CES 2016: BMW Teases 'AirTouch' Technology, More Gesture-Based Controls Details Coming out Next Month
BMW flexed its tech muscles as it teased its "AirTouch" technology and other gesture-based controls, which it will debut next month at the CES 2016.
According to Auto Connected Car News, at the CES, the BMW Group will showcase a "Vision Car" to demonstrate what the design and software interface of its cars might look like in the future.
The German automaker will introduce 3D "AirTouch" controls that can be made in front of displays and can be confirmed on a steering wheel edge button or passenger side rim button.
In addition, the tech enables intuitive controls of entertainment, communication functions and navigations just by using gestures with a straight hand. The "AirTouch" will also allow the display in a vehicle to be operated similar to a touchscreen, but without the actual contact with the surface.
As noted, sensors will record the hand movements of the user in the area between the central console and the interior mirror, enabling the driver or passengers to change the focus on the surface of the large panorama display. Simple confirmation also selects the relevant menu item or activates an icon.
Similarly, Tech Radar reported that a special button located on the steering wheel helps speed up inputs when using the "AirTouch" technology. As one hand makes the gestures to navigate through the interface' menus, the other hand confirms the selections with the button, thereby ensuring the "touchless" system would work quickly without having to take both hands off the steering wheel.
This new technology from BMW greatly expands on the company's announcement during last year's CES, where it showcased simple, finger-based gestures for commands such as taking calls or changing the volume.
And while the finger-based control scheme became a feature on the BMW 7 series, the company claimed that the "AirTouch" takes a massive step forward as it offers 3D controls and a wide, panoramic display.
However, it remains to be seen exactly how the new tech from BMW will work in practice.
In a related report from The Malay Mail Online, BMW will debut the "AirTouch" along with the i8 Spyder. A hardtop, environmentally and racetrack friendly car that will use a combination of battery and gasoline power and performs like a supercar.
According to the report, in can go 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds, but consumes fuel like a small car thanks to its 1.5.-liter engine. And as such, the demand is high despite its hefty $148,000 price tag.
BMW will showcase these on Jan. 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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