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Tesla touchscreens to offer minimalist 'fade mode'
Screens can be distracting and, therefore, dangerous if you're driving an expensive car down the freeway. If you own a Tesla, though, fear not: the company is adding a software feature that will make its giant touchscreens less intrusive. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, replying to a tweet by EV owner Andrew Gold, confirmed that a "fade mode" will soon be added that hides all but "essential info." It sounds like a neat option, and heck -- if the display isn't working so hard, maybe it will save some battery life too? Will add a fade mode with only essential info — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2018 Fade Mode will form part of version 9, a highly anticipated firmware update for Tesla's electric fleet. The update will change the UI in the Model S and crossover Model X to be closer to the Model 3. It should also include some "significant advancements in autonomy," Musk hinted on a conference call in August. The company's autopilot software could be patched with a long-anticipated "on-ramp to off-ramp solution" that will move into faster lanes on the freeway, identify your exit, move into the correct lane for the exit and then hand back control at a suitable time. Earlier this week, Tesla tinkerer Jason Hughes leaked an early version of the firmware on Twitter. It showed off some of the UI changes, and a new waypoints feature, but little else. In a tweet on September 5th, Musk said he was running version 9 in his car but felt it wasn't quite ready for public release. Tesla owners on the early access program should have the update in the next two weeks, ahead of a full rollout by the end of the month. Am running it in my car, but it's not right yet. Hopefully, will release to advanced early access users in a week or two, then more broadly towards end of month. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 5, 2018
Maybach Ultimate Luxury EV brings its own tea service
If an automaker wants to succeed in China, they need to electrify their cars. The country has strict EV plans and for anyone looking to buy a car in a city like Beijing, going electric means not having to apply for the license lottery to own a car. So it's no wonder that Maybach (the ultra-luxury arm of Mercedes) unveiled a concept crossover built specifically for the country's ultra-rich that's all electric.
Samsung introduces autonomous driving platform called DRVLINE
Today at CES, Samsung unveiled DRVLINE, a hardware and software platform that will allow car makers to create customized, technologically advanced autonomous vehicles. Many platforms are an all-or-nothing solution, which forces users to adopt the entire package en masse, without any sort of customization. DRVLINE, however, allows vendors to swap and customize individual components, building the vehicle to their specifications, as well as allowing for rapidly evolving technology.
Harman is designing smart interiors for tomorrow's autonomous cars
The days of owning your own car may soon be coming to an end, what with the growing popularity of ride sharing matched with the promise of autonomous vehicle technology. Should that self-driving car service future come about, Harman International want to be ready with audio and connected vehicle systems to match whatever you're riding in to your specific mood and tastes.
Audi's latest models add Amazon Music to the dashboard
If you're an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto user, you've no shortage of music streaming services baked into your dashboard. But, if you're relying on your vehicle's default control panel the choices start to dwindle. While, automakers like Ford have started offering Apple and Google's infotainment systems (which play nicer with smartphones) as an alternative to their own interfaces, Audi is going it alone with a little help from Amazon. The German automotive giant now lets you access Amazon Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited on the dashboard inside 2017 and 2018 models.
BMW looks to the future of sitting in cars
While automotive startups strive to compete with luxury brands, BMW sits exactly where those upstarts would like to be. That means it has the opportunity to introduce smart features inside already-established vehicles. "Act like a startup, deliver like a grownup," said Klaus Frolich, member of BMW's board of management, at an event at CES in Las Vegas today.
Acura's Precision Cockpit fuses AI and Android in your auto
Digital dials are great and all, but why not turn things up a notch? That's exactly what Acura is doing with its Precision Cockpit, unveiled at the LA Auto Show today. More than just an in-car infotainment system, the concept includes cabin elements borrowed from the NSX (such as the seats and the steering wheel), which show us just how future Acura motors will look and feel inside, along with how we'll interact with them. Acura's calling it a "choreographed in-car experience" (of course) and it appears that experience includes some clever technology.
Lexus LF-CC Concept shows the future of touchscreen interiors
We're boots on the ground at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and Lexus is one of the first auto makers to roll out its concept hardware for the show. The company had a few machines to unveil, but the highlight is definitely the curvaceous LF-CC. It is, alas, just a concept that is intended more to show the future design direction of the company than give a clue into an actual production model to come, but more interesting is the clues this is hinting about both interior design and electrification on the powertrain front. Join us after the break for more details -- and more pictures.%Gallery-166707%
Bentley demos 100,000 euro Executive dual-iPad interior for Mulsanne, we take a seat (video)
Lots of people do lots of things to make their cars and interiors more distinctive, but when Bentley does something to make the interior of one of its cars stand out, you know it's going to be special. And expensive. Welcome to the Executive Interior Concept, inserted in the Mulsanne. The Mulsanne is a big, luxurious auto with a twin-turbo V8 slung out front, and with this very special (100,000 euro option) package the interior's received some twin-augmentation as well: two iPads. Join us as we get comfortable. %Gallery-133762%
