In a world where manufacturers are looking for ways in which human-machine interaction can be improved, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) has emerged as an important technology. The automotive industry in particular has been continuously looking for ways in which the gap between human andmachine can be reduced. It is in this context that automotive infotainment has gained so much popularity, both among OEMs and consumers. Market analysts at Technavio are of the opinion that the boom in smartphone technology will trigger growth in the automotive infotainment market as well.
Automotive infotainment – a brief
The origins of automotive infotainment can be traced back to car audio systems that consisted of radios and cassette or CD players. Contrary to popular belief, infotainment systems provide more than just entertainment. For instance, features like video and data recording along with night vision cameras provide road assistance for driver safety. Likewise, advanced satellite-based navigation systems are being integrated into automobiles to enhance vehicle safety by forewarning the driver about potential disruptions to travel. Climate control, USB interface and local-based services (LBS) are some of the other common features of automotive infotainment. Due to immense advantages, market analysts predict the global automotive infotainment market to record a CAGR of more than 13% by 2020.
Popular uses of automotive infotainment
- Rear-seat infotainment systems
In-vehicle connectivity and telematics have led to technological improvements, which aim to enhance the overall in-vehicle experience of both passengers and drivers. Rear-seat infotainment systems are a popular example of this technological innovation. They allow passengers sitting on the rear side of the vehicle to control audio or video sources along with providing information regarding the vehicle, its navigation, and connectivity. Due to these advantages, automobile manufacturers like Volkswagen, Ford, Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Motors, and GM are collaborating with software providers and in-vehicle entertainment and information systems manufacturers to provide infotainment solutions in their mid-range vehicles.
Some of the leading vendors in the global rear-seat infotainment market include Delphi, Alpine Electronics, Panasonic, Harman International and Pioneer.
- Motorcycle infotainment systems
Predicted to grow at a CAGR of more than 11% by 2020, motorcycle infotainment systems are witnessing high adoption in the mid-luxury motorcycles segment. Consumers of mid-luxury motorcycles prefer infotainment kits like smart helmets, Bluetooth headsets, and supporting devices like navigation units that help them in long-distance traveling. Some vendors are also introducing infotainment systems in low-powered motorcycles. For instance: Saturna Green System has developed an Android-based infotainment system for Evolve Motorcycles’ electric bicycles and scooters that incorporates vehicle information, graphic displays, and back-end systems accessed over the Internet.
- In-flight entertainment (IFE)
Another major segment of IVI is in-flight entertainment. The increase in air passenger traffic and technological advancements has spurred the growth of the IFE market. High adoption of air-to-ground (ATG) and satellite networks, along with investment in new-generation high-throughput satellite technology, are other factors that have advanced the popularity of IFE systems globally. For instance: Rockwell Collins developed Paves on-demand IFE systems, currently used by Airbus. The system is expected to be installed in a number of A320 aircraft so the passengers can stream video content effortlessly through a wireless system and an open-software architecture to support numerous applications and services.
Infotainment has surely changed transportation, and is perhaps one of the best things to happen to the automotive industry.
Are you interested in learning more about the automotive infotainment market?
Order the 2016-2020 Report on Global Automotive Infotainment Market
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How Rear-seat Infotainment Systems are Impacting Automobile Manufacturing
The 2016-2020 Report on Global Motorcycle Infotainment System Market
