X

QNX concept Bentley showcases future dashboard technologies (pictures)

QNX is the brains behind the cabin tech packages for more than 40 automotive OEMS. At CES 2013, it gives us a look at the next generation of car tech.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
QNX_bentley.jpg
1 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

QNX Bentley concept car

LAS VEGAS--Previous Best of CES winner QNX was back at the show for 2013 with a new concept car, this time a Bentley Continental GT convertible, with an even more high-tech assortment of features.
QNX_over.jpg
2 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Interior

The QNX Bentley uses a large, curved color touch screen in the center stack and a full LCD instrument cluster.
QNX_centerscreen.jpg
3 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Center screen

The touch screen is curved to match the range of an average human arm from the driver's seat for more comfortable reaching. Rather than capacitive or resistive touch sensitivity, the Bentley's screen uses an interesting optical touch sensitivity that allows Bentley to do some creative things with the interface.
QNX_knob.jpg
4 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Control knob

QNX was able to embed a physical control knob near the bottom of the screen that the user can touch and twist. Because this is a Bentley, QNX styled it to look like the brand's trademark Breitling clock.
QNX_knob2.jpg
5 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Variable controls

Tapping various icons on the screen changes the virtual interface and the function of the physical control knob. Here, we see the knob being used for climate controls, but it can also be used for volume control, zooming the map, etc.
QNX_contacts.jpg
6 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Communication tech

The QNX Bentley features a number of voice, video, and text-based communication technologies. For example, HD voice calling boosts call quality to a level comparable to that of a CD with stereo separation. Incoming e-mails and text messages can be fielded when the vehicle is parked and, presumably, read aloud. Users can also interact with many of the QNX Bentley's functions via voice command.
QNX_videocon.jpg
7 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Video conferencing

However, the coolest communication technology is the video-conferencing tech built right into the dashboard. With the car parked, users can initiate bidirectional video calls. Start driving, however, and the video feed is hidden from the driver for safety purposes, but the voice call continues seamlessly.
QNX_videocam.jpg
8 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Video cameras

The Bentley features a pair of barely-there digital cameras pointed at the driver and passenger seat to facilitate the calling.
QNX_appsPandora.jpg
9 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

App integration

Like any infotainment system worth its salt these days, QNX's concept features integration for car-centric apps. The apps are installed on the car's entertainment system and make use of its data connection, so they can be used even if you forget your cell phone.
QNX_insturmenta.jpg
10 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Virtual gauges

This very glossy instrument cluster consists of a large LCD that displays virtual gauges and auxiliary information that can be configured by the driver.
QNX_insturmentb.jpg
11 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Auxiliary dash data

When you're navigating, the instrument cluster can display your next few driving instructions. When you're listening to music, the current audio source can be displayed.
QNX_insturmet_rearcamera.jpg
12 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

3D rearview camera

Shift the car into reverse and the Bentley's instrument cluster changes to a video output for the rearview camera. Glasses-less 3D technology and a stereoscopic rearview camera allow the QNX Bentley's driver a unique view of what's behind.
QNX_rearcam.jpg
13 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Stereoscopic camera

Here, we can see the two cameras that are used to build the 3D rearview.
QNX_webapps.jpg
14 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Smartphone telematics

Finally, QNX has built a cloud-based telematics system that is accessible via smartphone. The whole interface lives in the cloud and is served to a smartphone via its Web browser -- no app installation required -- and allows the user to instantaneously view a wide range of information about the vehicle.
QNX_webapps2.jpg
15 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Smartphone control

QNX tells us that drivers can do all of the tasks that we've come to expect from a telematics system, including honking the horn, locking and unlocking the doors, and flashing the lights. Drivers can also raise and lower the Bentley's roof and windows from anywhere in the world.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos