They want to take away our knobs

[EricE]

And this is a VW Golf we are talking about. I don't like this one bit.

autoexpress said:

VW boss confirms gesture control technology for facelifted Golf hatchback, due late next year

“The interior features a preview of future VW interior technologies, with smartphone applications redefined for automotive use,” Neußer told Auto Express. “The gesture control will become reality in the Golf at the end of next year.”

The cabin will become largely “button-less”, with the functions not able to be operated via gesture control being accessed on the new digital displays which will feature hepatic feedback.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/91568/2016-volkswagen-golf-facelift-to-get-gesture-control-tech

Edited by EricE on Thursday 28th May 16:48

[EricE]

thegreenhell said:

It's just tech for the sake of it, because people have been fooled into thinking more tech is better all the time, not because it's an improvement in usability, reliability, longevity, safety or cost.

I think part of the reason is VW's "non-techy" brand image in the USA where infotainment plays a much more important role than in Europe. I can see how a few clueless people at the top think they can fix this by plastering as many LCD screens as possible into the car.

Here's a picture of the "Golf R touch" concept. Two gigantic screens, no physical dials and all buttons are on the steering wheel.

[EricE]

CoolC said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKyqxDf4DsQ

All easy to do while sat at a motor show. Now imagine trying to do all this while bumping down our billiard table smooth roads.

If this is the future of cars then I can't wait until they drive themselves. Grab a bottle of water from the side pockets of the door and suddenly your rear mirrors fold up on the Autobahn. This is what happens when you invest billions into research for the sake of innovation.