One of the most prominent and problematic auto trends is the infotainment screen.
Its easy to see why touch screens and large displays initially caught on.
In practice, though, the tech is flawed, and drivers are pushing back.
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Infotainment screens have been around for years.
Once Tesla gained traction with its iPad-like controls in the mid-2010s, the technology took over.
Automakers have been eagerly adding new functions to these screens.
Apple hasdelayed its CarPlay upgradewithout giving a new release date, despite revealing the system in 2022.
As much as carmakers seem to love infotainment screens, consumers are less enthusiastic about them.
Just15% of drivers in 2024said they would want a full-width infotainment display.
The growing pushback against vehicle touch screens is ultimately a matter of safety and convenience.
It also means basic car functions may be at the mercy of software glitches and lag.
Some car brands have started responding to these concerns by toning down the screenification of their vehicles.
Volkswagen announced it willbring back physical buttonsafter backlash against its more screen-heavy models.
Yahoo Autos called it theworst infotainment systemthey had ever come across.
Given this growing push against infotainment touch screens, automakers will likely respond.
However, how they choose to balance demands for safety and convenience with new tech is less certain.
Infotainment-style customization remains present, but it stays within the line of sight while looking at the road.
That way, hands can remain on the wheel and eyes can remain forward.
Hyundai and Kia have followed a similar approach, giving users a choice between touch or analog controls.
Voice commands have emerged as another alternative.
Mercedesintroduced ChatGPT-backed voice controlsin 2023, and Apple gave CarPlay voice functionality with iOS 18.
Growing attention on common issues should kick-start some much-needed changes.
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