The new era of technology is taking serious strides in the automobile industry. Recently, Microsoft announced a partnership with Volvo to use the Microsoft HoloLens to introduce the car makers’ future models. BMW has one upped them by announcing the introduction of AirTouch, a gesture-operated infotainment system for their future cars. There will be no need for touchscreens anymore with this new technology.
BMW Announces AirTouch at Consumer Electronics Show 2015
Hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada, the CES show was the first venue for the announcement. The new AirTouch system will use sensors in the car’s dashboard. The ultimate goal is to give users the ability to interact with their cars’ information screen through hand motions.
The BMW 7 series first hinted at a gesture based control system. However, it was on a much smaller scale. That feature was only capable of lowering or raising the sound system’s volume or declining or accepting a phone call. AirTouch will be using 3D control so that the touchscreen can be operated with gestures. This would take the need of touch away from a touchscreen, though it will still be touch-capable for added accessibility.
Touchless Control System Will Be a Game Changer
A touchless interface will allow for contact access and call list access straight from the car. Like something inspired by the Iron Man movies, this new system will let BMW drivers control entertainment and navigation with only the movement of their hands.
How exactly does it work? A driver or a passenger can set a certain movement or gesture, and a physical button will confirm the motion as being equal to the desired action via AirTouch. So just by pressing the button, doing the motion and confirming the motion with the button, drivers and passengers can have a different way to control the information screen of their car. There are two AirTouch buttons for easy accessibility from the drivers and the passengers as well.
The technology was first demoed in a Vision Car at CES 2016 with other new tech gimmicks.
Wouldn’t This Technology Be More Dangerous for Driving?
This new technology could have potential issues when it comes to safety. While it can be convenient at a standstill or for the person in the driver’s seat, it could be a nuisance for the driver. It could take away from their attention on the road, and also force them to lift their hands from the wheel. It’s yet to be seen how this feature will actually be incorporated onto the new BMW cars.
