CNET has a fascinating look at a new system under development by Volkswagen that provides a user-friendly interface to a number of electronic devices and software programs. It’s called Gypsy, and at the center of the system in a large LCD touch screen located in the car’s center console. Most notably, it includes the ability to interface with many popular devices, such as the Apple iPod and Palm Treo. The prototype car has a slot for inserting an iPod. Once the iPod is connected, the user no longer needs to touch it. Instead, it can be controlled entirely via the touch screen interface. The car also appears to have a built-in iTunes player, but that was not previewed. There’s also an audio jack, Firewire, and USB interface. Other devices — like the Palm Treo — can be interfaced via Bluetooth. The Treo in the demonstration acts as the connectivity and email device for the car. However, the driver does not need to touch the handheld. Again, it is accessed entirely via the touch screen interface. For email there’s even a list of commonly used phrases like “Can’t type right now” and “Call me,” accessible via a single click. Lastly, the system offers “widgets” — downloadable plug-ins that add further functionality to the car. One example was a widget that wirelessly communicates with appliances inside the house and enables the owner to control them from the driveway. See the full video here. VW is also developing a Google Maps-based navigation system with the internet giant.
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03/23, 5:34 PM
posted by:
VDub
Oh Schnap! Vdub in da house!
03/23, 5:52 PM
posted by:
Sean
I don’t think everyone wants a mobile office…right now. Even in the future, imagine the additional time you will spend in your car before and after you drive. Just so you can take care a last minute item before you do whatever. (before work, before going home, after work…etc.)
NOTE: if you’re not suppose to e-mail while you drive, then why would you go through a couple of selection just to get to the menu so you can select, “call me later,” “can’t type right now”..ect. Isn’t that more time eyes are off the road??
03/23, 8:41 PM
posted by:
Heydn
This is neat and I appreciate VW making user interfaces easier to use in cars–I know of some other German car companies that could use some help. That being said, I’d rather not complicate my driving experience with any distractions. These gadgets are fine and great and useful, but I hope that in the future, companies make them optional as opposed to standard.
03/23, 9:17 PM
posted by:
chewy
Looks pretty good. But it will probably change a little before it goes into production.
03/24, 7:53 AM
posted by:
Anonymous
Useless junk that drives up the cost of cars, plus I consider these to be just as much as distraction as someone talking on a cell phone. Useless junk in a car.
03/24, 9:22 AM
posted by:
Piablo
Sure it’s useless junk, not everyone will want it, and it’s a big distraction. But who would have thought a camera and a cell phone would be so popular? It’s a cultural thing. Take a look around and see how many people have electonic gadgets clinging to their body everywhere they go. Personally I think the iPod craze is retarded. I see people walking around everywhere they go insulating themselves from the world through music. This is another trend that frankly I am surprised hasn’t caught on sooner. Will I buy it? No. But there will be quite a few that will pay a @#$%load of money just to have it.
03/24, 1:40 PM
posted by:
Curt Kay
I love the idea and the concept, but more accidents would occur without a doubt.
“what happened here son?” said the officer.
“I was checking my email… and my home applicances… while going 65 mph” replied the VW driver.
If VW can make a better interface so the critical eyes of the driver don’t leave the road, then I think they would be on to something greater than what they have now. SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY. Email can wait, lives can’t.
03/25, 4:21 PM
posted by:
Annie Nomus
VAG-COM widget FTW!!!!!
03/27, 2:39 AM
posted by:
gsh
actually Curt Kay, the kind of person who would use the email feature probably gets emails that are more important than your life
07/01, 7:10 AM
posted by:
dimiitris
I HAVE A MERCEDES CL-600 MODEL 2001. I’D LIKE TO INSTALL AN IPOD AND CONTROL THIS USING MY CAR’S COMMAND. I HAVE NAVIGATION SYSTEM A CD CHANGER.
PLEASE REPLY