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Who still uses it in the smartphone era?

Like the CD-ROMs of navigation systems of yesteryear, on-board maps are impractical, unintuitive and rarely used. This is why Ferrari has decided to simply remove this functionality in its future models. A choice made at a time when the smartphone reigns supreme in the passenger compartment.

The clear observation of the Ferrari product manager

If your vehicle has a native navigation system, when was the last time you used it? That's what we thought… That's why Ferrari decided to completely eliminate this feature. And you can blame (or thank) your smartphone for that.

Phones have made these mapping systems all but obsolete, and Emanuele Carando, Ferrari's product marketing manager, admitted as much. According to Motor1, he said the phone's screen mirroring was “the most user-friendly possibility.” And as smartphone operating systems and maps from Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze are frequently updated, relatively static in-car navigation systems quickly become outdated.

Remote updates are no match for apps

Yes, there are over-the-air (OTA) updates for these native systems, but they are not as frequent as those for the map apps on your phone. Not to mention the often complex handling of GPS integrated into cars. Some builder systems are better than others, but ultimately many are far from intuitive:

  • Too many steps involved
  • Specific voice commands must be spoken
  • Even with virtual assistants in today's luxury cars, the learning curve is often steep
  • Nobody has time to waste on that, least of all Ferrari owners.

    Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have revolutionized the in-car experience

    Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have only been around for a decade, but their ease of use and seamless integration make them the preferred in-car operating systems. For what ? Familiarity. Chances are you scroll, tap, and stare at your phone screen more often than any other screen in your daily life. When you get in your car, you want to find the same interface. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow it. Their native GPS or apps like Waze easily sync from your phone to your car.

    This is why manufacturers highlight compatibility with mobile OS, especially when a wireless connection is offered. “We lost this battle 10 years ago,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “So let's be realistic, because you're not going to make a lot of money with embedded content. » Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not reserved for new cars, since older models are starting to benefit from factory retrofits like Honda is doing with the 2018-2022 Accord. Of course, you also have General Motors doing the exact opposite.

    When do you think the inevitable backpedal announcement will come? Ferrari has undoubtedly taken a step ahead by accepting this reality: in the era of the king smartphone, on-board GPS is already a thing of the past. Make way for a connected and intuitive experience, modeled on that of our pocket screens!

    SRQ Backlot