The auto industry’s shift towards advanced technology has led to a more sophisticated driving experience, but some features have fallen out of favor with the public. One of the most prominent trends is the decline of infotainment screens in cars.
Once hailed as sleek and convenient, touch screens and large displays are now being pushed back by drivers. The technology’s flaws, including navigation between menus that can be frustrating, slow, and unsafe while driving, have led to a growing backlash against vehicle touch screens.
Auto manufacturers like Volkswagen, Tesla, and others have faced criticism for their infotainment systems, with many reviewers calling them “aggravating” or the “worst” they’ve ever encountered. The recall of vehicles due to software glitches and lag has also raised safety concerns.
In response to these issues, some car brands are toning down the use of screens in their vehicles, returning to physical buttons and alternative interfaces such as heads-up displays (HUDs) that allow drivers to control settings without taking their eyes off the road.
BMW’s new HUD is a prime example of this shift, with its system putting more information along the bottom of the windshield and allowing drivers to control settings through physical buttons on the steering wheel. Hyundai and Kia are also exploring alternative interfaces, giving users a choice between touch or analog controls.
Voice commands have emerged as another solution, with Mercedes introducing ChatGPT-backed voice controls in 2023 and Apple giving CarPlay voice functionality with iOS 18. As the industry continues to explore these alternatives, it’s clear that the evolution of infotainment systems is far from over, driven by growing attention on common issues and a desire for safer, more convenient driving experiences.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/are-vehicle-infotainment-screens-headed-for-the-scrap-heap-2000580600