How will future cars stay up-to-date? Make them open like a PC

The future seems bright for the automobile. A whole host of technologies — including self-driving systems – is set to reinvent the auto industry, making cars more computerized than ever.

But not everyone shares a rosy outlook.  

“I know what is going to happen in the future and I don’t like it,” said Bruce Perens, a leading open source advocate.  “And I would like to guide it in a somewhat different direction.”

His fear is that consumers who buy next-generation cars will face obstacles to modifying or repairing them — like purchasing a smartphone, only far more expensive, with manufacturers in sole control over the tech upgrades.

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