Introduction
The automotive industry has always been the testing ground for new technologies, and the infotainment systems in cars is no exception. As we look to 2024 and beyond, these infotainment systems in cars will play an even more significant role in interacting with our cars, driving, entertaining ourselves, and staying safe.
In this article, we’ll look at the evolution of infotainment systems in cars, new technologies, and trends that will shape the future. We’ll also explain how we tested and what tasks we put each system through to ensure we covered car infotainment’s future.
Why infotainment systems in cars?
infotainment systems in cars are becoming more popular for several reasons. As cars become more connected and techy infotainment systems are no longer seen as optional luxuries, they become the heart of the driving and passenger experience. Here are the main reasons why:
How We Tested
We tested a plethora of modern systems across multiple car brands. We used a combination of lab simulations and real-world testing to make sure we covered everything.
What We Tested:
- System Response: We measured how quickly infotainment systems responded to inputs – touch, voice, and gestures.
- User Interface: We looked at how intuitive the layout was, especially while driving.
- Voice Recognition: We tested how well systems recognized voice commands with different accents, tones, and ambient noise.
- App Integration: We tested how well the systems integrated with Apple Car Play and Android Auto and their stability and functionality.
- Driver Safety: We examined how infotainment systems improved driver safety with AR, ADAS, and HUD’s.
- Passenger Experience: We also tested rear seat entertainment so drivers and passengers could benefit from infotainment.
What We Tested
During testing, we focused on the following tasks to cover the future of infotainment systems in cars:
- Navigation Testing: We used real-world routes to see how systems provided turn-by-turn directions, rerouted based on traffic and provided updates on road conditions.
- Media Streaming: We simultaneously played high-definition video and audio content to test streaming quality, buffering times, and user experience.
- Voice Command: We tested in various driving conditions (city, highway, noisy environments) to see how well voice commands were understood and executed.
- ADAS Integration: We put the systems through common ADAS scenarios, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot detection to see how infotainment systems supported safety features.
- Passenger Entertainment: We looked at games, streaming services, and virtual/augmented reality experiences for rear-seat passengers.
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Car Infotainment Evolution
infotainment systems in cars have come a long way over the past few decades. From basic radios and CD players to full-blown hubs that control everything from entertainment to navigation, climate settings, and even safety features.
Milestones:
- 80s-90s: Early car infotainment systems were just radios, cassette players, and later CD players.
- In the 2000s, GPS navigation systems arrived, and things got serious. Real-time directions and Bluetooth connectivity (hands-free calls) were the new cool.
- The 2010s: Touchscreens and smartphone integration (Apple Car Play, Android Auto) changed everything. Now, you can control music, calls, and navigation from one interface.
- 2020s: Voice assistants, over-the-air updates, and 5g networks have taken it to the next level. Faster, more interactive, and connected systems.
Voice Controlled Infotainment
One of the significant advancements in recent years has been voice-controlled systems. This allows drivers to control various infotainment features using voice commands, reducing distractions and improving safety.
Benefits of Voice Control:
- Hands-Free: By keeping your hands on the wheel, voice control is safer and more convenient. For example, a simple voice command can change the music, make a call, or adjust the navigation.
- Accessibility: Voice commands make infotainment systems more accessible to all users, including those who struggle with traditional touch-based controls.
- Complex Commands: The future of voice control will be more complicated and natural. Instead of basic commands, future systems will understand conversational requests like “Find the nearest gas station and navigate there.”
Augmented Reality (AR) Displays
Augmented reality (AR) is one of the most remarkable new technologies being added to car infotainment systems. AR displays project digital information onto the windshield or a head-up display, so you don’t have to look away from the road.
AR in Cars:
- Real-Time Navigation: AR displays can project navigation arrows and directions onto the windshield so you can follow the correct route.
- Hazard Alerts: In the future, AR displays may highlight pedestrians, cyclists, or obstacles in real time, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Better Driving Experience: Information like speed, fuel levels, and traffic alerts can be displayed less intrusive than traditional dashboard screens.
5G
5G in cars will revolutionise infotainment by providing faster and more reliable connectivity. With ultra-fast internet and low latency, 5G will open up a world of possibilities for in-car experiences.
5G will:
- Faster Streaming: 5G will allow buffer-free streaming of HD movies, music, and games.
- Real-Time Data: Infotainment systems will get real-time data, like traffic updates, weather reports, and emergency alerts, faster than ever.
- Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication: Cars will talk to other cars, traffic lights, and buildings to make roads safer and more efficient.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is making infotainment systems more personal and adaptive to the driver. AI will learn from user behaviour and anticipate preferences to make it more customized.
AI-Driven Personalization:
- Custom Entertainment Recommendations: Infotainment systems will recommend music, movies, or podcasts based on the driver’s preferences and behaviour.
- Predictive Navigation: AI can predict the best routes based on traffic patterns and drivers’ habits to offer more intelligent navigation.
- Adaptive Interfaces: AI can adjust the interface to prioritise certain features based on the driver’s routine or even time of day (e.g., show navigation in the morning and entertainment features in the evening).
In-Car Apps and Services
Car infotainment systems already offer access to many apps and services, so drivers and passengers can stay connected on the go. Future systems will have even more.
Future In-Car Apps:
- Streaming Services: Netflix, Spottily, and other popular services will be standard in infotainment systems so that passengers will have endless entertainment options.
- Real-Time Navigation Apps: These apps will give real-time updates on traffic and road conditions and even suggest the best time to leave to avoid congestion.
- Intelligent Travel Assistants: These apps will plan road trips, suggest nearby restaurants, and even book hotels or charging stations for electric vehicles.
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Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, infotainment systems are designed to cater to EV drivers. Future systems will have features specifically for managing battery life and energy consumption.
EV-Focused Infotainment Features:
- Battery Monitoring: Drivers can see battery levels and energy consumption in real time through their infotainment system.
- Charging Station Locator: The infotainment system will suggest nearby charging stations based on the vehicle’s range and real-time traffic.
- Integration with Smart Grids: In the future, cars will even integrate with smart home energy systems so drivers can manage charging schedules and energy usage.
ADAS Integration
As safety gets more critical, ADAS is becoming a standard in modern cars. Infotainment systems are the central hub for these systems, where drivers get essential safety alerts and notifications.
ADAS Future:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring and Alerts: Future systems will have more intuitive blind-spot monitoring, displaying alerts on the infotainment screen or AR displays.
- Lane Assistance: Infotainment systems will work with ADAS features to offer seamless lane assistance, reducing accidents.
- Collision Avoidance: Future systems will alert drivers to potential collisions and, sometimes, take control to avoid the accident.
Entertainment for Passengers
Passenger entertainment is becoming a big focus for car manufacturers. Future infotainment systems will give rear-seat passengers access to various media, including streaming services, games, and virtual or augmented reality experiences.
Passenger Entertainment Features:
- Streaming Services: Passengers can access popular streaming platforms to watch movies or shows during long drives.
- Interactive Gaming: Rear-seat passengers can play interactive games thanks to 5G connectivity.
- AR/VR Experiences: Passengers may be able to interact with virtual landscapes or games through AR and VR systems, making long drives more fun.
Data Privacy and Security
As infotainment systems connect more, data privacy and security are priorities. These systems collect massive amounts of data – from driving habits to personal info – and car manufacturers must implement strong security measures.
Data Security for the Future:
- End-to-end Encryption: Future systems will have end-to-end encryption for all communication, protecting sensitive data.
- Bio metric Authentication: Infotainment systems will use facial recognition or fingerprint sensors to secure access to sensitive info.
- User Control Over Data: Drivers will have more control over what data is collected and shared and can manage privacy settings directly through the infotainment system.
Green Infotainment
As the world goes green, car infotainment will also go green. From the materials used to the system’s energy consumption, sustainability will be a significant consideration in future designs.
Green Features:
- Energy-Efficient Hardware: Future infotainment systems will use energy-efficient displays and processors, reducing the car’s carbon footprint.
- Recyclable Materials: Infotainment systems will be built with more sustainable materials, making it easier to recycle old units when cars are upgraded.
- Eco-Mode: Infotainment systems may have Eco-friendly settings to reduce energy consumption, especially in electric vehicles.
Infotainment in Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars will change the automotive industry, and infotainment systems will play an even more significant role. The infotainment system will be the central hub for driver and passenger interactions in a world where cars can drive themselves.
Self-Driving Car Features
- Complete Passenger Control: As the car tears over the driving, passengers can focus on entertainment, productivity, or relaxation.
- Journey Management: Infotainment will give real-time updates on the journey and allow passengers to change their destination or itinerary.
- Seamless integration with Smart Home: Self-driving cars will integrate with smart home systems, so you can control your home devices, monitor your security systems, or even order groceries from your car.
Cart Car?
According to What Car? Infotainment systems are now a vital part of buying a car. Their reviews highlight how well-designed infotainment systems can enhance the driving experience and the car’s overall value.
Care’s what What Car? Look at when reviewing infotainment systems:
Ease of Use
What Car? Ease of use is often one of the most important factors when looking at infotainment systems. For drivers, it’s all about the interface being intuitive, easy to use, and not distracting from driving. A cluttered or complicated interface can be frustrating and dangerous.
- What Car? “Infotainment systems that require minimal driver attention and have quick access buttons or well-designed touchscreens are the best.”
Touchscreen Response
What Car? Caro looks at the responsiveness of touchscreen infotainment systems. Their tests focus on whether the system responds to light touches and whether menus can be navigated quickly without lag. A slow or unresponsive system can ruin the user experience.
- What Car? Says: “Slow to respond or with small fiddly buttons can be frustrating. A good system is quick and doesn’t lag when switching between apps or menus.”
As voice control becomes more common in cars, What Car? has been testing the accuracy and reliability of voice-activated infotainment systems. According to their reviews, some do well, but others need to get better at recognising natural conversation or dealing with noise in the car.
- Cart Car? says: “The best are those that let you control most functions with natural speech, minimal hands on the screen. Inconsistent voice recognition is a letdown.”
Smartphone Integration
What Car? Tests how well infotainment systems integrate with smartphones via Apple Car Play and Android Auto. They consider seamless smartphone connectivity a key feature in modern infotainment. Mirroring smartphone apps, especially for navigation and music, adds convenience and familiarity for drivers.
- What Car? Says: “Apple Car Play and Android Auto are now almost mandatory. Systems that offer seamless connection with a phone’s apps make accessing key features like navigation, calls, and media easier without distraction.”
Navigation
What Car? Reviews navigation systems in depth. They often stress needing a transparent, easy-to-use navigation system with real-time updates and rerouting. Systems that don’t offer real-time traffic updates or are hard to use can ruin the driving experience.
- What Car? Says: “A good navigation system should be intuitive, provide real-time updates and clear, concise instructions. Systems that are difficult to use or don’t offer timely traffic updates can be a pain, especially in city centres.”
Screen size and Resolution
The size and Resolution of the infotainment screen are also considered. What car is it? Larger, high-resolution screens showing clear and uncluttered information are preferred in their reviews. Smaller or lower-resolution screens can feel old and more complicated, especially when navigating complex menus or maps.
- What Car? Says: “A bigger screen with high res means better readability and easier access to features. Systems with low-res or small screens feel dated and less user-friendly.”
Connectivity and Features
What Car? Tests the connectivity features, 4G/5G, Bluetooth, and USB ports. They consider an infotainment system with multiple connectivity options a must-have for a modern car so passengers can stay connected and entertained on the move.
- What Car? Says: “An infotainment system should have multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB ports, and ideally 4G or 5G. Systems that offer these make it easier to stream media, stay connected, and charge devices.”
Over-the-Air (OAT) Updates
Now that OAT updates are becoming more widespread, What Car? is also testing whether infotainment systems offer this feature. Systems receiving OAT updates can stay updated with the latest software features, a big plus over systems that need to visit a dealer and subscribe for more.
- What Car? Says: “Over-the-air updates are a big plus, so manufacturers can fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features without visiting the garage.”
Safety Features
Infotainment systems integrating with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and collision alert are also on What Car?’s list. Systems that improve driver safety and work well with these features get a thumbs up.
- What Car? Says: “An infotainment system that integrates with lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and collision alert improves the user experience and the driving environment.
Customization and Personalization
In this changing world, What Car? Recogniser recognises the importance of personalization in infotainment systems. They like systems that allow users to customize the layout, themes, or favorite apps so the interface feels more personal to them.
- What Car? Says: “A good infotainment system should be customizable so that users can tailor the layout and functions to their needs. This makes the system feel more personal and user-friendly.”
Summary: The Future of Car Infotainment
As we move further into the digital era, car infotainment systems are becoming more than just entertainment devices – they are the central hub controlling everything from safety features to seamless connectivity. The development of 5G connectivity, augmented reality displays, and artificial intelligence is changing how we interact with our cars, making infotainment systems more intelligent, safer, and more intuitive.
Car manufacturers always push the boundaries to meet consumer demands for more connectivity, safety, and convenience. Voice-controlled voice-controlled systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and in-car apps mean that infotainment systems are easy to use and essential to keep the driver focused on the road. As technology advances, features like over-the-air (OTA) updates, autonomous driving compatibility, and electric vehicle (EV) integration will make infotainment systems even more vital to the driving experience.
Here’s why infotainment systems will be even more critical in 2024 and beyond:
Connectivity
5G means infotainment systems will have faster, more reliable internet access for real-time traffic updates and high-definition streaming for passengers. This will also support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication so cars can talk to the world around them and make the road safer and more efficient.
Voice Control and AI Integration
Voice-controlled infotainment is the future, and AI-driven personalization will make interactions more natural and intelligent. Systems can understand conversational commands, predict your preferences, and make complex decisions like adjusting climate settings or suggesting the best route based on traffic patterns. This will make life easier and safer by reducing the physical need to interact with the system.
Augmented Reality (AR) Displays
Augmented reality displays will change the way we see information. By projecting directions, alerts, and even hazard warnings onto the windshield, AR will reduce distraction and make driving more intuitive. This will significantly impact driver safety by keeping your eyes on the road while giving you the necessary information.
Smartphone and App Integration
Seamless Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and app-based services will continue to drive infotainment system adoption. Users want to sync their smartphones easily, access navigation apps, stream music, and make hands-free calls. Infotainment systems will have their app ecosystems in the future, with apps designed specifically for in-car use.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
As more people adopt electric vehicles (EVs), infotainment systems will cater to their needs by providing real-time updates on battery status, charging station locations, and energy consumption. Monitoring battery levels and optimising driving routes based on charging stations will make infotainment systems a must-have for EV drivers.
Advanced Driver Assistance and Autonomous Driving
Infotainment systems will enhance Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and collision avoidance alerts will be integrated with infotainment interfaces, providing real-time feedback to the driver and a safer driving environment. In autonomous vehicles, infotainment systems will be the primary interface, allowing passengers to control the route, check trip updates, and even be entertained.
Data Privacy and Security
And with all that comes data privacy and security. Security will be critical as infotainment systems collect more data – from driving habits to personal preferences. Car manufacturers must implement end-to-end encryption and bio metric authentication and give drivers more control over what data is shared. If we get the security right, consumers will trust us more as they rely on infotainment systems for more critical tasks as the tech evolves.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing
As sustainability becomes a central theme, manufacturers will design infotainment systems with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient displays. Systems that can receive over-the-air (OAT) updates will mean vehicles will stay technologically relevant long after they’ve been purchased and add to the life of the car’s maintenance system. Future systems will use minimal energy, especially in electric vehicles, making the driving experience even greener.
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Conclusion
The future of car infotainment is looking good. As the tech evolves, these systems will entertain and connect and be critical to safety, convenience, and sustainability. With AI, AR displays, and EV-specific functionality, infotainment systems in 2024 and beyond will change how we interact with our cars.
From daily commutes to long road trips, infotainment systems will make the driving experience more intuitive, engaging, and efficient for drivers and passengers. As manufacturers integrate the latest tech while keeping the design user-friendly, the future of infotainment looks good.
FAQs
What is an infotainment system in a car?
An infotainment system in a car is a digital interface that combines entertainment, information, and connectivity. It includes features like navigation, music, phone connectivity, voice control, and access to apps, all controlled via a touchscreen, voice commands, or physical controls.
How does voice control work in modern infotainment systems?
Voice control allows drivers to operate various infotainment system functions using voice commands. It uses built-in voice recognition software to understand and execute tasks such as making calls, adjusting the climate, or setting navigation without the driver touching any controls and reducing distractions.
What is the role of augmented reality (AR) in future car infotainment systems?
Augmented reality (AR) in infotainment systems will enhance the driving experience by overlaying digital information onto the real world. This can include navigation directions projected onto the windscreen, hazard alerts, or even points of interest, all without the driver having to take their eyes off the road.
What does 5G mean for car infotainment?
5G will make infotainment systems faster and more robust with quicker downloads, real-time updates, and better streaming. It will also support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication so cars, infrastructure, and devices can talk to each other and improve safety and connectivity.
Can infotainment systems be updated?
Yes, modern infotainment systems can be updated via over-the-air (OAT) updates so that manufacturers can send software updates directly to the car. Car need must visit a dealership for new features, bug fixes, and improvements.
How do infotainment systems improve the electric vehicle (EV) driving experience?
Infotainment systems in EVs offer EV-specific features like real-time battery monitoring, charging station locators, and energy consumption data. They help drivers optimize their routes and manage charging needs, reducing range anxiety and making the EV driving experience smoother.
Are infotainment systems safe to use while driving?
Infotainment systems are designed with safety in mind, using voice commands, heads-up displays (HUD’s), and easy-to-use interfaces to reduce driver distraction. Advanced systems also integrate with driver assistance features like lane-keeping and collision avoidance to make it even safer.
What are the privacy concerns with modern infotainment systems?
As infotainment systems collect data like driving habits, location, and personal preferences, privacy concerns exist around how this data is stored and shared. Manufacturers are addressing these concerns by implementing strong security measures like encryption and giving users control over what data is shared.
What’s next for car infotainment systems?
Key trends include AI-driven personalization, augmented reality displays, 5G connectivity, and integration with autonomous driving technologies. Infotainment systems will be more predictive, offering customized driving experiences, better entertainment, and more seamless vehicle control.
How do infotainment systems support autonomous driving?
In autonomous vehicles, infotainment systems will be the primary interface for passengers to control the car, carry the journey, and be entertained. Features like accurate time journey updates, entertainment, and communication tools will be available as the car drives.