The world as we know it continues to change. For a large part of this, technology has made it better. Our communication methods, exercise routines and entertainment platforms have all improved. In the past, takeaway deliveries were ground-breaking methods. Being able to place an order over the phone and having it delivered to our door, only having to get up to open the door, was a phenomenon. Nowadays, app-based services such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats remove the little human interaction there was and allow the user to order food without even speaking to someone.
The automotive industry is another which has felt the stark effects of rapidly developing technologies is the automotive industry. Car manufacturers are constantly trying to stay up to date with new innovations. At the rate that smart technology is advancing, companies have to work hard to avoid being left behind. We've already seen huge advancements such as in-car Bluetooth systems, dash-cams, and key finders. But what's next for the world of automotive tech? The smart technology predictions over the next few years are set to totally revolutionise the way people drive. These new ideas will focus on safer driving, easier driving, and adding more fun enhancements to your driving experience.
Dashboard displays
Augmented reality dashboards are going to help us get all the information we need in order to enhance our driving experience. Giving your dashboard a video-game aesthetic, AR displays will show any information you need to know about the car itself. They will also give you other vital information about the road, such as how quickly you're approaching another car, and how best to avoid collisions.
Sync between our car and our gadgets
Phone applications are hugely changing our driving experience. Recent innovations have seen car manufacturers such as Hyundai, pair up with the Android Wear app which allows users to complete a number of commands from your smart watch. From your watch you can start your engine remotely, lock your car's doors, sound your horn, and turn the headlights on and off.
Furthermore, built-in integration with apps is expected to become more and more common within newer car models. Many models now integrate popular apps into the infotainment system, making it look just like the usual screen on your phone.
Autonomous vehicles
The thought of self-driving cars was somewhat of a pipe dream not so long ago. The idea once seemed futuristic and farfetched, but the tech is now being developed and tested by leading automotive companies such as Audi. Similar to the idea behind inter-car communication, self-driving cars are set to reduce the risk of human error on the road. The result? A safer and more reliable way to travel.
The Google Self-Driving Car project, which started in 2009, has now rebranded as Waymo. After ordering a Waymo on an app, a self-driving car will pick you up and take you where you need to be - a journey which promises to be both extremely safe and very comfortable. The idea behind Waymo is that you can 'ride with confidence' and these vehicles have been branded as 'the most experienced drivers'.
Embracing self-driving cars feels like taking a leap of faith, but in the next few years, this tech is likely to feel much more common place. At this rate, we'll have access to self-driving cars in our local Audi dealership sooner than we could have imagined.
Gesture-tech
It's amazing to think that waving your hand can control your vehicle's functions. You'll soon be able to control many elements of your vehicle with mere gestures. As well as being futuristic and fun, this tech is set to make driving easier and safer. Instead of jabbing at buttons on the radio, or being tempted to reach out for your phone, you will soon be able to point at the screen of your infotainment system to accept an incoming call - a simple solution that means you'll never have to take your eyes off the road.
Car-to-car communication
Cars that are Internet enabled are already prominent throughout the motoring world. Soon however, these internet-enabled cars will have the ability to communicate with one another, transforming our driving experience. Communication between cars will help prevent collisions, with precision that human error has never before allowed us to achieve. Before a collision can occur, the car-to-car communication system will foresee the accident and alert the driver to the potential consequences. They will then be able to react quickly and avoid catastrophe.
It doesn't come as a surprise that this year will provide us with many more innovative smart technologies that enhance user experience in the car and improve safety. Watch this space.
