I have seen the future
I was lucky enough to borrow a friend’s car this weekend. Saved me a boatload because despite the value of Zipcar, nothing is as cheap as free. The car was a Mercedes-Benz S550. Fully loaded with every kind of options. Here’s a few:
1. Sun roof
2. Cruise Control
3. Heated Seats
4. Fold-in mirrors
(and now here is where it gets awesome)
5. When you put the key in, the seat slides right into position for you. No adjustment.
6. A main console just above the music center (yes, the music center) contains temp control, GPS navigation, radio control and phone control all from one multi-purpose wheel in the center arm rest.
Now, none of this is totally blowing me away but it made the trip to New England easier. Here’s the future for ya:
7. Said car will have an automated voice recognition Facebook updater.
8. Same with Twitter
9. The GPS module updates Loopt, my iPhone and a sharable Google Map that only my approved viewers can see.
10. Two words: Dog bowl.
Now, the last one speaks to dog lovers. A nation of which I’m a proud member. However, you see my point. It’s no longer enough to have your hands-free cell phone situation handled out-of-the-box. We now have to integrate with maps, facebook, twitter, linkedin etc.
CRM systems will soon allow voice-xml updates from the car so I can say I’m on the way to the 2pm and the update can have a link to a map showing my progress from the road. No longer will consultants have to enter their time…it’s done for them from the car with a map proving it. That’s right…GPS hook ups to time tracking! Muhahahahaha!
I have seen the future and it’s saving me time, but marking my every move. That’s fine. I don’t stop on roadside motels (especially when I’ve got the dog with me).
