Automotive
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Lynn Gayowski |
If I were to describe this concept car with one word, I would choose "user-centric". (I love how hyphens can really help in these succinct situations.) We designed the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster with a vision to help drivers interact in new and seamless ways with their vehicles. This concept car is a great example of how QNX technology can enable a more natural user experience.
As we hum a few bars of Sarah McLachlan's classic I Will Remember You, let's look back at some highlights.
The first thing that catches your eye is the matte exterior and stylish lines, exuding just a soupçon of James Bond:
![QNX 2014 technology concept car - exterior](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf1YPKBExv2o2zuZQ0jYAHA_IwzBAsZVWWtSgHM5pzpbHvVTiyrq0UeUxuCNteYYdWkEt3M7uThk8q3OIQJkbuRHb-ggCwhbDTuudU8wunGhUH0jz7fbxo2X4XNhsNvWEjMt1JONJY_Y/s1600/QNX_concept_car_Mercedes_CLA45_exterior_in_QNX_garage_crop.jpg)
But let's get to the technology. At 21" by 7" the touch screen is a showstopper. It brings a rich, graphical interface to both driver and passenger. This is where you can really see the user-centric design, with options to control the infotainment system with the touch screen, physical buttons, a jog wheel, or voice commands:
![QNX 2014 technology concept car - infotainment system](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXRU4xyIR9in4JTuWwHcGVGCqej9JRoHVAD9bEjTWro1zW-frmQ2mTVGyis0qPlprtowjzzBnYVsL6-_WAhraPBgLAhDvW1vDbvkmn8DaZqXp1HtGg-hro6Wi9wKOpJZIwSmEyBOZYuQ/s1600/QNX_concept_car_Mercedes_CLA45_media_player.png)
We really wanted to use the car to highlight the flexibility of the QNX CAR Platform and how customers can easily modify features using the platform's pre-integrated technologies. A great example of this is the car's navigation system. The car actually has 4 different navigation solutions installed, demonstrating how automakers can choose a solution best suited for a particular geography or language. EB Street Director is featured in this photo:
![QNX 2014 technology concept car - navigation](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN17Ho72UVyrK7ZUvsSFBAV4j5AQcfGM12P6PDMKUC2SnKTiqBFbhsy-PW3fB7rIrSOJF7hApmgdjB9G2TFWfmxV3J_eloIMo2wPUScvgV_llD46v0Yp_J3xrLGufrcUUeDtvlQu9omQ/s1600/navigation_elektrobit.png)
The infotainment system may wow you, but don't forget about the cluster. The Mercedes has a dynamically reconfigurable digital instrument cluster that can display turn-by-turn directions, notifications of incoming phone calls, video from the car's front and rear cameras, as well as a tachometer, speedometer, and other virtual instruments, at a full 60 frames per second. The cluster can even notify you of incoming text messages on your phone. Simply push a steering-wheel button, and the system will read the message aloud, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
![QNX 2014 technology concept car - cluster](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosH8KpocEl8JF-1rq4g5J728hRjfzstdhpiGCTGkQ-YYJrD_7UV8anBx1v1-xVawMBRNoH_NBDCCokWDF2HAdGLRos6ALVxCicM3VV9lA7xXYDI5NMW6TmKRnvpTYRf1kR4xtunDvuEM/s1600/qnx_mercedes_cla_cluster_turn-by_turn_navigation.jpg)
Another cool feature is the cluster's "virtual mechanic" which lets you access vehicle info like tire pressure, brake wear, and fuel, oil, and windshield fluid levels:
![QNX 2014 technology concept car - virtual mechanic](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-C9bAvkJDOMTzIwFVKWkT9u_Vl8hSvV15MixXX1v31-yVop4ONMpDCFUB1Fv0uKuUmH7aSCobdYGtRdH1YQYiEu3V1A2qfG7u8sP3PG1QXdFYsHEZCyI_FyykmygUMyparJU7656-dy0/s1600/qnx_mercedes_cluster_system_check_screen.jpg)
What car of the future would be complete without connectivity? A custom "key fob" app allows you to remotely access system maintenance information, control the media player, locate the car on a map, and perform a number of actions like starting the car and opening window. This cross-platform HTML5 app can run on any smartphone or tablet:
![QNX 2014 technology concept car - key fob](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZZJVQ5ain-P8_9g4c6FEE-3nQcvoZtnmhuuG0BjHdRAM3SAi10Pqvt8sSdFTu9T5zwvunrchYn-f77sl7m-NOKQ13ht16AnnfVXpv9wP4FKo24FhGsglMtkKgR0AHxT3Pr-M-s1GRxM/s1600/keyfob_remote.gif)
As an overall view of the Mercedes, one of my favourite pieces is this video by Sami Haj-Assaad of AutoGuide, where he takes a look at the design and features of the car. His closing quote really sums up the innovation showcased: "The infotainment industry is going through a huge upgrade, with QNX leading the charge."
I hope you enjoyed the 2014 QNX technology concept car. Watch for the reveal of our 2015 technology concept car January 6 at CES in Las Vegas!