Samsung and HARMAN have revealed the next iteration of their innovative Digital Cockpit platform at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019. The Digital Cockpit 2019 presents an enriched automotive experience that heightens personalization, connectivity and safety throughout a suite of IoT solutions.
Building on the standard set by last year’s Digital Cockpit, the 2019 version addresses the needs of drivers and passengers alike, providing a seamless link between devices, vehicle and home, with simple controls for ease of use.
An Experience Tailored for Every Passenger
For 2019, the Digital Cockpit has increased the number of displays from three to six, delivering tailored infotainment options to more of the car’s passenger. In addition to a new, independent Passenger Display, two Rear Seat Displays also have been added, allowing passengers in both the front and rear to enjoy personalized contents that will keep them entertained during their travels. The Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and Occupant Monitoring System (OMS) are able to recognize registered drivers and passengers, adjusting the environment – such as screen settings and seat position – to provide an experience personalized to their tastes.
Three screens in the front of the Digital Cockpit show the driver important information and settings. The Cluster Display, situated in front of the driver, is a screen that highlights crucial driving information, such as the speed and oil gauge, with a layout that changes according to the driver’s preference. Between the driver and the front passenger is the Center Information Display, which shows Bixby and SmartThings services for cars, as well as basic apps, like navigation and music. Below that is the Control Display, a screen that oversees a host of functions, including air conditioning and sound volume, and can also be used to set the functions on the knobs of the Digital Cockpit.
By connecting their smartphone to the appropriate display via In-vehicle Samsung DeX, passengers can enjoy a smartphone experience optimized for their display and give their full attention to documents and emails, even while on the move.
Equipped with two knobs positioned in the front of the car and two in the back, the Digital Cockpit offers intuitive setting controls. The knobs have a circular UX, similar to the Galaxy Watch’s hallmark display, and can be customized to configure settings most frequently used by the driver and passengers, such as temperature and speaker volume.
Connectivity throughout the Car
With new Bixby, the in-car experience is even more convenient. The intuitive, conversational AI platform allows drivers and passengers to control their third-party apps – as well as automotive-optimized functions – hands-free inside the car.
As our world becomes increasingly more connected, the Digital Cockpit is strengthening the bond between car and home. Last year’s features supported car-to-home interactions, allowing you to check what’s inside your fridge or start up the washing machine at home, all from the driver’s seat. In addition to adding more devices that can be controlled from the car, the Digital Cockpit now also facilitates home-to-car interactions. With the help of SmartThings and Galaxy Home, users can access vehicle status and controls from the comfort of their own home. This means that you can check fuel levels, start up the engine, and cool down or warm up the inside temperature by turning on the AC before jumping into your car.
Smarter Safety
New features have been implemented to further enhance car safety. Incorporating Samsung Electronics’ Exynos semiconductor, the Mirror Replacement Vision System, Front Facing Camera and Driver Monitoring System assist safe driving in a variety of potential scenarios.
Since last year, the Mirror Replacement Vision System has moved to the front left and right sides of the vehicle to reflect where users habitually look when changing lanes. The system can identify moving objects and gives the driver a wider field of view in the direction of the lane they wish to change into.
The Front Facing Camera detects the environment on the roads ahead. This is particularly useful if the driver wants to make a sudden left turn on an intersection or change lanes, for example. The camera identifies vehicles, pedestrians, lanes and traffic signs while driving and warns the driver of any hazards before they act. Data is shown on the Cluster Display, helping the driver make informed decisions on the road.
The Driver Monitoring System will also transmit a warning sound if it detects dangerous behavior, such as driving while drowsy or sending text messages behind the wheel.
As car design embraces new trends in mobility lifestyle, the Digital Cockpit 2019 represents the next stage in vehicle comfort, connectivity and safety. As the development of 5G technologies continues apace, Samsung’s IoT platform will drive the future of automotive innovation and broaden the horizons of connected living.
