Are those car companies that still use non-touch screens really lagging behind in technology?

As the link between cars and drivers, the car computer system has been constantly changing with the advancement of technology. Starting with Tesla, a large-size touch screen replaced a bunch of traditional physical buttons, which opened the prelude to a new era of car computer systems. Many car companies are scrambling to adopt large-size touch screens and will promote them as product highlights when new cars are launched.

However, in the era of cars moving towards touch screens, some models still insist on their own way, still using the multimedia central control screen that can only be viewed from a distance and not touched, with physical knobs and buttons for operation. Today, Mara Car Market will take stock of which brands are still so "paranoid"? Why do they insist on it?

Mazda

In July last year, Mazda decided to completely eliminate large-size touch screens in all future new models, leaving only a small-size display screen to present important vehicle information. This decision was confirmed in the next-generation Angkesaila that was launched later. In fact, the central control screen of the old Angkesaila was touch-sensitive (the touch function was disabled during driving), while the new model eliminated the touch screen and switched operations with physical buttons.

Honda

Recently, Honda announced that the overseas version of the new generation Fit will return to traditional physical buttons and cancel the air conditioning touch screen template and other functional designs, aiming to reduce the interference of touch screen operation on the driver, thereby further improving the driver's concentration and driving safety. The Acura brand under Honda, the RDX model, originally uses a non-touch screen car system, and after this decision, it is no longer alone.

Benz

Mercedes-Benz is relatively slow in popularizing touch screens. For example, most of the models sold in China do not have touch screens. Even the dual screens of the latest models still require the Mercedes-Benz command system to operate. In fact, through the track control and physical button mode, such a system is actually relatively easy to use after getting started.

Is the touch screen really that good?

IAMRoadSmart, a British road safety promotion organization, recently released a research report, which pointed out that when operating the relevant functions in Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while driving, the danger level may be higher than driving under the influence of alcohol. When using the touch screen to operate, the driver's reaction time to road conditions will increase by up to 57% and 53%.

Indeed, technological progress has brought many conveniences. However, as touch screens gradually replace physical buttons, changes in operating methods are more likely to affect driving safety. This is a topic that major car manufacturers and drivers must pay attention to, and it further demonstrates the importance of advanced driver assistance systems.

What is the security of physical buttons?

Generally speaking, physical buttons can awaken the human brain's motor memory. The driver only needs to remember the position of the dial to complete the operation, and his eyes can always focus on the road conditions. Without using a touch screen, there is no need to lean over to operate the screen. Instead, using the knobs and buttons at hand makes vehicle functions easier to control. Perhaps this is also a good choice.

Ma said:

With the development of technology, mobile phones have quickly entered the touch screen era. Major car companies have also followed the development trend of the Internet of Vehicles and upgraded the car computer systems of their models to touch screens. However, in order to improve driving safety, some car computer systems that use physical buttons seem to be unable to keep up with the pace, but in fact, it is a consideration for the safety of car owners. Which method do you prefer, large-size touch screens or physical buttons?