This year, BMW is adding “Gesture Control” to its luxury 7-Series sedan, which allows drivers to swipe their fingers across the screen to execute commands.
Now, the internet is abuzz with information about the automaker’s new technology, AirTouch, which will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.
And according to sources, the technology will be added to the new BMW i8 Spyder.
According to BMW, AirTouch allows the display in a vehicle to function like a touchscreen without the driver having to touch its surface.
“This feature provides intelligent control of entertainment, navigation and communication functions using simple hand gestures,” the company says.
The technology understands the selection and control steps that are necessary and displays them in advance, allowing the driver to stay focused on the road.
AirTouch uses sensors located just above the dashboard and also, is lined throughout the interior, which monitor both the driver’s and passengers’ hand movements.
In addition, it allows for 3D controls, which allow more complex commands to be performed on a panoramic display mounted on the dashboard.
This is a significant step forward over the recent “Gesture Control”, which could only recognize simple commands.
AirTouch also has a hidden AirTouch button located on the steering wheel.
It’s located on the left and is easy to press with your thumb and lights up when a menu or icon is activated. A simple press is all it takes to activate the desired program or change a setting, and there’s also a button on the passenger side. BMW has said that this technology will be demonstrated at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show early next month. Sources believe that this system will be added to the new Spyder, as the photo published to the press in the latest press release is very similar to the latest teaser of the vehicle. The updated Spyder model is said to have a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine mounted in the rear – equipped with an electric motor, producing 228bhp. The company says the car can reach 62mph in just 4.4 seconds.
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