe BMW were forced by bad publicity, to abandon trying to charge a sub to use the heated seats.

The notion that you have already bought the hardware but must the pay to use it is frankly insulting.

 

[Cricketbat70]

I believe BMW were forced by bad publicity, to abandon trying to charge a sub to use the heated seats.

Which is why I said "BMW wanted". I remember the bad publicity and back tracking but then weeks later another car manufacturer introduced subscription for something that was already built into the car.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

Which is why I said "BMW wanted". I remember the bad publicity and back tracking but then weeks later another car manufacturer introduced subscription for something that was already built into the car.

One thing that concerns me a lot here, more so than the cost, if paying a sub to use your car becomes widespread, is that it would likely also bring widespread attempts to hack the software, to bypass the need for a sub. Poorly coded or malicious hacks, could be extremely dangerous, especially with brake by wire becoming more common and, steering by wire coming soon. I know doing everything by wire is now standard in airliners but, they are subject to very much more stringent safety regulations and, not available to the general public, who might meddle with the systems.