Wait.... Even if users don't pay for this, their car still comes a WWAN module that is hardwired to their ignition. Yes, I realize it's more likely bolted on to the infotainment system and/or the car's RTOS, but it's still baked in.
this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2024
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Depends on the manufacturer's implementation, but yeah in recent years they've made it really difficult if not impossible to remove
Some models are as easy as removing a fuse or unplugging an optional component from the infotainment system. So a "quick" 1-hour process can remove that noise from the car.
But I really shouldn't have to rip apart my car just to remove spyware and nagware.
I might regret not searching about this before running my mouth here, but I would assume most automotive manufacturers, in 2024, are soldering the wwan modules onto the main board of the infotainment system for cost, and to prevent user removal of their subscription vector.
I would also assume most manufacturers who are converting standard automotive features into paid subscription services that dubiously rely on SaaS backends, are NOT also designing isolated architectures that separate the IoT infotainment system from the car's critical systems like drive control, transmission, brakes, etc. I'm guessing most at least have CAN bus connections linking them together.
But I don't know enough about cars and automotive systems to even pretend being knowledgeable. So, if anyone here is actually well versed on this subject (and not just searching forums before replying to me), please tell me I'm wrong, and how so.
Seriously, I want to be wrong about this.
Aftermarket android head unit. As long as they are able to sort out the canbus features, it's a thing. Unfortunately, it's mainly the Chinese that do this.
I unintentionally fibbed, because one thing I do have a bit of experience with is aftermarket car stereos, including double-DIN android units.
Granted, I haven't tried to install one in a 2024 car, but a lot of modern infotainment systems can't just be ripped out and replaced with aftermarket unit and retain the car's original functionality, if it can be removed at all without breaking, or removing your access to core functions, like climate control, etc.
Here's a picture of the interior of one of the cars in question, a 2024 Mazda CX-90
You're not popping a double DIN in there, and even if you did remove the screen, I'm betting the actual infotainment system boards are inside the dash somewhere installed in a mounted panel box, and they aren't just going to pop out and be replaceable like your standard head unit.
Another photo, this one from the linked article:
Chinese aftermarket "designed to fit" android head units aren't just double din universals.
Damn, I wish I knew about this workaround before the takedown, I know someone who could benefit from it
I’ll clone this, thanks!
Also, lol, RUN DMCA
I give it another 10 years before car makers just fucking give up on fighting this kind of thing.
It’s gonna be a rough 10 years though
The shitty thing is that if margins are high enough only a very small minority of owners need to subscribe in order for them to break even and then we get stuck with it for eternity like SiriusXM being implanted into practically everything.
And of course there's no way to just 'opt out' of the hardware via trim levels. Shitty industry in general
Yes, capitalism is horrible bullshit that we all must suffer through (for now). No argument there.
I mentioned this elsewhere, but I believe that within the next decade, car companies are just going to have to deal with the fact that a lot of very intelligent (and independent) software developers are able to work around their proprietary crap. Currently, they’re fighting it rather a lot, but that fight can only be sustained for so long before it becomes unprofitable for the corporations.
I hope you are right!
Welcome to Night City.
Um. Install your own?