Apple's CarPlay concept is getting a lot of attention. Source: Apple
Is Apple (AAPL 0.83%) new CarPlay interface a catalyst for the stock? Do investors have reason to buy if they don't already own shares? Host Ellen Bowman puts these questions to Fool analysts Nathan Alderman and Tim Beyers in this week's episode of "1-Up on Wall Street," The Motley Fool's Web show in which we talk about the big-money names behind your favorite movies, toys, video games, comics, and more.
Nathan points out that -- despite the hype at CES and elsewhere -- the industry has yet to figure out how to do connected cars well. The good news for Apple investors is that five manufacturers will support CarPlay in models released this year, with most of the remaining majors on board for future years. Impressive momentum for a system we hadn't heard about even a month ago.
Tim agrees, yet also notes that success depends on how well Siri behaves as an interface to CarPlay. Historically, the software has been hit-or-miss, to the point where even Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has criticized its performance.
Yet that hasn't stopped competitors from working on alternatives. Microsoft's (MSFT 1.05%) try is called "Cortana," after the Halo heroine of the same name. Don't be surprised if Mr. Softy ends up pitching he as your car co-pilot before the year is out. After all, most estimates peg the market for connected cars growing to $100 billion or more within a few years.
Now it's your turn to weigh in using the comments box below. What's your view of CarPlay? Are you more or less bullish on Apple's prospects as a result? Please watch the video as Ellen puts Nathan and Tim on the spot, and be sure to check back here often for more "1-Up on Wall Street" segments.
