The automotive industry went a long way from car radio to in-vehicle infotainment systems that provide drivers with smartphone integration, touch screen displays, voice control elements, and many more advanced features. Vehicle connectivity, WI FI, operating systems, camera sensors, Bluetooth connectivity solutions, and other key technologies help car companies meet the increasing demand for automotive infotainment applications. Whereas basic vehicle functions are the same, infotainment systems make the difference for new car buyers.
How infotainment systems are changing the automotive industry? According to Grape Up, a consulting & technology company specializing in automotive software development (including in-vehicle infotainment systems),
What is an in-vehicle infotainment system?
The in-vehicle infotainment system, also called the automotive head unit, combines software and hardware solutions ensuring user-friendly audio and video entertainment and information brought to the vehicle driver. Starting from FM radio, a simple dashboard and steering wheel controls, modern in-vehicle infotainment systems allow for voice commands, touch screen displays, heads-up display, Apple carplay, and additional benefits using connectivity solutions.
Like smartphone devices before, vehicles have become platforms that leverage WI FI, Bluetooth connectivity, powerful processors, and operating systems (like Android Auto) to exceed customer experience beyond driving (who remember phones used only for calling and texting). Vehicles of the future ensure key features to meet customer expectations in the areas of support, entertainment, access to real-time information, control elements, voice commands, connectivity with other devices, and access to the browser and app market.
What do the in-vehicle infotainment systems include?
Now, let’s see what are the main components and key technologies of the provided in-vehicle infotainment systems.
- Voice assistants for infotainment control – according to the reports, by 2028 90% of vehicles will be equipped with voice assistance solutions -the driver use voice commands both for entertainment, contact functions, climate control, and navigation solutions.
- Gesture recognition – communicating with in-vehicle infotainment systems with gestures should increase vehicle safety, address security concerns, and provide a user-friendly experience.
- Augmented reality solutions – heads-up display systems providing drivers with additional information about passing places and upcoming spots, also delivering driving insights.
- On-demand services – an in-vehicle infotainment system allows vehicle users to upgrade automotive infotainment by collaborating with 3rd party providers and delivering aftermarket services.
The rapid development of automotive software, connectivity, access to data, and new technologies enable automotive companies to take an in-vehicle infotainment system to a new level.
The new reality of automotive infotainment systems
As demand and market for automotive infotainment applications and entertainment grow rapidly, vehicles of the future are built not only with vehicle safety, performance, hardware components, speed, and design in mind. Car manufacturers focus on what their drivers will get delivered on screens and as audio. Infotainment systems are no longer additional gadgets but crucial elements of the entire driving experience.
Companies like Grape Up help car enterprises increase their infotainment systems and develop software and solutions that improve driver satisfaction. At the same time, infotainment systems provide the automotive industry with new opportunities to monetize new revenue streams.