Modern cars are increasingly equipped with touch screens, replacing physical buttons. However, according to Rivian's head of software development, the future belongs to voice control based on artificial intelligence.
The Evolution of the Automotive Interface
Trends in the Automotive Industry
In the modern automotive industry, there is a trend towards the introduction of large-format touch screens for infotainment systems. These devices take on a variety of vehicle control functions, making some drivers nostalgic for classic button panels. However, not everyone shares this point of view. This was reported by ITC.UA, citing Techcrunch.
Rivian's Take on the Future of Automotive Interfaces
Waseem Bensaid, head of software engineering at Rivian, has a radically different view. He considers the use of physical buttons in a car an "anomaly." At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Bensaid said: "This is more of a bug than a feature. Ideally, interaction with the car should be done by voice. The problem is that most modern voice assistants are not yet sophisticated enough."
Experimenting with AI in cars
Bensaid said that he regularly tests an engineering car equipped with a voice assistant based on artificial intelligence. While he didn't reveal details, Rivian's unnamed partnership in this area has previously been mentioned. “The car is an ideal environment for the application of artificial intelligence,” Bensaid said, acknowledging that problems with latency and inaccurate responses still need to be addressed.
Benefits of voice control
According to Bensaid, modern cars are so packed with features that creating a user-friendly interface for controlling them is becoming difficult task. He believes in the potential of AI-powered voice control to handle complex queries. For example, if the driver says “I’m hungry,” the smart assistant should quickly suggest a suitable restaurant nearby, taking into account the user’s preferences.
Rivian's Interface Strategy
Rivian aims to move all touchscreen controls to voice control. Bensaid stresses the importance of creating a unique user experience for Rivian owners. For this reason, the company has no plans to integrate CarPlay anytime soon, considering it a "lazy" approach. Instead, Rivian prefers to integrate standalone apps like Apple Music.
According to Bensaid, CarPlay "captures every pixel on the screen, completely replacing the entire user experience." Rivian believes it can deliver a more elegant and integrated solution by leveraging its technology capabilities.
Glossary
- Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer specializing in SUVs and pickup trucks
- CarPlay - Apple's system for integrating the iPhone with a car's infotainment system
- TechCrunch Disrupt - an annual technology conference organized by TechCrunch
- Wasim Bensaid - Head of Software Development at Rivian
- Apple Music - music streaming service from Apple
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Discussion of the topic – Revolutionizing Automotive Design: Why Does Rivian Consider Buttons an Anomaly?
Rivian head of software development Waseem Bensaid says the use of physical buttons in cars is an anomaly. The article examines the trend of replacing buttons with touchscreens and how drivers react to these changes.
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Sophia
Wow, interesting article! 🤔 I personally prefer touch screens - they look modern and make it easy to update the interface. Although I understand why some people miss buttons.
Klaus
I agree with Sophia. Touch screens provide more customization options. But it is important that the interface is intuitive and does not distract from the road. What do you think of Rivian's approach?
Marie
I think Rivian is overconfident. CarPlay has already become standard and many drivers have become accustomed to it. Failure to do so may turn off potential buyers. 🤷♀️
Antonio
Marie, I agree. While I understand Rivian's desire to create a unique experience, ignoring user preferences is risky. Maybe we should find a compromise between our own system and CarPlay support?
Olga
Guys, don’t you think that all these bells and whistles distract from the main thing - driving? 😅 I am for simplicity and safety. Maybe it’s worth limiting the functionality while driving?
Heinrich
Ugh, these newfangled things again! Give me a good old steering wheel, pedals and a couple of buttons. All these screens are just distracting and break down. No use, just a hassle.
Sophia
Heinrich, I understand your concern. But technology does not stand still. Perhaps we should give new solutions a chance? Many features really make the driver's life easier. 🚗💡
Juan
Interesting discussion! 🤓 It seems to me that the future lies in hybrid solutions. Touch screen for complex functions, physical buttons for basic ones. And CarPlay can be integrated as one of the applications in the Rivian system.