Why Your Phone Gets OTA Updates But Your Car Doesn't 305
New submitter kjbullis writes with this snippet from Technology Review: "When Toyota recalled over two million cars last week because of flaws with antilock braking systems and other problems, the fix was simple — a few software updates .The implementation of that fix is far from simple. Every one of those cars has to be taken into a dealership to have the new software installed, an expensive process that can take months. Cars that haven't been fixed could, in some cases, suddenly stall and crash. There is an alternative — the same sort of remote software updates used for PCs and smart phones. Indeed, one automaker, Tesla Motors, already provides what it calls 'over-the-air updates,' which allowed it to execute a recent software fix without requiring anybody to bring in their cars. But other automakers are dragging their feet, both because they're worried about security and because they might face resistance from dealers."
Re:Umm safety? (Score:5, Funny)
Of course it does. Happened to me. Since my Nexus 4 updated to KitKat, I sometimes lose 3g signal. So there I was on the highway, trying to send a text, when, again, whatsapp refuses to send my message. I get frustrated, connect the phone to my laptop, fire up ADB and, lo and behold, the car crashes. It's ridiculous. I'm going to fucking sue Google.
Re:Reboot at 70? (Score:3, Funny)
That would be if the Windows Update team designed it, yes.
It would also idle for half an hour while the update installed.
Updates always come at the wrong moment (Score:5, Funny)
Oh no, I need to get the hospital quick. "please wait while your car is being update... installing update 1 of 35... time remaing 1 h 16"
Re:Call me paranoid... (Score:5, Funny)
Or better yet, why can't the manufacturer just email everybody a flash drive
Channeling Morbo...
EMAIL DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY! GOODNIGHT!