With the continuous increase of investment in intelligent experience and software by global car companies, the annual CES Consumer Electronics Exhibition has gradually become a venue for car companies to release new technologies and innovative ideas, which is an arena for displaying the forward-looking technology of car companies. At CES 2022, BMW came up with four innovative technologies – or four new ideas – to see if it could stir the hearts of consumers, including a hovering giant screen, a new My Modes theme model and BMW electric vehicle sound wave simulation, and a color-changing car based on electronic ink technology. So how many of these technologies can become a reality in mass production? Let's take a look.
1. Suspended giant screen
Mass production probability: ★★★★
At this exhibition, BMW released the "cinema mode" future in-car entertainment system for the first time. Under the "Cinema Mode", BMW can create a luxurious cinema environment in the rear row through the "BMW Theatre Screen", and through the adjustment of lighting and sun blinds, coupled with high-speed 5G, BMW owners can enjoy an unparalleled in-car entertainment experience in the rear row.
The most critical part of this mode is the "floating giant screen", which is a 31-inch ultra-wide panoramic display on the panoramic sunroof, which, according to the illustration given by BMW, hangs the screen on the panoramic sunroof beam, and then can be folded and unfolded. This huge screen is 8K size, which can support video playback in multiple formats of 16:9, 21:9 and even 32:9, and with Bowers & Wilkins 4D Diamond Surround Sound System, Amazon Fire TV, etc., to provide users with an immersive entertainment experience.
BMW said that the suspension giant screen has undergone multiple crash tests, which can achieve an immersive digital journey with peace of mind while ensuring the safety of passengers. In the future, BMW will also collaborate with local Chinese suppliers to provide an in-car entertainment experience that meets the preferences of Chinese users.
2. Four new My Modes theme modes
Mass production probability: ★★★★★
At this year's CES, BMW also released four new theme modes, namely "Relax Mode", "Expressive Mode", "Digital Art Mode" and "Theater Mode". The new "theme mode" brought by BMW this time is not a simple traditional user interface design, but an immersive experience covering the senses of touch, hearing and vision is built through the floating screen and atmosphere lights in the car. The newly sculpted and exquisite interface is presented in an artistic form on an integrated floating curved screen, and the visual effects of intricate light and shadow, light and dark transformation interpret the infectious design. It is reported that "Relax Mode" and "Expressive Mode" will be launched in the second half of 2022, when BMW users can get a new theme mode through OTA remote upgrades.
3. New BMW electric vehicle sound wave simulation works
Since electric vehicles do not have engine sound, some car companies also try to introduce richer sounds to vehicles to achieve the role of inspiring drivers or warning passers-by. This also greatly enhances the "creation" space of car companies, so that the "sound" of electric vehicles has become a symbol that conveys more brand characteristics.
Previously, BMW teamed up with composer Hans Zimmer to create the sound of the future of electric vehicles – BMW IconicSounds Electric. This includes the creation of a specially designed pedestrian acoustic warning function (AVAS) for the outside of the car, so that pedestrians can perceive that there is a vehicle coming nearby, and inside the car, BMW has designed exclusive sound effects for each "theme mode", which are matched by the visual effects presented in different "theme modes". It is said that BMW and Hans Zimmer reinterpreted the sounds of orchestral instruments such as violins and French horns to create a more magnificent, free and more emotional expression of the driver and occupants in a more futuristic way.
BMW said that the BMW electric vehicle sound wave simulation will be the first to be installed on the BMW i4 in the first half of 2022, and will be gradually applied to more BMW electric models in the future.
4. Variable body surface
Mass production probability: ★
The most "brain hole" innovation technology of BMW at CES this time is undoubtedly the use of the unique technology of "electronic ink" to successfully achieve the one-button color change function of the body on the BMW iX.
Using the characteristics of the "electronic ink screen", BMW can control the black and white colors through the current, which can make the BMW iX show a discoloration effect. According to BMW, this time they made different sizes of "electronic ink" according to the change of pattern and curvature of the car surface, and then fixed on the car, and finally achieved a key color change through the electrode change.
E-ink isn't just about being cool, it's also about having practical features. BMW said that this technology is also intrinsically conducive to reducing energy consumption, and the changeable body color is also conducive to improving the comfort of the car and reducing the energy required for the electrical system. For example, the white surface can reflect more sunlight than black, if the body color is changed to a light color, the impact of strong external sunlight and high temperature on the interior of the vehicle can be reduced accordingly, and the interior such as the center console and dashboard can be prevented from overheating. In the case of lower temperatures, turning the body into a dark color can help absorb more heat from sunlight, reduce the energy consumption required for air conditioning heating, and effectively increase the range of electric vehicles.
Of course, the electronic ink body currently displayed is customized, and BMW mainly hopes to continuously explore the possibility of user personalization and sustainable development by using "electronic ink" technology. In the future, BMW may be able to use this innovative technology to more integrate reality and virtual effects to meet the needs of users to freely express their personalities.
Text 丨 JackieLXX
Figure 丨 Network