The Apple rumor of the moment is that the tech giant is stretching its wings and getting into the automotive industry.
Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Reuters stoked smoldering rumors that Apple is looking for a way to break into the car industry, devoting a boatload of resources to designing what the Journal called a "minivan"-like vehicle codenamed "Titan."
"Oh sure," a seasoned Apple watcher might say. We'll see that Apple car on the roads, just as soon as we get those Apple televisions in our living rooms.
In the realm of Apple vaporware, the television is legend. And the two rumors, at least on the surface, seem pretty comparable.
Both markets cry out for a simple, user-friendly product that integrates hardware and software, something that Apple prides itself on being able to provide. And both would take Apple outside of its core comfort zone -- cars even more than televisions, since Apple does already make monitors.
But actually, one could argue that Apple faces a lower hurdle in looking at cars. Making a really good, smart television — one that truly integrates software and hardware together — is difficult (as Samsung and others are proving right now) and requires the cooperation of a cadre of networks and studios to sign content partnerships.
That's a side of the equation that Apple doesn't control.
Whereas if any company in the world could simply buy their way into the car industry, it would be Apple, with $178 billion in cash and even a few factories at its disposal.
But even if Apple is seriously considering a bigger step into the car market -- a company spokesman declined to comment on "rumor and speculation" -- it doesn't necessarily mean it has to take on General Motors.
It has the brand reputation to become a boutique car seller, offering just a handful of vehicles for luxury prices.
The safe money, of course, is that Apple is using this rumored experiment as a way to delve deeper into becoming the core software provider for cars.
The company and its arch rival, Google, has devoted a lot of time into making intuitive menus and controls that the current, automaker-designed systems at times struggle to deliver.
Many auto manufacturers are caving to customer demand to have their dashboards look more like their smartphones, and can help drivers do more without distracting them from the road.
That demand gets even greater if we do end up with self-driving cars and our vehicles essentially become moving offices. Theoretically, that's where Apple could step in.
So iCars would make a certain amount of sense, but it seems unlikely that we'll see them on the road soon.
Apple is deliberative, and often happy to step in behind other companies that have done the spaghetti-throwing for them -- or at least to keep their own prototyping behind closed doors.
If "Titan" is a serious project, there is one critical question to be addressed. Given Apple's reputation for cool -- even of the practical, luxury-to-the-masses variety -- one has to ask: A minivan? Really?
The Washington Post
Wed Feb 18 2015
If 'Titan' is a serious question, there is one critical question to be addressed: A minivan? Really? -
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.