Before showing off the 2016 Q7 at the Detroit Auto Show, Audi brought a mockup of the Audi Q7 Virtual Cockpit to CES 2015. Debuted only as a prototype at last year's Consumer Electronics Show, this time around, the touchscreen Android tablet included many improvements.
The 10" tablets have a designated spot to the right of the wheel, placed for use by passengers. Within the car, the tablet can also be mounted on the backs of seats. The app gives access to a range of features, including media, the radio, navigation and features the adjust the Q7.
In addition to this mobile tablet, the Audi Q7 cockpit also includes a screen that can be viewed seamlessly through the wheel. Other neat features include voice recognition and features that will allow drivers to unlock their cars with a smartphone or smartwatch.
What's Driving This Trend
- In-car Infotainment
- Integrating an Android tablet into a car dashboard presents opportunities for further in-car entertainment and informational offerings.
- Voice-activated Features
- Voice recognition technology allowing drivers to interact with infotainment systems holds promise as a future standard for automobiles.
- Smartphone-key Integration
- The ability to use a smartphone or smartwatch as a key to a car provides an opportunity for a new level of secure and convenient access.
Who This Affects Most
- Automotive Manufacturing
- In-car infotainment systems may soon become a key selling point for customers looking to purchase a new vehicle.
- Mobile Device Manufacturing
- Collaborating with car manufacturers to integrate smartphones and wearables as car keys has potential to drive growth in the mobile device industry.
- Voice Recognition Technology
- Voice-activated features present opportunities for companies developing voice recognition technology to expand into the automotive industry.
