In today’s world, the majority of automotive technology is focused on making vehicles safer. However, many automakers are also incorporating convenience-based technology as well. Many drivers spend a significant amount of time in their vehicles, either for work or for pleasure. As a result, they have become increasingly interested in innovative automotive technology. Previously, the best technology features were only reserved for high-end luxury models. Additionally, they were often only offered as add-on options. However, in recent years, several automakers started to make technology features standard on their vehicles. This is because they saw consumers demand more value for the money. Consumers today expect features such as navigation, voice activation, and safety features powered by technology. Here are some of the most exciting car technologies to come out in recent years, along with which manufacturers are implementing these technologies. Active Window Displays In our highly technological world, distractions are abundant. This is especially true when driving. Countless accidents have occurred due to distracted driving. As a result, most states have laws on the books regarding texting and driving, and even eating and driving. Additionally, with the advent of navigation technology, people are often distracted by their GPS systems as well. This is where active window displays come in. The formal name for active window displays is Head Up Display technology (HUD). It was introduced roughly 20 years ago, though it has only recently gained exposure. Rather than housing navigational interfaces on a physical LED or LCD display, the same information is projected onto the windshield, where it is virtually transparent. The purpose of the Head Up Display technology is mainly to improve safety. HUD keeps the driver’s head in an upright position looking straight ahead, presenting translucent images that do not block the driver's line of vision. More sophisticated HUD systems work extremely well with navigation technologies. Some even highlight upcoming turns, making it almost impossible to get lost, even in unfamiliar territory. HUD technology is still relatively new. However, industry insiders estimated that by 2020, the technology will have evolved to display very vibrant images on the car’s windshield. Some carmakers are even ahead of the curve - Audi, Mercedes, and GM have all begun to incorporate HUD technology into their vehicles. Others - like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Hyundai - are expected to follow suit. Car-to-Car Communication Another impressive technology feature for vehicles is car-to-car communication. The major benefit of car-to-car communication is its warning system, which can help drivers avoid car accidents. This technology works by having vehicles send out signals with information such as vehicle position, brake status, and speed. This information is then shared with surrounding vehicles. This information is received by other cars on the road, which can appropriately respond with a little to no driver intervention. The 2017 Cadillac CTS is one model that has integrated car-to-car communication. Cadillac’s version, called vehicle-to-vehicle communication (or V2V), utilizes technology similar to Wi-Fi in order to share data such as driving conditions, sudden braking, and nearby accidents. The automaker asserts that using V2V will help drivers be more aware. It will also improve traffic flow by avoiding slowdowns and reducing the number of collisions. Making Travel Plans Right from Your Car Recently, automaker Chevrolet teamed up with travel giant Priceline in order to integrate hotel booking technology into its vehicles. The booking service will utilize Chevrolet’s OnStar system in order to access the Priceline website directly.
Vehicle operators will be able to book hotels using two separate options. The first option allows customers to access a live agent simply by pressing the OnStar button. Once connected, the agent can conduct a search on behalf of the customer while asking about preferences and adding options. Alternately, the customer can also access the Priceline app directly without having to speak to a representative. Using this option, the driver will be instantly presented with Priceline’s entire hotel inventory and given the ability to book right from the vehicle. Chevrolet didn’t integrate this feature just because they thought it would be cool. The partnership with Priceline comes after a great deal of feedback from customers, who showed interest in gathering travel information while on the road. Car manufacturers are stepping up to the plate by integrating more technology features into their vehicles. Additionally, they are also teaming up with other companies to bring consumers an unparalleled experience within their own vehicles. From booking travel reservations to avoiding delays while traveling, today’s in-car technologies are making travel more pleasurable for many consumers. Comments are closed.
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AuthorBruce Eaton is the president and chief executive officer of i2 Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a hit discovery and lead optimization technology provider serving clients in the pharmaceutical industry. Categories
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