The 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) starts next week in Las Vegas, Nevada and runs from January 6 through 9. Once the almost exclusive domain for new audio, video, and computing technology, the CES has grown into a veritable auto show as well. Many car makers choose the CES to reveal new technologies, especially in the areas of human-to-car interface and autonomous driving.
BMW is one of those automakers—some say the premier automaker—that uses CES as a showplace for its upcoming models and the high-tech features that have become a BMW hallmark. The 2016 CES is no exception, as BMW will be bringing a Concept Vision car to serve as the demonstration vehicle for its new AirTouch interface.
Some industry observes have speculated that BMW’s stand at the CES may also feature the BMW i8 Concept Spyder, which is reported to be greenlighted for production. BMW has not formally announced the i8 Concept Spyder for CES, or whether it is the Concept Vision car that will introduce AirTouch to the world.
AirTouch is the next step beyond the Gesture Control that was introduced in the G11/G12 2016 7 Series. AirTouch allows intuitive control of entertainment, navigation, and communications functions using gestures made with a flat hand, without touching the display screen or controls.
Sensors detect hand movements made between the central console and the rearview mirror, and AirTouch translates those movements into commands that activate the surfaces on a large panoramic display.
BMW has learned its lesson from the first-generation iDrive controller, in that an AirTouch button concealed on the steering wheel may also be used to confirm selections and commands. The front-seat passenger also has a similar command button on the right door sill.
The AirTouch menu control reduces the steps required to select a function. For example, when the phone pad is activated, the system automatically brings up contacts or call lists to the top level so that only one more command can make a call. AirTouch is designed to intelligently figure what selection or control steps are most likely to be needed next, and brings up that screen before the driver or passenger has to manually ask for it. Anything that allows the driver to pay more attention to the road and traffic and less to the screens inside the car is a good thing.
The opening of the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show is less than a week away. BMW technogeeks—us included—can hardly wait.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
