Nickel and dime here we come again
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This is like when BMW did some shit similar with their Apple Carplay that was like $70 or something for a year.
It was so PR-pissed on they changed their tune a few years ago.
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Interesting… phone based remote start as a subscription is nothing new, but FOB? Lame.
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Exactly my thoughts…like i will just get an after market one. It’s not like their fib provides any extra benefits
A lot of manufactoers are building ECUs/computers that are tough or impossible to crack. I wouldn’t be surprised if aftermarket remote start won’t be a possibility. Right now, you can’t install remote start on a newer Macan since no one has cracked the code for the software.
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I wonder how that plays with Massachusetts newly enhanced right to repair law. It may not be possible to sell vehicles in Massachusetts without releasing that information.
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I think that’s a BS move.
If you want to make $ do it for a feature that actually is worth it not remote start on a freaking key fob.
Like do it for a feature that makes people buy the subscription
Yeah. The new GM VIP architecture vehicles are crazy hard to crack. Heck even replacing a screen or amp might be super restricted.
The next step is just removing the fob feature and making it app only. Save money on key fobs and make people buy the app. Double the profit.
Betcha Elon’s already looking at dropping that bomb quietly haha
I think for security reasons they’d have to have a physical key.
Like you have to freeze out in the cold/rain/snow if your phone dies & can’t charge it up?
Like, i can understand making the app an added value but make it that someone wants to pay not have to pay.
For $10/day, you can pay to have nice weather and a charged phone. But in all seriousness, there is a setting on iPhones that allows for dead-battery access for the wallet app. Also, there are other options like credit card sized keys (BMW) and wristbands (LR/Jag). I also imagine a normal key is less expensive than a remote start key fob. But either way everything is going subscription based, from heated seats to horsepower.
Hyundai has had their BlueLink subscription service for several years already. It offers Remote Start, Lock/Unlock, Diagnostics and Maintenance Alerts and other features. They include 3yrs subscription with new cars, which is nice to have, but if my daughter buys her Elantra out at the end, we will likely install a 3rd party, unless Hyundai offers a discount to keep their subscription.
Toyota/BMW supra has a locked ECU after a certain date as well, I think sometime in 2020 like Sept. builds they locked tuning.
Volvo has a lifestyle key that is about the size of a keychain. Functions for keyless access are just like the normal key, although it has been more finicky in my experience and it’s impossible to change the battery as it’s a solid plastic unit and uses a button cell that allegedly lasts for years.
Well when i said physical key i meant these as well. Anything that is not exclusively app based.
They are trying for sure. Just not sure it will be widely successful.
My ECU is definitely stock.
Today on white little lies
Unsurprising they are now walking it back…it’s mind blowing these companies including (BMW) have MBA’s that make up the Strategy group, an FPA group that crunches the numbers and then convince themselves that this will be a good idea when the deck is already tilted in their favor more so than any other time in history.
Toyota ‘Reviewing’ Key Fob Remote Start Subscription Plan After Massive Blowback (thedrive.com)
Unintentional move…hahaha
Imagine how many people are involved in making commercials and how bad they usually are… that always blows my mind. Like 30 people approved this commercial.
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