Samsung has recently revealed its “digital cockpit”. The Digital Cockpit 2021 was created as a joint effort from Samsung Electronics and car-tech experts Harmon, and aims to deliver “fun on-the-go experiences”, according to the tagline.
The future is now
The Digital Cockpit looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, and it’s decked out top to bottom with some crazy features. Right at the front sits a 49in QLED screen that tucks itself halfway behind the steering wheel (which looks like it was nabbed from an X-Wing) when it’s not being used in tandem with the Cockpit’s sound system to stream movies or play games. While tucked away, the remaining half of the screen acts as a normal dashboard would, displaying things like your speed, your fuel, and your GPS.
Entertainment on the go
When you’re not driving, the Digital Cockpit can be used as a “mobile entertainment hub”. You can take advantage of the front panoramic display for gaming or streaming, which is made possible thanks to the Cockpit’s utilisation of 5G. Speakers are installed in the headrest of each seat, maximising immersion. Menus are navigated using the centre of the steering wheel, which features an 8.8in touchscreen display.
The display can be used to control volume, manage content, as well as more mundane things like hooting or activating turn signals.
Form and function
In the centre of the front seat is the 13.2in “Center Information Display”, used to manage apps and other functions. The screen also has access to the “Share” function, allowing you to instantly share the videos you can take using the in-cabin cameras found in the upper part of each seat. The Cockpit features a “studio mode” that allows users to edit content using various editing tools and the touchscreen displays.
The displays can also be used to transform the Digital Cockpit into a mobile workspace. It’s perfect for video conferencing. Poignant, considering the number of people doing their jobs online these days.
So many screens!
In lieu of a rearview mirror, there is (you guessed it) another screen on the top of the windshield, which also provides the driver with handy information as they drive. It’s a part of the “360 Vision Monitoring System” that recognises pedestrians and cars, keeping you spatially aware and safe.
And just in case you thought that the Digital Cockpit was still one screen short of perfect, there’s an “Out-Cabin Screen” on it’s rear so that you can still enjoy your content while camping or picnicking. Wild.
Healthy living
The Digital Cockpit provides a new service known as “Automotive Samsung Health”, an extension of Samsung Health. It analyses your status before you enter, and then regularly checks your stress levels, adjusting the interior accordingly to help you relax. It also monitors driver’s sleep patterns and eyelids to keep them alert and awake on the road. The internal environment of the Cockpit can also be controlled manually with the “Control Display” located on the rear centre armrest.
Communication is key
The Digital Cockpit also has some techy takes on the safety of people outside of it. As mentioned, the Cockpit can recognise nearby pedestrians and use the front-mounted display to send messages to them to ensure their safety. The speaker used to substitute for a traditional horn is also much quieter than traditional car horns in order to reduce noise pollution in bustling urban areas.
The Digital Cockpit 2021 is an exciting piece of tech aiming to be the future of comfort and entertainment in vehicles. At the very least, it’s far more than just a fancy car.
(Source: Samsung Newsroom)