As infotainment systems in vehicles become more advanced, the concern is drivers dangerously being distracted and taking their eyes off the road for too long.
To help eliminate that, Synaptics is collaborating with auto supplier Valeo to create an in-vehicle display called ClearForce tech, which would revolve around force-sensing haptic technology, as reported by Engadget.
The system would designate certain feels to specific controls, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road, while comfortably selecting whatever it is they want to change, according to its feel. The haptic technology could foreseeably be used to change songs, activate GPS directions or control heating and cooling.
Such an interface would definitely pave the way for a safer driving experience if adopted by automakers and infotainment manufacturers in the way that Engadget is reporting, although there hasn't been any word of when they'd hit the market or which car companies or infotainment producers will be using it.
Whenever Synaptics' ClearForce technology does impact vehicles, though, it will likely have some competition. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas last month, Bosch revealed its NeoSense touchscreen system, which also uses haptic technology.
A Tech Times reporter, going hands-on with the NeoSense, reported at the time that each button gave off its own unique feel. One was smooth, another coarse and one was equipped with grooves.
Like Synaptics' ClearForce system, NeoSense's interface allows drivers to set the trigger force toward the force needed to be applied to each button, ranging from the slightest touch to most forceful.
