Technology we had no idea would become so critical

Image for article titled The technology we had no idea would become so critical

Photo: Gizmodo

Upgrading the original stereo system to a multi-disc system with DVD capabilities and a pop-up screen was one of the few ways the benefits of chips and electronics in cars were immediately apparent to the average consumer in 2002, when most in-vehicle electronics, like these controlled anti-lock braking systems, were hidden away.

Two decades later, as evidenced by companies like Sony, Apple and even Dyson trying to break into the automotive industry, cars are looking more and more like rolling electronic gadgets. Automotive electrification has brought incredibly elaborate infotainment systems relying on giant touchscreens and even voice recognition. Meanwhile, other electronic upgrades, such as cameras and sensors keeping an eye on everything else on the road, have facilitated features that will autonomously keep a vehicle in its lane, automatically stop to obstacles, and even identify and obey speed limit signs (YMMV).

Cars that drive themselves without human intervention are meant to be around the corner, and in a few years the vehicle in your driveway will have more in common with your smartphone than the Model T. As with a smartphone, consumers don’t care. ultimately won’t really care. what’s under the hood, as long as a car gets them from point A to point B and completely distracts them during the ride.

Comments are closed.