I just got my survey in the mail. I feel like I'm the most surveyed guy on the planet!!!
We have both a 2011 LEAF and a 2011 Infiniti G37. The latter has the features that I predict I will be surveyed about.
The number one complaint I have is that the left thumb "rocker" button on the steering wheel just runs the SOURCE of the radio (AM, FM, XM1, XM2, XM3, etc) and you select through those pre-programmed selections within each source by moving the switch up and down.
In the Infiniti, which presumably has the latest generation of Windows***, which is what they must be considering for the LEAF. I really like that the SOURCE button is the ENTER button on the Infiniti. I can scroll through stuff, and select, all with my left thumb while driving.
The speech stuff I don't use that often.
Tony
Why Nissan Tapped Microsoft for the Electric LEAF
By Josie Garthwaite Oct. 21, 2010
***"Unveiled this week at the SAE Convergence conference in Detroit, the latest version of Windows Embedded Auto includes Tellme speech recognition (allowing voice control of the in-dash interface and text messaging), tools for integrating third-party systems, and a version of Silverlight for 2-D and 3-D graphics.
In the Nissan LEAF, an earlier version of the Windows Embedded platform will power what the companies are calling an “information hub.” This is part of the EV-IT system first described during the vehicle prototyping stage last year. It encompasses an onboard transmitting unit connected through mobile networks to a data center. In-vehicle IT services include a display of the radius that the car can drive using the current battery charge, as well as the location of nearby public charging stations.
Perry told us in July that the automaker is working with AT&T to provide a connection for digital services for the car, which also has a dedicated iPhone application. Using the app, LEAF owners will be able to remotely monitor the state of charge of the battery, and can pre-heat or pre-cool the car. And as we all know, the iPhone — one of the most important platforms for mobile application development — is still exclusively on the AT&T network.
According to Perry, using Windows Embedded for the LEAF was a joint decision by Nissan and Clarion, which is supplying the hardware box and touch screen for the information hub.
Nissan gave Clarion a set of specifications, he said, and then Clarion, a subsidiary of Hitachi selected the best platform to deliver those requirements. "
Original article
here.