Augmented reality: Heads-up display technology processes have been developed so that in a few years it may be possible to project navigation instructions onto a video image of the road. This will make the driver's orientation easier in complex traffic situations by displaying the exact navigation route to the driver.
(Photo - Siemens VDO)
Making the Connection
Along with an open electronic architecture, there also is the need for seamless in-vehicle connectivity with consumer electronics products. The communication gap between device and car should be bridged wirelessly, using the car's information exchange devices.
The wireless connectivity bridge is being constructed by consumer technology services, such as WiFi and Bluetooth. When consumers climb into their cars, their cell phones, digital music devices and services are seamlessly, passively recognized and acknowledged by onboard infotainment electronics. Their functions are made readily available through the vehicle's human-machine interface
(HMI).Interfacing with Innovations
The flood of technology vying for access into the vehicle makes the way the consumers interface with it extremely important. The HMI must be user-friendly, intuitive and, most importantly, safe. By bridging a consumers' motivation with a focused product offering, innovators create desire and relevance. If done correctly, the integration of consumer electronic devices into the vehicle can provide that strong emotional connection we see driving today's purchase decisions.
Apple is a great example of a company who nailed the HMI concept with the iPod. The iPod's wild popularity is not simply a result of its innovative functionality, storage size and picture quality. Its HMI creates an emotional connection consumers now expect from the products they buy.
Simply having an iPod jack or a 110v power outlet as part of a comfort and convenience package could have the potential to turn a vehicle from a "nice to have" to a "must have" when a buyer is on the dealer floor.