From screens to chargers, how cars are going hi-tech … and even Google is on board
With surround-sound systems, more screens than most homes, music streaming and wireless charging, the latest generation of cars are starting to rival smart homes for gadgetry.
With surround-sound systems worthy of cinemas, more screens than most homes, always-connected music streaming, and wireless charging panels for smartphones, the latest generation of vehicles are starting to rival smart homes for gadgetry.
The unexpectedly moving developments come as Google revealed plans to put its software and apps in more than 100 million cars by next year, ensuring a raft of entertainment from podcasts to playlists were available on the road.
And designers are already preparing for cars to take another step towards becoming true entertainment hubs — when steering wheels can be folded away and passengers kick back and enjoy a movie.
The trend turning cars into mobile home cinemas can be seen across a wide variety of car brands, from Audi and BMW, to Jaguar and Volvo.
But French brand Peugeot has come up with one of the most extreme examples, releasing two special editions of its 3008 and 5008s models with customised sound systems.
Peugeot Australia product planning manager Justin Narayan said the company partnered with high-end audio brand Focal to produce a premium, 10-speaker, 515-watt sound system specifically designed for the vehicles.
“Focal and (parent car brand) PSA worked closely to understand the acoustics in the car, understand the door trims and plastics and other materials to make sure they had a good sound stage,” he said. “There was a fair amount of effort in that.”
The audio company even tested all surfaces — including the car’s door mats — in an anechoic chamber before completing 1600km of on-road tests to make sure the outside world didn’t detract from the system’s sound.
The trend for surround-sound audio now extends across most high-end car brands, however. BMW offers a 16-speaker surround-sound system from Harman Kardon for some of its models, Infiniti QX8 owners can opt for a 15-speaker system from Bose, while the Lexus UX can be loaded with a digital radio, eight-speaker system and woofer.
Even broadcast TV is a now an option for passengers who don’t want to be parted from their entertainment. While the driver can’t participate, the Jaguar F-Pace has a digital TV option, in case you forget to bring a DVD, as does the Audi A8.
But Google Android Auto product manager Mickey Kataria said most drivers were opting for sound entertainment from podcasting apps, music streamed from the likes of Spotify and iHeartRadio, and audiobooks.
“What people use their phones for when they’re behind the wheel are navigation, media and communications,” he said.
“Those are the three big categories. They want to see maps, they want to listen to their favourite podcasting apps, and also stay in touch.”
Mr Kataria said demand for entertainment in cars had become so great, some car buyers now refused to consider vehicles that did not come with apps and a smartphone connection.
He also revealed that Google’s Android Auto technology was expected to be installed in more than 100 million cars by next year.
But cars could really take their entertainment to the next level when drivers become optional and vehicles more autonomous.
Mr Narayan said designers were already considering what they could do when they were “no longer hindered” by traditional car controls, as steering wheels could be folded away, screens pulled out, and seating be made more communal.
“You’ll find the cockpit and the interior starts to change,” he said.
“Some people might use cars to have meetings in them, others could use adjustable seating. It’s going to be a very big design shock.”
