In the car, technology is simpler

The engineers working on the new luxury sport-utility vehicle Acura MDX, Honda were obsessed by the idea of offering a much larger space in the backseat, greater fuel economy to a high-tech engine and, above all, more applications, maps and connectivity. But there is an element that engineers decided to eliminate: the buttons.
In an effort to simplify the new vehicle, launched in June, the product team was determined to leave the Panel. This is a change that indicates the challenge that the industries are facing in the era of connected car: the car manufacturers need to give customers the technology they want without putting at risk the security, filling the complicated controls drivers.
"We are looking to give our customers what they want in a way that is safe and meaningful," said Steven Feit, a Honda engineer working on the project. "It is this kind of balance we want to achieve."
The evolution of the automobile is full of historic landmarks, from the advent of today's common features, such as air conditioning and seat belts, the new hybrid, gasoline-powered engines and electricity. The car became a mobile computer packed with new entertainment options, internet access and a variety of applications that help drivers avoid traffic jams and find places to park.
The authorities make it possible to accompany the rapid development. The national traffic safety Agency on u.s. Highways, which oversees the safety of vehicles, recently issued voluntary guidelines to the manufacturers for the purpose of limiting the Visual and mental distractions that technology can create.
The industry is very aware of this problem. "We understand its importance," said Gloria Bergquist, Vice President of public affairs of the Association of automobile manufacturers. "We cannot prevent consumers want certain things to their cars, so we need to make the technology less dangerous."
Previously, sophisticated were used exclusively by manufacturers of luxury vehicles, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But now the basic connectivity-how to connect a phone to the car sound system-is found in some common models.
On the other hand, the manufacturers have learned a few lessons to insist on a new technology and not sufficiently tested. Ford Motor, for example, has had to revise its popular Sync navigation and entertainment system to reduce distractions and ease of use.
Each new version of a car is an opportunity to correct previous errors. The new MDX, according to Honda, is an effort to create "synergy between man and machine".
The Elimination of physical buttons on the dashboard of the car was crucial to improving security. Its excess created a number of decisions excessive also to the driver. The new model the limits the important functions such as temperature control.
The goal is to let the driver use only the controls of your choice. A second screen is intended to be used for navigation and the system can be controlled by voice commands.
"Customers want to do other things while driving," says Feit. "They are accustomed to, like phones and tablets, to suit your needs."