Between Tesla’s all-electric model and Uber’s self-driving cars, automotive technology has taken some serious leaps in recent years. And while dozens of tech companies try to get driverless sedans on the road before anyone else, some businesses have taken a different route in improving the road. And if you love video games, driving is going to start becoming pretty awesome.
Yes, self-driving cars will be practical, saving lives and eliminating traffic. And yes, an electric car is one of the only things that can save the world from climate change. But wouldn’t it be cool to be able to see your route illuminated on the windshield? Isn’t an in-car butler that can tell you about traffic the dream of every video gamer ever? Sure, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has told carmakers to put safety ahead of coolness, but who wants to listen to reason when you can have flashing lights guiding you home on the freeway?
Navion’s Hologram Windshield
This product is still in the prototype stage but is the most likely product to become available to everyday consumers. The device projects holographic images on your windshield in order to show you distance markers, route indicators, and safety warnings. You’ll even be able to use hand motions to control it, which is untested and unpopular but sounds pretty cool.
Mini’s Augmented Reality Driving Goggles
Yes, driving goggles are outdated. However, if they provide drivers with a heads-up display showing everything from pedestrian activity to collision detection, people will forego the need for fashionable driving and opt for the automotive accessory of the future. You can even look through the metal of the car in order to see what’s on the outside without straining your neck out the window like Ace Ventura. While they do look incredibly goofy, they could be on the market before you know it. Particularly because the tech is already involved in the car windshield in luxury models.
Bentley’s In-Car Hologram Butler
This automotive innovation is probably the furthest from actually being made available to customers, as it’s merely part of a mock-up design from the company to compete with Rolls-Royce’s luxury self-driving car. The butler would be able to do everything from give directions to make restaurant reservations so you can keep your eyes on the road, or just enjoy a leisurely ride in your self-driving car… 10 years from now, that is.