Controlling a car via phone is easy on the phone side

Now, I’m sure an iPhone SDK will lead to some amazing apps (and a ton of lame ones) but honestly, I think many developers started bitching a bit too early and too loudly last year when Apple announced the iPhone was going to allow for “Safari-only” apps. I understand the major arguments for wanting an iPhone SDK – chiefly, “how the hell do you make money on a web app?” – and I understand an SDK should open up more control over the look and feel of the app, and (hopefully) some new access to the iPhone’s underpinnings, etc.. But the one argument I heard thrown about that I will no longer blindly accept is that Apple’s web app solution was too limiting, at least not after Delphi’s demonstration at CES this week.

Gizmodo posted a video of a proof of concept iPhone web app (working entirely inside of mobile Safari) that is able to remotely control a car (yes, a frickin’ CAR!). Using the iPhone’s touch screen, one can remotely start a vehicle (in this case, a GMC Acadia), roll down windows, check RPMs, and gain access to the car’s diagnostic codes. Presumably, since this is just a proof of concept, this is only the beginning of the potential integration, and you could perhaps one day also listen to music from your iPhone while in your car.

Seeing this video has really made me question just how long and hard many developers looked into the potential of mobile Safari apps before crying foul. I realize mobile Safari has its limits and some developers are legitimately hampered, but after Delphi’s demo, I do find myself wondering if the big stink made in the press over a lack of an iPhone SDK was as warranted as many of us non-developers assumed when we read developers’ angry blogs.

Prove me wrong kids, Prove me Wrong
- Seymour Skinner

I’m sure many developers will "Wow!" us with their sweet new SDK-made apps performing all sorts of heretofore impossible feats… but when you see an un-jailbroken iPhone control a friggin’ car… well, someone better write an SDK app that adds frickin’ lasers to the damn thing.