Automotive

BMW iVision Future Interaction Concept wraps next-gen diplay tech in an i8 body at CES

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BMW has used CES to showcase its vision for the future of in-car communication
BMW
The iVision is able to warn the driver of other cars out of their eyeline, or pass on information about potential hazards, through the central display
BMW
The iVision is able to be operated in full manual drive, but drivers can also go fully autonomous if they want
BMW
The instrument binnacle uses a 3D effect to prioritise the information drivers need most
BMW
The car is in autonomous mode when the steering wheel glows blue
BMW
That huge screen looks distracting, but BMW says it doesn't impede vision any more than a normal dashboard
BMW
The car can prioritise things like phone calls and emails depending on what the driver is doing
BMW
The car is doorless to give CES punters a good look at the tech hiding inside
BMW
The car's 21-inch display has full web and email access, although we're not sure you'd want to be checking your inbox unless the car is in full autonomous mode
BMW
With both hands "active" on the wheel, the car cuts down on distractions and just gives you the essentials
BMW
The car is built around a carbon fiber passenger cell with aluminum used for the rest of the chassis
BMW
Gesture control makes an appearance here, with a smart menu system designed to make it quick and easy to find what you're after
BMW
The driver can switch between drive modes using a switch on the left hand side of the steering wheel
BMW
The i8 has lost none of its futuristic appeal in the transition from coupe to convertible
BMW
BMW has used CES to showcase its vision for the future of in-car communication
BMW
BMW hasn't provided any details about the car's powertrain, although we can only assume it uses the i8's hybrid system
BMW
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With its hybrid powertrain, carbon chassis and spaceship-styling, BMW's i8 isn't exactly a dinosaur. But that hasn't stopped Munich's engineers from pushing the envelope at CES. The iVision Concept takes the i8 Concept Spyder's dramatic body and packs it full of innovative driver-display tech designed to make it easy for drivers to stay connected with the outside world, without being overwhelmed with information.

Central to the iVision's interface are three separate displays. The first is an instrument cluster in front of the driver, which uses a three-dimensional display to prioritize information. As well as giving the usual info about speed, range and odometer, the display is able to alert drivers to cars farther up the road that aren't in their field of view.

Whereas most cars use their heads-up display as a supplementary way of telling the driver how many "G" they're pulling in the bends, or as a second speedo, the iVision Concept uses it as the main way to let drivers know how fast they're going, what the speed limit is, or what the next turn is from the sat nav. It can also give drivers their ideal braking points or racing line – similar to an idea Jaguar floated with its virtual windscreen.

Gesture control makes an appearance here, with a smart menu system designed to make it quick and easy to find what you're after
BMW

This means key information is always in the driver's line of sight, making sure their eyes stay on the road for longer.

The most dramatic piece of technology in the iVision's interior is the massive monitor sitting in the middle of the dashboard. Measuring up at 21 inches diagonally, the screen is just 11 cm (4.3 in) high, which BMW says makes the dashboard no higher than the standard i8's.

When the driver sits down in the car, the panoramic screen automatically connects to phones, watches or any other "smart" piece of technology. BMW says the screen could then be utilized differently depending on how the car is being used, which means voice calls could become video calls when the driver switches between manual and autonomous drive modes. The screen also offers up the ability to access the web.

The i8 has lost none of its futuristic appeal in the transition from coupe to convertible
BMW

As is the case in the new 7 Series, the iVision Concept uses gesture control combined with a smart menu system designed to cut down on the number of steps involved in changing the radio station, or choosing different music. Voice control is also included, although if the system is anything like most current voice recognition systems, you're better off sticking with gesture control.

So, how do BMW's engineers plan on avoiding information overload? It's all down to how you're using the wheel. When the driver is "active" at the steering wheel, less information is displayed on the widescreen display in the middle to minimize the risk of distractions. When the drive switch is flicked across to auto mode, the wheel turns blue and the full range of functions on the central screen are made available.

With both hands "active" on the wheel, the car cuts down on distractions and just gives you the essentials
BMW

This combination of screens and displays is also useful when things don't go to plan in fully autonomous driving. If something goes wrong, or the car isn't able to respond effectively to a situation, all three displays put their efforts to grabbing the driver's attention and making them take control again.

And what about the car itself, we hear you ask? Well it looks very similar to the i8 Concept Spyder, albeit without doors so that showgoers can get a good look at the inside of the car. Beyond that, there's no details about an engine or transmission – all we can say is the orange and black paint job looks good, and the CFRP passenger cell promises a stiff, sharp handling package with or without a roof.

Stay tuned for all the latest from CES, where Gizmag is on the ground covering the action.

Source: BMW

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1 comment
gizmowiz
Jeeze the future is great for rich people.