Benz gets bizarre Bosch build
MERCEDES RECKONS that its new Split View technology will solve all those terribly awkward car dashboard problems.
Yes, we know what you're thinking. What terribly awkward car dashboard problems? Well, according to the Boche, having the driver and passenger having to look at the same dashboard readout is a major issue. It means, for example, that the driver is incapable of looking at a GPS display whilst the passenger watches a movie, seemingly being projected from the exact same screen. A dire description of the problem, which is exactly what Split View addresses.
And yes, we know what you're thinking. When was the last time I sat in a passenger seat and desperately wanted to watch a movie on a dashboard? The answer is almost certainly 'never', especially given the fact you'd have to keep your head at a permanent 45 degree angle to focus. If you happened to be that desperate to watch a movie, then surely an Ipod or laptop would do the trick. So the whole scheme seems a little pointless.
But yes, we know what you're thinking. Isn't this an amazing piece of technology regardless, a technical feat for which the boys at Daimler deserve a hearty slap on the back? Well no, since it's actually the chaps from Bosch - hilariously confusing, we know - that developed the technology.
So Daimler can take credit for coming up with the ridiculous idea and then having the audacity to Photoshop such a ludicrous illustration (linked below) to demonstrate its utterly unrealistic potential. So all's well, then. µ
L'Inq
Mercedes Benz
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Dude, this IS a great peice of tech, not in any way confusing that it is made by Bosch and fitted in a Merc. Just cos you can't quite grasp the concept, doesn't make it any less of an acheivement!
My Fiat has a Bosch starter motor... is that "hilariously confusing" to you?!
I can't think of a use for it myself but then again I can't see a use for a convertible car, but some people like them. I feel the same about in car video.
What I would like to see on cars and motorcycles is a configurable dashboard. Something along the lines of a USB connector on my proximity key that I can insert into my PC and run some software to lay out the display in a (legal) way that suits me. Then when I get in the car it reconfigures the dash to my preferred layout. They do it with seat/wheel position and even radio settings so why not with an LCD dashboard?
Wouldn't it be safer to make the satnav into a head-up display? That way the driver would be watching the road anyway, regardless of what the passenger is watching on TV...
1. If you would have opened the Benz page, you would have noticed that it is not a 45 degree angle with which you see the display.
2. It is common that OEM companies do not develop components by themselves - open the hood of your car and read the labels on the various parts
3. When a technology first appears on the market, there are always people who can or will not see the potential of new car equipments (electric window opener, air bag, ABS just to mention a few)
4. I know that I can not afford one of these cars and maybe you neither. But wouldn't it be nice to show this little feature to your friends? Are you jealous?
This technology has been available (as in "for sale") for Toyota Alphard vans for two years.
Welcome to yesterday.
Do you think the technology will eventually trickle down as a plugin to cheaper models, like my 40 years old Trabant?
:-o (hope there's no trademark on this emoticon... can't afford a lawsuit!)
Why is Bosch's involvement so confusing? While Bosch is known to the layperson for their white goods and power tools (their logo alludes to a motor armature), they've been making car parts for years, including in-car audio and navigation systems.
In much the same way that Boeing don't manufacture the avionics systems in their jetliners, car manufacturers use many ancilliary parts from other companies also.
What of engineering time and money. How about focusing on these two ideas:
1.) All controls and monitors, etc., should be arranged to be easily viewable by the driver. Why does the driver need to extend his arm just to reach the ventilation controls that are mounted in the center of the car?
2.) Make it possible to extend the driver's sun visor so that it can cover the entirety of the driver's side window.
One problem: have they figured out a way to separate the sound waves from the GPS and, say, the Muppet Movie -- so she hears "Bear left!" "Right, frog," and I hear "go straight ahead for the next 100 miles"? Or do both screens have to fight over the same speakers?
That 8" screen does sound generous ... for a second-generation PDA. But with a 1-1/2-ton Mercedes case, I'd expect a larger screen--why does the passenger have to see out the windscreen anyway, when her half of it could be replaced by a 22" widescreen?
project the visual onto the windscreen.
New BMW's have on-windscreen projection showing Sat Nav, Speed, Gear, Revs, or a combination of those.
Looking sideways and down, well that's stupid.
Why does in car Sat Nav cost £1,500+ when I can buy a Tomtom for £150? Car manufacturers please stop ripping us off, maybe more people would buy your products if you did. This recession cutting your sales might make u stop screwing us so much.
Ford are bringing the small Transit van to USA, but they removing the 55mpg diesel engine and putting in a 20-25mpg petrol. WTF? The top bosses at Ford need to be hung, drawn and quartered.