In this day and age, vehicles do substantially more than move people from one place to another. Now, cars have complex computing capabilities that improve the driving and riding experience. From reversing cameras to touchscreen displays and beyond, these capabilities are all a part of automotive infotainment systems.
This guide provides an in-depth look at automotive infotainment - explaining how the systems work, detailing desirable features, and describing how they are built.
What is an automotive infotainment system?
Infotainment is the combination of two words - information and entertainment.
An automotive infotainment system is a computer built into a car that provides information and entertainment through a wide range of functions. The features cater to drivers and passengers, including sound systems, reversing cameras, touchscreen displays, voice commands, and more.
How Automotive Infotainment Systems Work
Automotive infotainment systems integrate with many in-vehicle and external systems to elevate the in-car experience. The main components include:
- Integrated Head-Unit: This is the control center for the infotainment system. It is a touchscreen-based, tablet-like device mounted to the dashboard within easy reach of the driver and full view of the passengers.
- Heads-Up Display: This is a secondary display screen that is commonly integrated with the windshield or placed in another convenient location that is easy to view by a driver focusing on the road. It shows real-time information, including speed, navigation maps, temperature inside and out, multimedia, and more.
- Multi-Display Systems: These systems make infotainment content available on various displays like the heads-up display or windshield, connected smartphones, head-unit, and more.
- Operating Systems: Infotainment systems are powered by operating systems capable of supporting connectivity and downloading software applications when new functionalities are available. Popular operating systems include Android, Linux, QNX, and Windows.
- Network Protocol Support: This allows the infotainment system to connect with standardized communication protocols like Controller Area Network (CAN) so that devices and microcontrollers can communicate without the host computer involved.
- Connectivity: GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth help with services such as navigation, internet connectivity, and smartphone integration.
- Sensors - Infotainment systems integrate with automotive sensors, proximity sensors, gesture recognition sensors for detecting ambient light, and camera sensors to provide safety-related information to drivers and passengers.
Features of a Good Automotive Infotainment System
Infotainment features can add fun and convenience to the driving experience. Here are some of the most exciting features available today:
- Screens - The best display and touch screens are enjoyable to look at and use. New models, like the Lucid Air, even feature touch screens that retract out of view when not in use.
- Speakers - Surround sound stereo speakers are crucial for immersive audio experiences.
- Smartphone Pairing - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy for drivers to connect their wireless devices to the car system for a seamless experience.
- Graphics - Drivers and passengers enjoy sharp graphics and appealing animations to bring the visual experience to life and facilitate intuitive navigation.
- Voice Recognition - This feature is essential for hands-free driving and works best when synchronized with the driver’s phone so they can safely talk-to-text.
- Augmented Reality Navigation - This feature is included in 2023 Mercedes-Benz models. It uses cameras and sensors to give the driver a view of the road overlaid with driving directions.
- Wi-Fi HotSpot - Wi-Fi is an essential. Never go anywhere without Wi-Fi when the vehicle is the hot spot.
Wireless Device Charging - Keeping track of charging cords is a thing of the past now that infotainment systems include wireless device charging solutions. - Dual-Screen Rear Entertainment Systems - Larger SUV models commonly include dual-screen rear entertainment systems so that passengers in the back can enjoy fun and entertainment.
How Automotive Infotainment Systems are Built
Automotive infotainment systems rely upon advancements in connectivity and technology, such as:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) analyze the driver’s climate control settings, music preferences, and seat settings and provide automatic adjustments to suit the driver’s preferences.
- The Internet of Things (IoT) enables a network of connected devices and sensors to inform the driver of tire pressure, obstacles on the road, temperature, and more.
- Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology allows drivers to learn about speed limits, accidents, road conditions, and weather events.
- Vehicle-to-cloud (V2C) technology allows vehicle manufacturers to update software and operating systems.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) integrates augmented, virtual, and mixed reality into navigation systems.
Learn More
As the automotive landscape evolves rapidly towards connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles, Encora’s meticulously tailored digital engineering services are reshaping the next generation of automobiles. Our infotainment solutions transform vehicles into entertainment hubs and communication centers, enhancing connectivity, keeping drivers engaged, and making journeys memorable.
Fast-growing tech companies partner with Encora to outsource product development and drive growth. We are deeply expert in the various disciplines, tools, and technologies that power the emerging economy, and this is one of the primary reasons that clients choose Encora over the many strategic alternatives that they have.
Contact us to learn more about automotive industry solutions.
