Automotive

Pioneer packs latest in-car tech into rearview mirror telematics module

Pioneer packs latest in-car tech into rearview mirror telematics module
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit installs over the existing rearview mirror
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit installs over the existing rearview mirror
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit installs over the existing rearview mirror
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit installs over the existing rearview mirror
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a 5-in touchscreen
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a 5-in touchscreen
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit has a front-mounted camera
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit has a front-mounted camera
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a drive camera function
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a drive camera function
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit warns of potential hazards
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit warns of potential hazards
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit provides navigational information
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit provides navigational information
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit is voice controlled
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The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit is voice controlled
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Digital gadgetry for cars is progressing by leaps and bounds, which is great – except when they your car doesn't have them. Japan's Pioneer Corporation has developed one way to keep up with the high-tech motoring Joneses in the form of its rearview mirror telematics unit – a wireless information module that fits over a car's original rearview mirror.

The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit consists of a self-contained module equipped with an LTE communication unit linked to the company's Mobile Telematics Center.

Promising high speed and low latency, the link provides the module with information about local facilities, traffic, weather and news, as well as navigation functions.

The information is displayed on a half-mirrored, 5-inch LCD touchscreen. There's also a built-in front-view camera with wide-angle lens that acts as a driving recorder. In addition, the camera is equipped with a Safe Driving Support Service, which analyzes the movements of cars ahead, detects potential hazards, and provides audio visual warnings. The module can also be wirelessly connected to a rear-view camera.

The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a drive camera function
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a drive camera function

Along with the visuals, the module has a noise-cancelling microphone, which controls the infotainment system through the Voice-Activated Drive Agent Service developed in collaboration with NTT Docomo.

According to Pioneer, the module can be used in fleet management via the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a 5-in touchscreen
The Pioneer rearview mirror telematics unit features a 5-in touchscreen

The module also has gyro and acceleration sensors, acts as a WiFi hotspot, and can even work as a boring old rearview mirror.

Pioneer says that the rearview mirror telematics unit will be available within the next year.

Pricing is yet to be announced.

Source: Pioneer

View gallery - 7 images
3 comments
3 comments
EddieG
This mirror should be made inoperative when the car is in motion.
StWils
This can be hacked, stolen, provide a silent entry point, and will be accessed with or without a warrant by law enforcement. Also it will be just a question of time before an argument gets made for these and similar systems to interact with and report to passing intrusive surveillance cameras and controllers. George Orwell, various totalitarian groups, i.e., Nazis, Stasi, KGB, and Richard Milhouse Nixon, would totally get the idea and drool over when they get to use it. No Thanks.
Mike Biagio
But is it solar powered? Nobody wants to charge rear view mirrors up, or have wires dangling down.