DS 7 Crossback Head unit

[Christoff]

Does anyone have any technical specifications on the head unit thats provided in the DS 7 Crossback? Model/Brand etc.

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

These are the DS Connect Nav units - there's not really much out there at this time, apart from I know they have been made by Continental since the early units in 2016, but has far as I can tell are still made by them and have been further developed for use on the latest models. All I know is that they have a specific automotive Linux based operating system and conform to the GENIVI software standards.

The platform allows for and will continue to develop more and more vehicle integration. So apart from telematics and infotainment systems, you are starting to see integration of other vehicle systems - lighting, radar and camera systems, and you can already see customisable dashboard displays appearing. Soon you will have 'morphing' digital displays that will change the displays and controls as your hand approaches or based on voice control.

Although it sounds great, in practice I suspect it will be another matter. Feedback from some of the early units has been horrendous - the lack of a physical button to press to change the temperature and having to constantly take your eyes off the road to check which menu the screen display is on before you know where to press is an unwanted distraction to many.

Worse, I suspect is that when (not if) something gets a glitch, it will mean the car won't operate until it's fixed I suspect! Give me physical buttons any day!

[Iansel]

Marc, totally agree with you. In the showroom and test drive you don't realise how difficult it is to adjust things whilst driving. Things with physical controls on stalks or on the wheel or voice activated are relatively easy but anything on the main screen is difficult. in particular the select function touch sensitive buttons along the bottom of the central display mean that you can't put your thumb down as a steady to allow you to use your index finger to select for example to enter a post code. You need a co-pilot!

[GiveMeABreak]

Being a bit of Star Trek fan, it reminds of the Voyager series where as you may know, all the control interfaces are flat LCARS touch sensitive displays (shown on the middle picture bottom) - but the Helmsman liked to act out his fictional 'Captain Proton' Holo-novels - akin to the old black and white Flash Gordon episodes at the Cinema matinees. In one episode they decided to design a new shuttlecraft and he couldn't resist adding in some retro controls from his holo-novel....

So in a very roundabout way and if Voyager is in anyway indicative of what the 24th century will be like, my message to future engineers is "Don't do it!"

Can't beat good old switches and buttons - something more satisfying about the sound of a click I think.