Cars are about to get more screens, improved navigation and a smarter AI

New automotive platforms launched at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada brings a smart AI and support for up to seven screens for future vehicles.

Qualcomm's third generation Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms bring a host of new features to cars, with multiple displays being just one of those.

The new platforms support multiple displays throughout vehicles, including ultra-wide panoramic displays, reconfigurable 3-D digital instrument clusters, augmented reality heads-up display (HUD) and ultra-HD media streaming.

Augmented reality is also coming to navigation thanks to the new platform, and Qualcomm says it also opens up "lane-level navigation with visual aid positioning."

In short, navigation should get more accurate, clearer and more visually appealing.

Smarts and sound

You can also expect to see more intuitive AI in future vehicles, with visual assistants improving safety, working towards autonomy and making it easier for you to communicate with your car.

Your driving playlist could well get an upgrade too, with the new platforms offering multi-zone, luxury Hi-Fi sound.

The new feature won't be available immediately though, with the first cars to work on the new platforms expected to roll off production lines from 2021.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.