GM are saying that their customers want a more seamless integration. Shareholders are slavering at the idea of owners collared to their subscription system. Buyers need to stop buying cars with stupid subscriptions. My 2nd hand BMW has a heated steering wheel that requires an annual fee to use. Nope, heated gloves are the solution!
this post was submitted on 28 Dec 2025
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I imagine you could wire your own mechanical switch to that steering wheel. Fuck them for doing that though.
As a BMW tech, what car has a subscription for the heated wheel?
I'm surprised you didn't hear about that, because it was a huge controversy. it was limited to a few countries though (or maybe only the UK?)
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https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-62142208
https://bimmerlife.com/2022/07/18/dont-panic-bmws-subscription-model-explained/
I can't find a list of models, but they still use the same system for other subscriptions
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I'll just take a bluetooth battery powered speaker in my car if they keep locking it down
You also have a Bluetooth FM transmitter, so they phone audio becomes just another reason station. You can even get a Bluetooth remote control for common media functions to put on the dash.
the only integration i want between my phone and my car is a 3.5mm audio jack. i'm driving a 2016 right now and am dreading replacing it because i doubt i'll be able to find anything without this "infotainment" crap. i thought i had read that those were being phased out because consumers unilaterally hated them, so reading the opposite here is a huge bummer
Unironically, you’re missing out.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both just ways to project the smartphone already in your pocket onto an additional screen (like plugging a second monitor to your laptop or PC).
Manufacturers like GM and Tesla hate it because it stops your data from being readily collected and stored with the purpose of building up a profile of ‘you’ that they can then sell to advertisers and insurance companies.
Now if only manufacturers had the good sense to keep things like climate control as physical switches - that’s my own personal bugbear. 🤬
I'm afraid the best I can give you is a proprietary, always online, underpowered, half-assed piece of spyware that will probably end up costing you a yearly subscription fee if you don't want advertisements and get a mandatory, irreversible AI integration over-the-air upgrade 1 month after you buy it.
What you want is the upcoming Slate EV. It’s cheap, looks like an old Bronco, comes in 1 color, and there’s no factory infotainment system. There aren’t even any speakers, but the specifications are all open and it’s designed to easily allow you to install your own (or get a shop to do it).
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There's plenty of older cars sitting in used lots. You can avoid newer cars if you buy one of those or simply keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle. Even if the engine dies, its replaceable.
For now. Those used cars are rusting and otherwise wearing out.
Rust is repairable unless the frame's structural integrity has been compromised. That much rust is an oddity, even in the rust belt. Many owners undercoat their vehicles which significantly prolongs the life of the vehicle.
If you're really against purchasing a modern car, as I am, you still have plenty of options.
A new car is going to cost you thousands anyway. Why not just invest that money in a car you already like?
Way to make people hate your cars even more.
I hate techno feudalism so much.
oh sweet jebus i gues i am buying a 1980s car then. screw this crap. I own my car you are not getting any of my money.
I don't own a car but I rent them a lot. Part of my "go bag" includes blue tack. A semi sticky putty that doesn't leave a residue. I use this to stick my phone to the surface of whatever screen is in the car. This puts it right where I can see it and interact with it easily. Then I don't have to learn a new system in every different car I drive.