At The 2014 Detroit Auto Show, the Panasonic head unit concepts displayed showed the future of auto travel. Panasonic's current concepts show head units that can control entertainment and navigation via a cellphone.
The head units were shown running Panasonic's own embedded infotainment system, integrating with an Android phone, MirrorLink and CloudCar. With MirrorLink and CloudCar, the navigation and entertainment applications were translated into appropriate interfaces for the head unit, which could be controlled via the head unit touch screen or the voice command. This minimized distractions for the driver, leading to safer use of in-car phone devices.
The Panasonic head unit will revolutionize how we operate and control the settings of our automobiles and make talking-and-driving issues a thing of the past with the voice activation technology.
Car-Controlling Headsets
The Panasonic Head Unit Reinvents the Car Tech at NAIAS 2014
Trend Themes
1. Connected Car Technology - The integration of smartphones and infotainment systems in cars creates opportunities for seamless control and enhanced safety features.
2. Voice-activated Interfaces - The use of voice commands in car head units reduces driver distraction and improves efficiency in controlling entertainment and navigation.
3. In-car Phone Device Safety - Developments in car head units enable safer use of smartphones while driving, addressing concerns regarding phone-related distractions.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Technology - The automotive industry can explore integrating advanced infotainment systems to enhance driver experience and safety.
2. Mobile Technology - The mobile industry can innovate voice recognition technology and develop seamless connectivity solutions for car-phone integration.
3. Consumer Electronics - Companies in the consumer electronics industry can develop improved head units, combining entertainment and navigation controls for the connected car market.