TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #58: CES 2015: LATEST CAR TECH

EV Channels Review

This episode of Talking Cars from Consumer Reports delves into the technological advancements showcased at CES 2015, with a particular focus on automated driving and infotainment systems. The hosts express skepticism about the immediate widespread adoption of fully self-driving cars, citing the need for significant infrastructure improvements and regulatory frameworks. While acknowledging the convenience of features like self-parking, they question the necessity and potential for misuse, contrasting the German automakers' focus on efficiency with the traditional 'joy of driving.' A significant portion of the discussion highlights the rapid evolution of consumer electronics and the challenges car manufacturers face in keeping infotainment systems current. The adoption of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by manufacturers like Hyundai and Volkswagen is lauded as a practical solution, allowing vehicles to leverage the processing power and up-to-date interfaces of users' smartphones, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional, slow-to-update in-car navigation and entertainment systems. Gesture controls are also examined, with the hosts questioning their practicality and potential to increase, rather than decrease, driver distraction.