It's the end of the road for the Apple car! (CultCast #636)
Mar 1, 2024
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Apple calls quits on the Apple car after 10 years and $10 billion, shifting focus to AI. FineWoven cases critiqued. Mac screen saver setup tips. Future of Apple Arcade and Vision Pro discussed.
Apple shifts focus to generative AI over Apple Car project, highlighting challenges in the auto industry.
Abandoning the Apple Car project showcases the difficulty of competing in the crowded electric vehicle market.
Apple's strategic shift towards generative AI signals potential for unique user experiences and revenue opportunities.
Exploration of generative AI by Apple reflects commitment to innovation and creating immersive user experiences.
Deep dives
Apple's Decision to Cancel the Apple Car Project
Apple's recent cancellation of the Apple Car project, shifting focus to generative AI over autonomy, raises questions about the feasibility of entering the competitive auto industry. Despite years of development under Project Titan, management changes, and reported shifts in focus from autonomous driving to electric vehicles, Apple ultimately halted the project, aiming to reallocate resources to generative AI efforts.
Implications of Abandoning the Apple Car Project
The decision to abandon the ambitious Apple Car project highlights the challenges in competing with established electric car manufacturers like Tesla and navigating the thin margins in the auto industry. While the car project could have tapped into a potentially large market, Apple's pivot underscores the difficulty in creating a groundbreaking product in a crowded market.
Transition to Generative AI at Apple
Apple's move towards generative AI despite ending the Apple Car project signals a strategic shift towards a technology with broad applications and revenue potential. By leveraging on-device AI capabilities and positioning itself as a leader in generative AI, Apple aims to offer unique user experiences and potentially monetize features like generative video creation.
Future Potential of Generative AI and Technology Integration
The rise of generative AI presents unique opportunities for Apple to create immersive user experiences beyond traditional products. From on-device generative AI features to potential integration with hardware innovations like holodeck-like environments, Apple's exploration of new technology frontiers showcases its commitment to innovation and meeting future demands.
Apple Arcade's Shift Towards Family-Friendly Titles
Apple Arcade has shifted its focus towards family-friendly games from well-known franchises, causing indie game developers to feel neglected. The lack of original game greenlights unless tied to big family-friendly IPs suggests a concern for creative stagnation. Popular titles dominating Apple Arcade include Hello Kitty Island Adventure and Disney Dreamlight Valley.
Mixed Reactions Towards Apple Arcade's Future and Development
Developers of original games are disheartened by Apple Arcade's direction, citing instances of sudden disinterest in their titles despite positive feedback. Reports suggest a lack of communication and unclear future plans, leading some to speculate on a potential decline in the service. An internal project is aimed at improving production efficiency rather than updating specifications.
Speculations on Delayed Upgrades and Potential Price Reductions for Vision Pro
Analyst Minchico predicts no new Vision Pro models until 2027 and hints at potential price cuts for the existing model. The delay in upgrades and focus on cost efficiency causing speculation among users and analysts alike. Return rates below 1% are reported, with user setup issues accounting for a significant percentage of returns.
After 10 years and 10 billion dollars, Apple finally calls it quits on the Apple car. What happened!? Plus: Apple's FineWoven cases are aging like milk, how to set up the best Mac screen saver, the future for Apple Arcade, and what comes next for Vision Pro.
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In a somewhat shocking development, Apple reportedly completely canceled all development on its self-driving car program on Tuesday. The company is shifting its emphasis to artificial intelligence, instead.
Apple's $59 FineWoven cases for iPhone 15 took heavy flak when they were released last September for being subpar compared to the leather Apple cases they replaced. Now, The Wall Street Journal columnist Joanna Stern has distilled customers' ire by sharing her own experience with the case after five months of use.
Apple Arcade now focuses so heavily on family-friendly titles from well-known franchises that some indie game developers feel abandoned, according to a new report.
Screensavers fell out of fashion a long time ago, but Apple's Aerial screensaver looks so beautiful, it just might make you reconsider. In fact, with its stunning visuals, it might just be the best Mac screensaver around.