BMW made headlines back in 2015 when they introduced gesture control for their 7 Series vehicles. This innovative feature allowed drivers to control various functions with simple hand movements, such as adjusting the volume or changing a song. However, BMW has recently announced at CES that they will be discontinuing this feature.
According to BMW Blog, the decision to eliminate gesture control is due to the advancements in their voice control system, which now incorporates artificial intelligence. This new system has made gestures obsolete, as they are no longer necessary for controlling the vehicle’s functions. Additionally, BMW noted that the gesture control feature was not widely used by customers, further justifying their decision to remove it.
The gesture control feature, while impressive, was not very practical in everyday use. It was a novelty that offered little real utility, especially when compared to other types of controls available in the vehicle. As a result, BMW has decided to focus on improving other aspects of their technology and user experience.
BMW’s decision to remove gesture control coincides with the introduction of their Neue Klasse line of vehicles, which features both electric and internal combustion drivetrains. These new vehicles boast updated exterior styling, sophisticated interior tech, and a pillar-to-pillar heads-up display. The interior of the Neue Klasse cars is designed to be sleek and modern, with very few physical buttons and a capacitive touch steering wheel.
While BMW is moving towards a more button-less interior design, it remains to be seen whether they will continue down this path. Some automakers are reintroducing physical buttons into their vehicles or retaining them for essential functions. As technology continues to evolve, BMW will need to strike a balance between innovation and practicality in their vehicle design.
Overall, BMW’s decision to discontinue gesture control reflects their commitment to delivering the best possible user experience in their vehicles. By focusing on more advanced and user-friendly technology, BMW is setting the standard for modern automotive innovation.
