Moje Auto on Facebook Moje Auto on Tiktok Moje Auto on Youtube Moje Auto on Instagram

How does the infotainment system work in modern cars?

The interior of a modern car
Artur Owczarek
Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

Modern cars use extensive systems that are designed to help and make the driver's time more enjoyable. They are referred to as infotainment - a combination of the words information and entertainment. How do such systems work and why is it worth using them?

  • Infotainment is a display with an on-board computer, GPS and other functions,
  • Thanks to the audio system, communication with the phone makes driving more comfortable,
  • Each manufacturer has its own system, which has its own name,
  • We may soon see audio systems with AI, i.e. artificial intelligence,
  • Look, How to connect your phone to your car?

 

What is an infotainment system?

Infotainment system in the car

Do you like listening to the radio while driving? Or maybe you prefer to connect your phone and play music from the applications installed on it? You probably also use navigation, which makes it easier for you to navigate in unknown areas. It is responsible for all these functions infotainment system, i.e. displays that present data from the on-board computer, GPS itp. 

How does a car infotainment system work?

A man using the audio system in a car

Car audio system, known as infotainment, is responsible for managing functions that are related to entertainment and information. This includes the radio, CD player, music carriers, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and even signaling of technical inspection dates and tire pressure. Currently, some systems can also be expanded with a SIM card. Thanks to this, the functionality is increased by access to maps of available parking spaces and even weather forecasts.

Car audio system functions

Clicking on the screen in the car

The possibilities it offers infotainment system, depends mainly on the selected vehicle model. This technology is widely used in the latest versions of currently produced cars, although in some cases it requires an additional fee.

Car systems and smartphone compatibility

Most car infotainment systems offer full functionality only when paired with a smartphone. How to connect your phone to the car radio? Most often, this is done via Bluetooth. Thanks to it, the driver can listen to music from the smartphone through the speakers in the car, as well as send multimedia files.

Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity

Connecting your phone to the radio via Apple CarPlay

In newer car models, in addition to Bluetooth, Apple Carplay and Android Auto systems are also used. Such technologies give access to even more functions. They allow, for example, to present maps opened on a smartphone directly on the dashboard monitor. Moreover, the user can also control applications using voice.

How to listen to music from your phone in the car via Apple Carplay and Android Auto? Just connect your smartphone to the car via Bluetooth and run the music application on the dashboard screen.

Different names of the infotainment system depending on the car brand

Image from the reversing camera on the display

Individual brands define it completely differently car audio systems. This:

  • BMW – iDrive,
  • Ford – Ford Sync4,
  • Kia – UVO system,
  • Mercedes-Benz – MBUX,
  • Volvo – Volvo Sensus,
  • Volkswagen and Audi – MIB3.

It's important to know these names, especially if you're planning to buy a new vehicle.

The future of car infotainment systems

Audio system in the car

It's not surprising that car audio systems are constantly evolving. Manufacturers are competing with each other in offering their customers newer and newer functions that increase the comfort and safety of using the vehicle. There are plans for solutions that will be responsible for synchronizing systems with user's digital accounts and various devices. For example, the Volvo brand plans to introduce technology in cooperation with Google, thanks to which the user will gain access to accounts maintained on this platform - e.g. e-mail or YouTube.

Artificial intelligence in the car audio system?

Artificial intelligence in the car

Probably In the coming years, infotainment systems based on artificial intelligence will also appear. What does it mean? First of all, AI will analyze user preferences, as well as road behavior and the specificity of a given trip. At the same time, it adjusts suggestions and interface in real time.

Of course, car audio system interfaces will also evolve towards more intuitive and reactive solutions. Touch screens, gestures, voice commands and gesture recognition will become increasingly common, enabling drivers to operate systems without taking their eyes off the road. Many such solutions can be observed in already existing audio system technologies - usually in more expensive car models.

See how to take care of the infotainment system display with Moje Auto LCD:

Cleaning the display in your car is not difficult. However, it is worth remembering a few things. First of all – the right preparation. It cannot be used with strong detergent, as it may damage the screen. How to wash the display in your car? It will work perfectly Moje Auto – LCD cleaning product, which was created specifically for such tasks. A soft cloth, such as the one used to clean glasses, will come in handy for this. This is the key to a clean display infotainment system in the car! Want to know more? Read our article – how to clean the screen in a car?

Audio description:
 

We hope that our article made it clear what a car audio system is and how it works. For more, visit our blog.

Facilitate access