In-vehicle infotainment (IVI), is a collection of hardware devices installed into automobiles, or other forms of transportation, to provide audio and visual entertainment, Bluetooth, engine control unit as well as automotive navigation systems. This includes playing media such as Cd's, DVD's, TV, USB and other optional surround sound.
There are around 180 apps developed and embedded in the cars in the U.S in the recent past. But according to survey, consumers really only want below five. According to the survey done by automotive research firm SBD asked 46 owners to do a simple tasks on several automaker's infotainment systems. They were successful only 40 percent of the time. the remaining 60 percent of the time they were lost navigating through menus and unused apps.
There are around 180 apps developed and embedded in the cars in the U.S in the recent past. But according to survey, consumers really only want below five. According to the survey done by automotive research firm SBD asked 46 owners to do a simple tasks on several automaker's infotainment systems. They were successful only 40 percent of the time. the remaining 60 percent of the time they were lost navigating through menus and unused apps.
Andrew Hart, head of advanced research at SBD, told computer world automakers rushed their infotainment systems to market without considering how consumers would interact with them."As an industry, we're striving to develop Swiss Army knives instead of the spoons our customers want," Hart told the publication.A focus group of drivers at the Telematic Detroit conference agreed.Six drivers put six infotainment systems to the test, then discussed their impressions. The group overwhelmingly chose to use just navigation and music apps during their experience. For navigation, they favored a Google Search browser, saying it was quicker and more reliable than in-car navigation apps. The second most popular app was Pandora radio, which provided a more interesting mix of music than satellite radio.
Here are the things you need to look for if you’re buying your first car with an infotainment system.
- Knobs. Yes, knobs. Early systems largely did away with knobs in favor of on screen controls. But as things have evolved, we’ve seen several manufacturers, including BMW and Ford, go back to conventional knobs for frequently used functions such as radio tuning and volume. Knobs are just easier quicker than touch screens and mouselike controllers, and, thus, safer to use.
- Good voice controls. Sometimes, the best control is one you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel to operate. Lots of systems offer voice controls, but some are better than others. Look for one that responds to natural speech, such as “Take me to Starbucks” or “Turn up the heat,” rather than requiring certain words spoken in a specific order. Take the time with a salesperson to “practice” them before buying.
- Big buttons. Make sure that virtual “buttons” on the screen are big enough to operate on the road and clearly labeled with large fonts. Things that seem easy to do in the showroom are often more difficult on the highway, where your attention and eyes should be elsewhere.
- Screen test. Look for a screen that’s easy to see and operate on the road. One that’s large enough to comfortably see and use is a good place to start. Also make sure you can reach it, and that it doesn’t wash out in bright sunlight.
- Simple menus. No matter how good or simple the system, accessing some functions will involve going through multiple screens or menus to find what you’re looking for. Make sure that’s easy to do. It’s no fun spending five minutes looking for a seat heater on a chilly morning, or going through 11 steps to find a radio preset button.
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