Automotive Infotainment Sector Takes Headship

With the advancements in science and technology, the automotive industry is now striving towards the development of vehicles with integrated infotainment systems. Popularly referred to as “automotive infotainment”, this approach aims to offer a combination of entertainment and information for an enhanced in-vehicle experience.

Today, consumers access automobiles for practicality. Although the performance of the car is still one of the prime factors, drivers now demand more advanced features to boost their productivity and help save time.

What is Automotive Infotainment?

Automotive infotainment can be described as the upgradation of vehicles to offer information and entertainment drivers. This includes audio/video interfaces, touch screen displays, voice commands, and much more. According to a report from Research Dive, the global automotive infotainment market is estimated to garner a revenue of $17,564.8 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 8.8%.

Why Automotive Infotainment?

People of the 21^st century value their time and experiences, and with a complete shift to digitalization, they have also started to value mobility and connectivity.

The most tech-savvy generation is fueling greater interests in technoid features. Researchers say that around 41% of car buyers are more interested in the latest innovations in their next purchase. In addition, over 70% of the millennials who plan to purchase their car in the next 3-4 years are willing to pay extra just for an infotainment system.

All of this contributes to the high demand for an automotive infotainment system among Gen Z and Millennials.

Recent Developments to Boost the Automotive Infotainment Sector

For boosting the development of automotive infotainment systems, many recent developments have occurred, some of which are listed below:

1. Freescale, an American semiconductor manufacturer, has launched its i.MX 6 Series of processors to offer a new level of multimedia performance. These processors will be combined with an ARM Cortex-A9 architecture to produce 2D and 3D graphics and high-quality videos. Freescale has also partnered with QNX, a real-time OS software company, to deliver top-notch hardware and software solutions to the automotive infotainment industry.
2. Altera, which is now acquired by Intel, offers its unique Cyclone V FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that effectively support multi-camera inputs and display interfaces. These gate arrays also include an integrated radio DSP and a hard-processor system on the ARM Cortex-A9 MP Core processor.
3. Bourns, a global automotive electronic components manufacturer, introduced its CGA-MLC series ESD protectors for thermal, power, and vibration management inside vehicles.

With such developments happening around the automotive industry, it would be no surprise to have major advantages and a handful of disadvantages of automotive infotainment systems. Let’s find them out.

Advantages of Automotive Infotainment Systems

1. Enhanced Safety of The Vehicle

Automotive infotainment systems include advanced sensors, 360-degree view cameras, a reverse parking camera, etc. that are accessed via the modern touchscreen to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

2. Integration Navigation System

Navigation systems have been the nub of travelling since their introduction. An enhanced automotive infotainment system helps to display the exact location and whereabouts to the rider.

3. Multiple Sources of Entertainment

Modern automobiles are not just limited to CD players and radio. Over time, the automotive industry has also adapted Bluetooth compatibility, AUX receiver, USB ports, etc. to make vehicles a powerhouse of entertainment.

4. Mobile-synced Experience 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto easily mirror our smartphones on display screens and give easy access to our apps like music players, navigations, online food ordering, online shopping, etc. Moreover, the neatly integrated speakers help to take calls on the go without holding our phones and any other disturbances.

The Disadvantage of Automotive Infotainment Systems

One of the main issues still remain unattended, i.e., the automotive infotainment systems now serve as a distraction for riders from what is happening on the roads. And since it is illegal to operate mobile phones while driving, this might pose a major setback for the automotive infotainment industry.

Bottom Line

Considering the recent developments in the automotive infotainment sector, increasing demand for highly customized infotainment systems, and the market estimations, it is clear that this industry is here to stay and has much more to offer to the audience.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.