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by yogrish 4503 days ago
I feel its good concept and addresses current problem of UI in cars. Still, its not a permanent solution as User has to physically touch the screen which is still a distraction while driving. I feel permanent solution would be through a Voice activated controls where you have 360 Degree freedom for yourself. Till then this idea is very much usable for majority of People,Leaving few corner cases as you mentioned("People have a wide range of hand sizes, motor control skills, even number of fingers").
2 comments
philwelch 4503 days ago
I don't really understand why a car's sound system or climate control can't be effectively controlled with physical knobs and buttons. This touchscreen fad will go away, just like the digital speedometer fad of old.
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jotm 4502 days ago
It's supposed to reduce costs and material use (if everything uses touch screens, they're cheaper to mass produce) and the dashboard design will be simplified, like how digital electrical systems replaced the miles of wires in analog-wired cars.

But yeah, right now it's stupid - I can't even use my phone well outside when it's a bit cold and my fingers are dry...

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jccooper 4502 days ago
A touch (on a physical object) can make a change in half a second, requires no thinking, and can be done without looking.

Voice control (even if it works reliably, which it does not today) takes several seconds and requires thought in composition and execution.

Touch on a flat screen may be quick, but requires looking. But it's probably not quick, because you'll probably have to change modes, which will require thinking and several seconds of manipulation.

Just put some damn hard buttons on the dash. I know why manufacturers love the screens: they require no tooling, provide lots of real estate for all the doohickeys you want to cram in, and they're hip (Ooh! Like and iPad(TM)!). But they don't belong in cars. Even good ones like Tesla's are bad.

Years ago I said I wouldn't buy a car with screen controls. Now it looks like I just won't be able to buy a new car.

I repeat: Just put some damn hard buttons on the dash.

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