How Volkswagen Is Staying Ahead Of The Technology Curve

Jan 20, 2017

Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show introduces the latest technological advancements to America. While the latest “must have” gadgets are on display, there is also an overriding theme behind the technology presented at the show. This year, the 50^th anniversary of CES, the theme was connectivity. In the spirit of that theme, Volkswagen adopted the slogan “We are always on” to demonstrate to CES attendees how Volkswagen is staying ahead of the technology curve.

One of the features highlighted this year was actually unveiled in 2015. The Volkswagen Digital Key allows Volkswagen owners to use their smart phones as their key. Previously, this feature had been limited to a specific vehicle, and only opened and closed the doors of the vehicle remotely. At this year’s show, an enhanced Digital Key was shown with a wider array of technical possibilities. By simply holding their smart phone containing their Volkswagen User-ID up against the Connected Car’s door handle, and the doors immediately unlock. Plus, access to multiple vehicles can be shared through the phone if there is more than one Volkswagen in your family.

Another connectivity feature, which you may not expect from a car company, connects the driver to their home. It is called DoorBird and it alerts the driver, through the central infotainment display, whenever anyone is at the front door of their home and ringing the video door bell.

Volkswagen is additionally combining the Alexa Voice Service with Car-Net functions. In the future, this will make it even easier for users to schedule appointments or plan errands and always stay connected and up-to-date in their vehicles. This in turn makes it possible to control Car-Net functions from home or the office.

With safety continually at the forefront for Volkswagen, there was another new technology called Eyetracking, which recognizes where the driver is looking inside the vehicle. The idea behind Eyetracking is that a driver’s eyes are faced with enough distractions while behind the wheel and should remain focused on the road. So, while the driver is not looking at the car’s display, the amount of information shown is reduced, which results in fewer distractions for the driver.

Much of what Volkswagen showcases at CES is implemented pretty quickly. As stated in a Volkswagen press release, “The technologies showcased by Volkswagen at CES are not just visions of the future. By visiting current Car-Net offerings at the “Wall of Apps”, visitors can learn about the range of standard features already available today.” If you have any questions about Volkswagen’s technological capabilities, or if you are maximizing them, please contact our team at Southwest Volkswagen and we’ll be happy to help you make the most of your experience.