Chrysler Embraces Touch Computing

The Chrysler 200C concept car unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Tradeshow features a really cool touch screen interface for controlling certain aspects of the car including environmental controls, windows and locks, music, and dashboard configuration. The dashboard itself is a screen with no moving parts - its all projected - which allows unlimited flexibility in how information is displayed.

The touch screen interface provides full Internet access, Geo location and maps, and the ability to synchronize with your home PC or even your iPhone. For example, you can use your iPhone to start the car and manage the environmental controls - something we in the cold North would like to have.

The concept car also has a touch screen interface that extrudes from the passenger side dashboard as well as touch sensitive screens on the arm rests. Although a concept, the 200C really shows the power of touch screens for automobiles. By the looks of the videos its not multi-touch, which is probably good since you should keep at least one hand on the wheel, but its still really cool technology and exciting.

There are a couple videos you can watch to see the touch screens in the Chrysler concept care. This one is the unveiling at the auto show - fast forward two minutes and fifty seconds to get the good part - and this video - fast forward two minutes to find the good parts.