What is an in-car infotainment system?

You may have heard the term "infotainment system" in relation to cars, but what does it mean? In short, it's a mixture of "information" and "entertainment" and refers to the sleek display (or displays) you'll find on the dashboards of most modern cars.

In addition to providing information and entertainment, they are also often the primary way to interact with and control many of the functions in a car. your head around. To help you out, here's our definitive guide to in-car infotainment systems and what to look out for when choosing your next car.

What is an infotainment system?

The infotainment system is usually a touch screen or display mounted on (or on) the dashboard in the center of the car. They have grown in size over the past few years, and some have become as big (or even bigger) than the tablet you have at home. 

The number of features available will depend on the price and features of the car, with more expensive or luxurious models having more processing power, apps and digital services. But even in their simplest form, you can expect an infotainment system to control the radio, sat-nav (if specified), Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone or other device, and often provide access to vehicle information such as service intervals, pressure in tires and more.

As cars become more digital, you can expect the information part to become more important as internet connectivity through the built-in SIM allows real-time parking information, weather forecasts and more.

How have infotainment systems changed in recent years?

Simply put, they've gotten a lot smarter and now take on many of the features you'd find in a modern car. Instead of multiple switches and controls scattered across the dashboard, many cars use a single screen that serves as both a display and a control center. 

If you want to keep the cabin warmer, you will now most likely have to swipe or press the screen instead of, for example, turning a dial or knob, and you will probably use the same screen to select music, Find out your average cost per gallon or plan your trip with satellite navigation. The same screen can also be the display for the rear view camera, the interface where you can access the Internet, and the place where you can change the vehicle's settings. 

Along with the center screen, most cars have an increasingly complex driver display (the part you see through the steering wheel), often associated with steering wheel controls. Another common feature is voice control, which lets you simply say a command like “Hey Mercedes, warm up my seat” and then let the car do the rest for you.

Can I connect my smartphone to the infotainment system?

Even the most basic in-car entertainment systems now provide some sort of Bluetooth connection to your phone, allowing for safer hands-free phone calls and media streaming services. 

Many modern cars go far beyond a simple connection between two devices, and also support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which open up a whole new world of smartphone connectivity. This smartphone integration is fast becoming a standard feature, and you'll find Apple CarPlay and Android auto on everything from the humble Vauxhall Corsa to the top-notch Range Rover. 

While this doesn't mean you can use all of your favorite apps while driving, it does mean that many of your phone's useful features can be used safely while driving. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay contain a curated list of apps specifically designed to make driving safer. For example, you'll find things like Google Maps navigation, Waze route guidance, and Spotify, although you can expect some features to be turned off while driving, like the ability to enter text and search on the screen. Modern infotainment systems usually prefer that you use voice commands via Siri, Alexa, or even the car's voice recognition system to reduce driver distraction.

Is it possible to connect the Internet in the car?

It may not be well known, but in 2018 the European Union passed a law requiring all new cars to automatically connect to emergency services in the event of an accident. This requires modern cars to be equipped with a SIM card (like your phone) that allows data to be transmitted over radio waves.

As a result, it is now easy for manufacturers to offer connected in-car services such as real-time traffic reports, weather forecasts, news headlines and local search functionality via a satellite navigation system. Access to a full-featured internet browser may not be allowed, but many systems also provide a Wi-Fi hotspot from this SIM card, allowing you to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and use data. Some manufacturers require a monthly subscription fee to keep these connected services running, so it's worth doing your research before choosing your next vehicle.

Why do all infotainment systems have different names?

Although the functionality of most infotainment systems is similar, each car brand usually has its own name. Audi calls its infotainment system MMI (Multi Media Interface), while Ford uses the name SYNC. You'll find iDrive in BMW, and Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the latest version of its MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).

In fact, what these systems can do is very similar. There are differences in how you use them, with some using only a touchscreen, while others use a combination of a screen connected to a jog dial, buttons, or a mouse-like controller that you use on your laptop. Some even use "gesture control" which allows you to change settings by simply waving your hand in front of the screen. In every case, the infotainment system is the key interface between you and your car, and which one is better is largely a matter of personal taste.

What is the future of automotive infotainment systems?

Most automotive brands plan to introduce more digital services and connectivity to their vehicles, so you can expect infotainment systems to provide more and more features, even if the interface you use may not change much. 

Increasingly, you will be able to sync your car's infotainment system with your other devices and digital accounts. For example, future Volvo models are migrating to a Google-based operating system so that your car can be linked to your Google profile to ensure seamless navigation to services when you get behind the wheel.

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