Why does every (multi-functional) screen in cars have to be square/rectangle? A lot of times the screens look like an afterthought. It would be nice to have the screen shaped to compliment the lines of the dash/interior, instead of forcing a box into an otherwise clean flowing dash design. This can totally be done. I wonder why it hasn't.

 

Personally I couldn't see anything other than rectangle. Thinking outside the box...

 

A friend of mine worked on a CLA250 and we talked about the same thing, kinda. People mentioned it in Auto News too... manufacturers are starting to put the screen on the very top. At least it's not pop-out/pop-up style, which reminds me too much of aftermarket double-DIN units.





This style is starting to grow on me. Still not crazy about it, but at least it doesn't make the HVAC controls all cluttered and cramped up. The display ends up being closer to the driver's line of sight as well.

 

basically means they have to design an order custom LCD screen(s). probably prohibitively expensive.

 

It's a whole lot easier to write code for a rectangle than an oval.

 

I test drove a CLA recently, and the "wart" (as I call it) would be more useful if it were a pop up unit like my Volvo. When I need it I raise it up. I think the new A3 will have this feature.

 

why is it that before public forums people used to keep random thoughts to themselves?

 

Because the internet made us all interesting, somehow

 

These types are the worst, although I think Cadillac has done a pretty good job at executing it.



I'm sure that has something to do with it. Custom shaped screens and custom cut glass would be more expensive. Luxury brands should do this to differentiate themselves now that you can get almost any car with a screen nowadays.

I'm not following this argument. GUI developers place features where they can, given the medium.

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edit:
This is the worst offender.

 

Anything is possible, but it is a matter of ease and access to the right software. Maybe I don't understand what shape you have in mind, but what electronic can you think of has an LCD screen that isn't mostly rectangular?

 

Audi's next TT and the Mercedes S-Class are good examples of next-Gen MMI.

 

This?

 

Wait until OLED becomes mainstream and less expensive. Then more "unorthodox" shapes can come about.

 

I feel like they could change the bezel to be at an angle at least.

Plus its probably cheaper to manufacture something like that square shape.

 

If only we had a random Car Talk master thread or something where topics like this could be discussed



Seriously though... it's pretty obvious why it is the way it is. Dollars and cents my friend... dollars and cents...

 

I love that display in the S-Class. It's like a modern day 4G Prelude, except way better. Can't wait until that becomes more common.

 

I like the wide-screen, and from some angles it looked okay. However, from angle I posted, I don't like the integration into the instrument cluster. It makes the cluster look awkward.

 

Because a round nav screen would look so much more modern and appealing.

 

This?

 

That's in the right direction, but still a rectangle.

Edit: The same can be said for the Bimmer.

 

That wasn't really a response to you. Can you humor us with what shape you have in mind?