It seems that gesture control didn't gain much traction in popularity after all.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Back in 2015 BMW unveiled a function called gesture control for the then-new 7 Series. You could spin your finger to adjust the volume, flick left or right to change a song, and other features best served by a button. The Bavarian automaker has apparently realized this, as it's just announced at CES it's killing gesture control.
It's actually a little more nuanced than that, as BMW Blog reports. The company feels that its new voice control system has advanced considerably due to the integration of artificial intelligence, which makes gestures unnecessary. Likewise, it admits that not many people used the gesture control feature in the first place.
That seems logical given its inherent qualities. The gesture control capability is nearly undetectable unless you're aware of its existence, and even then, its utility is quite limited. While it can impress at gatherings, its effectiveness is ultimately surpassed by other control methods.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Image credit: BMW
The latest iDrive system from BMW features an innovative interior design.
BMW is dropping the feature now because it just introduced entirely new software and hardware for its upcoming Neue Klasse line of vehicles. Featuring both electric and internal-combustion drivetrains, the Neue Klasse cars are a departure from BMW's existing lineup, featuring new underpinnings, updated exterior styling, and, you guessed it, more sophisticated interior tech.
This technology features a pillar-to-pillar heads-up display and minimal physical buttons. The steering wheel has also transitioned entirely to capacitive touch controls. It's still uncertain if the automaker will continue with this approach, as some other manufacturers are reintroducing buttons in their vehicles or keeping them for essential functions.
Got a tip for us? Email: [email protected]
