If you're in Paris this week, and are underwhelmed by the centuries of culture, art and architecture muddling up the place, you could do worse than reporting to the 2010 Paris motor show. If you choose to do so, you'll have a chance to take a gander at some of the most advanced transportation technology in the world. If you're an Apple fan (and if you're not, we have to wonder why you're visiting our site: glutton for punishment, perhaps?) you'll want to pay particular attention to some of the wheels brought to the show by BMW and Mercedes. Both companies have opted to use the show to show off prototype scooters that utilize an iPhone not only as a key but also as the only user-interface element outside of the handlebars.
According to ze German news site Der Spigel, the two companies have been working to incorporate Apple mobile devices such as the iPhone into their electric-powered vehicles, looking to replace the keys, and even traditional dashboard elements like the speedometer and estimated battery charge level through the use of a custom-built App. While the prototypes on display with this tech are all electric powered, we can't think of any reason why the iPhone tech couldn't be folded into use for traditional and hybrid vehicles as well. Kind of cool, huh? Maybe. But think about this: You know how aggravating not being able to find your car keys is? Just imagine what misplacing your whole dashboard will feel like.
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