Audi, the German carmaker, is really concerned about mobile driven in-car connectivity technologies. After the successful launch of the LG customized new Smartwatch, the carmaker, at 2014 CES press conference, introduced a 10.2-inches Android tablet wrapped in brushed aluminum – Audi Smart Display. Along with this, the company also announced to launch - ‘Audi connect’ – that will allow users to access navigation with Google Earth and provide traffic light information, traffic updates, etc.
Audi’s next-generation Multimedia Interface (MMI) and the second-generation Mobile Infotainment Platform 2 with a quad-core Tegra 30 processor will be soon available with few Audi vehicles. Officials claim that the Audi Smart Display is a perfect combination of advanced technology and robustness and reliability of automobiles. Powered by an Nvidia Tegra T40 processor, the tablet integrates directly with Audi cars’ infotainment system via in-car WiFi or LTE connection. It enables user to access navigation system, media, web and control audio, radio, calls and other functions.
It works as a fully-fledged Android tablet powered by a 4.4 KitKat, and has a familiar user interface as Audi UI. This tablet is crash resistance and made to survive at extreme temperatures (over 80 degrees Celsius or -40 degree Fahrenheit). It also offers Google Play, thus allowing users to download and access Android apps. The Android tablet, connected with car through WiFi, displays a menu of functions, which is more like dashboard mounted LCD. It allows backside passengers to play audio or access navigation system without touching any controls.
Audi’s android tablet displays real navigation process with car-specific running information such as vehicle’s speed etc. The Audi Smart Display is wider, and has larger bezels than the regular Android tablets. This android tablet for cars won’t be available in mobile stores. It will likely to be offered as optional accessory with the select Audi vehicles. The detail specs and price of the tablet are yet to be revealed, but it’s sure that it will provide a high-end tablet experience to users. This automobile technology in cars will revolutionize the industry and help the automaker to compete against its rivals – i.e Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
