Navi Screen design & what it sez about your favorite car co...

[enzl]

http://reviews.cnet.com/4326-10895_7-6606699.html

The CTS gets a nice compliment along the way....and the brief reviews reveal alot about their respective manufacturers.

Edited February 19, 2008 by enzl

[Lamar]

Nice reviews.

[pow]

The interface on the R32 has been replaced with VW's RNS-510, which is now touch-screen. Here it is retrofitted onto an '05 Jetta TDI:

Of all the displays shown on CNET's slideshow, I like Infiniti's, Audi's, BMW's, MB's (C- and S-class), and Caddy's. The graphics on the Toyotas, Hondas, Mitsu, and Subaru are too karaoke for my tastes, while Ford and Chrysler's look rudimentary.

I wish Apple started doing car interfaces... here's a bad Photoshop from Autospies:

[pow]

The MKT's seems iPhone-esque...

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog...ncept_42_hr.jpg

As here's the Volkswagen up! interface... very Mac OS X-like...

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/19/evidenc...-up-dashboards/

And while we're at it, here's Audi's Mobile Device.

The gadget is intended to serve as a mobile phone, nav unit, audio/video player and vehicle access system all wrapped-up into one handy-dandy unit.

Modeled on the Audi MMI interface and intended as a companion to the system, the device comes with both Wi-Fi and 3G technology that allows the driver to manage a number of vehicle functions from outside of the car such as opening and closing the vehicle, or running climate control features. The unit's MP3 system functions as a traditional digital music player and you can use it to input directions and other navigation functions.

The unit, much like the iPhone, uses a touch screen interface, and can also take and store photos -- even from the car's in-board cameras. It can also be used to track your car much like a LoJack system. While a concept like the A1, it is clearly intended to converge your lifestyle devices with your car, and we're likely going to see many more of these types of devices in the near future.

It seems to be, at least on the surface, quite an interesting piece of technology, and the upcomging Tokyo show is the perfect place for its unveiling, considering the gadget-crazy Japanese culture. Stay tuned to MotorTrend.com for more on the Audi Mobile Device, the A1 concept and all the Tokyo show news next Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 24-25.

Source: MotorTrend

Edited February 19, 2008 by empowah

[enzl]

Rumor has it that Apple is working with BMW on its next interface....they could use the help, IMO.

It's nearly impossible to just hop into a new BM without a primer on iDrive and the new 08 auto-shift lever popping up in its newer models.