Have We Reached PEAK SCREEN? Where Do We Go From Here?

The automotive industry is at an interesting crossroads. Vehicles have, decidedly, become far less pure and a need for cutting-edge technology has been established thanks to a new benchmark set by consumer expectations.

Automaker's BS approach to interfaces, connectivity and overall usability will not stand. And the traditional automakers are starting to pay attention.

This week Porsche debuted the all-new Taycan's interior. Retrofitted with not one or two or three screens, it makes use of FOUR — this includes infotainment for the front passenger.

On the far out front, Byton has shown its sweeping 48-inch screen that runs from each end of the dashboard. It's truly spectacular although I am pretty confident there's no way it's not going to distract certain people and drivers. Keep in mind, some people can't even look over their shoulder without doing some offroading.

One thing is certain: Screens are NOT going to be going away. Their implementations will change and are set to only enhance your motoring experience.

BUT, will they get smarter in their application and use? That's a story that's yet to be told. It seems clear as day that we've reached peak screen and that now we'll start to see better real-world integrations versus technology for technology's sake.

So, Spies: Where do we go from here?

runninglogan1 - 8/24/2019 5:27:21 AM

+2 Boost

That Byton screen is overkill. Hope they at least have a black background mode.

Wouldn't like that huge, bright, white thing staring at me all day.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/24/2019 10:18:00 AM

+1 Boost

Porsche has at least done it well. The bigger screens that are in place in Some Mercedes products look ungainly and do not below (G-Wagon). Sadly this Byton screen is where the industry seems to be headed.

cidflekken - 8/24/2019 2:17:04 PM

+2 Boost

Don't agree. Mercedes has done it best, IMO. Nothing worse than having to look away from your sightlines for information. Mercedes keeps it front of you, only having to shift your eyes slightly from the road. I am discouraged, though, by the spy photos of the new S-Class interior which show a grossly oversized tablet in the center stack.

The screens on this Taycan look buried in the dash and console and just not ergonomically friendly. but, we'll see how it is in real world application and use.

TomM - 8/25/2019 6:32:22 AM

+1 Boost

Clearly - the market is set to go in a completely different direction - by going to autonomous controls - eventually you will not even need ANY information - as the car will get that directly and drive itself. That will result in a reduction in the price of these cars. Of course - that means they can use the space of the WIndshield to run a movie or some other.

SanJoseDriver - 8/25/2019 2:31:40 PM

+1 Boost

I think Byton wins the screen award if the car makes it to production. I thought more screens would be better, but prefer the single screen on the Model 3 to the two on the Model S. It could be a tiny bit larger perhaps by eliminating the bezel. We have definitely gotten to the point of diminishing returns with screen real estate.