Although the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was affected by Covid, there was still plenty of intriguing auto technology on display at the show or via Zoom. Here’s the best and most futuristic stuff.
BMW’s Cars Can Change Color
One of the most eye-catching displays at CES is the BMW iX Flow, an electric car that uses what the company calls “E-Ink” to change hues at the push of a button. The system works via a special body wrap and electrophoretic technology that deploys a range of pigments to the surface when summoned. BMW said that the technology “takes personalization to unprecedented levels.”
The technology is fun, but it can also have practical uses, for instance, changing the color to black during the winter to absorb the sun’s heat. You could also make it pink, so it’s easy to find your car in a parking lot.
Nextbase’s AI-Powered Dash Cam
The iQ, available this fall, is a triple-camera device. It records both in and outside the car, offering a 540-degree view of your vehicle via three 180-degree lenses. It gives drivers a 4K front view, and rear and cabin vistas in 1440p.
Moreover, built-in Roadwatch AI keeps track of other cars and where they’re going. The iQ has a built-in 4G SIM chip, useful for alerts, video feeds to your phone, and location data. There’s also a voice assistant so that you can address the system hands-free.
See: 6 Things to Consider When Buying a Car Dashboard Camera
Panasonic Combines Head-Up Display with Eye Tracking
Panasonic is a major innovator in infotainment and in-car displays. At CES, it introduced AR HUD 2.0 with advanced eye-tracking capability. Instead of a one-size-fits-all HUD presentation, the new system recognizes the driver’s line of sight via head and eye movements. It then provides head-up display information with overlays and icons precisely where the driver is looking.
Panasonic says the new system simulates a 3D experience at a low cost—and presents sharp HUD images of dashboard data—like vehicle speed, speed limits, lane warnings, merge guidance, and turn-by-turn navigation. The system also provides clearer visual hazard-detection warnings.
Learn about aftermarket head-up displays available on eBay.
Valeo Purifiers Zaps Covid-19
The Valeo UV Air Purifier received a CES 2022 Innovation Award. When activated, it zaps more than 95 percent of all the viruses in a single airflow cycle. Yes, that includes not only Covid-19 but bacteria and mold circulating in a bus or coach cabin. The tech works by putting out ultraviolet rays in an air-circulating “light labyrinth” that keeps them confined to a metal ventilation box, away from passengers.
The purifier can be fitted as a standalone box or directly integrated into a vehicle’s air conditioning systems. More than 2,000 buses already carry the air purifier.
Read: Why Does My Car Smell Like Eggs, Crayons or Other Odd Things?
Cinemo: Car Infotainment as a Service
At CES 2022, BMW introduced its Theatre Screen, a 31-inch rear display with Amazon Fire access. The challenge for the auto industry is to adapt to the portfolio of ever-larger screens and more robust systems. Enter Cinemo’s “Infotainment to Go!” system.
Cinemo’s solution, unveiled at CES, is the first full cloud-based in-vehicle infotainment platform offered as a service. The Germany company decouples infotainment from the vehicle. So any car or device can access premium content without requiring an in-vehicle update.
Cinemo is also working with VOXX Automotive and Jeep on multi-seat entertainment sharing for the new Wagoneer. Many of its offerings will use Dolby Atmos to bring a surround-sound home theater experience to the car.
These product intro signal a new era of immersive and shareable media experience for passengers. Drivers need to keep their eyes on the road.
