2015 Driving Technology to Look Out For This Year
Every year, the International Consumer Electronic Show or CES features the newest developments in consumer-centric technology. The 2015 CES, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the United States, gave auto enthusiasts some great things to look out for, particularly in the areas of connectivity and self-driving car technology. Here are the highlights of 2015 International CES that prove that the automobile has become the fastest-growing platform for mobile electronics.
Smart devices, the new frontier in driving technology
In 2015, smart devices such as tablets and smart watches, are not only integrated into car cabins but also used to enhance vehicle ownership. Audi unveiled its in-dash Audi Tablet to provide passengers with a comfortable, versatile, and natural connection with the car. Chevrolet has developed an on-board OnStar RemoteLink smartphone app and 4G LTE Wi-Fi to alert owners if their car is in danger of breaking down and also help them schedule a check-up, saving them from the frustration and distress of being stranded on the road.
Connectivity makes everything easier
Ford has been testing ways to use the digital cameras and radar sensors of their vehicles to map open parking spots. By feeding the information into the cloud and putting it into various mobile driving apps, connected drivers will have an easier time finding available spots for parking. Other apps featured on the show include Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps that come included with many in-car systems of various automakers. Pioneer, JVC Kenwood, and Parrot also offer aftermarket systems that support Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto for those who are not ready to buy a new car but want to have the connectivity new cars provide.
Self-driving takes centre stage
One of the major highlights shown during the 2015 International CES is Audi’s self-driving car, the A7. The car went on a self-driving trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to Las Vegas—a journey of more than 550 miles—without incident. The A7 is capable of driving itself at speeds below 70 mph, and it can also pass slow vehicles in front and change lanes. To change lanes, it first adjusts its speed based on the speed of surrounding vehicles. If its calculations determine that it is safe to change lanes, then the car will initiate the maneuver. The A7 relies on various sensors, including long-range radar sensors that are already in use in Audi’s cruise control and side-assist driving technology. It also makes use of a pair of mid-range radar sensors that have the ability to take a 360-degree view around the car.
Not to be outdone, BMW showcased its i3 electric car, which has the ability to help drivers avoid hitting obstacles. It can also find a parking space by itself. Volkswagen and Hyundai also showed similar self-parking technology in their newest models. This technology lets occupants pull up to a parking garage entrance, get out of the car, and send it to find a parking spot on its own. Afterwards, drivers can summon the car and it will drive itself to a designated pickup zone.
These are just some of the promising driving technology to look out for in 2015. It seems that soon enough, driving will be completely hands-free. How will this affect current laws or when and why people take the driving theory test? Only time will tell.
This is a guest article from Debbie Fletcher, who is an enthusiastic, experienced writer who has written for a range of difference magazines and news publications.
