[Coupe2015]

While I don't prioritize tech over driving pleasure, I do like my tech (in a tech industry). Very anxious to learn more about this updated system in the RC Coupe. I also hope the issues the IS early adopters are having get resolved in the RC's systems.

 

[rwdftw]

sorry but maybe you can educate me on the problems the IS was having. I don't read much about the IS.

 

[Coupe2015]

Since the RC is primarily based on the IS (inconsistent messaging from Lexus aside) I have followed it quite closely. One area where Lexus lags behind is Infotainment, and Navigation. Audi and BMW arguably lead here.

You can read about the issues here:

Bad title, issues are unresolved
NAVIGATION SLOWNESS- Resolved - Club Lexus Forums

Radio Swap due to Nav Screen Flashing - Club Lexus Forums

Am I the only one annoyed by the size of NAV screen? - Club Lexus Forums

 

[Lex Luther]

This new remote looks pretty functional. It isn't the nicest looking control but it looks more functional than some of the other set-ups I've seen. Often times they have large knobs that can move in almost every direction, but this seems confusing. The simple touch pad and few buttons seem easier to use. Its almost like a laptop touch pad.

 

[Coupe2015]

This new remote looks pretty functional. It isn't the nicest looking control but it looks more functional than some of the other set-ups I've seen. Often times they have large knobs that can move in almost every direction, but this seems confusing. The simple touch pad and few buttons seem easier to use. Its almost like a laptop touch pad.

I hope it's good, but I am not convinced yet. The problem with applying comsumer electronics or IT technology to the car is that it's based on bad assumptions.

With a computer or iPad we are free to focus on the screen while we are using the interface, in a car we are not. We have to focus on the road to maintain the all important Situational Awareness.

This is why the mouse-like Remote Touch Interface ultimately failed. This is also why Cadillac's CUE is failing, as have other touch screen interfaces.

The best interface minimizes the need for and time spent with the driver's eyes on the display. The click-wheel approach from Audi and BMW follow that design principle much better. Touch Screens do not.

Car companies are failing in their engineering by not doing their homework on Human Factors Engineering, other industries are ahead of them and they need to tap into those industries.

 

[spoonful]

I hope it's good, but I am not convinced yet. The problem with applying comsumer electronics or IT technology to the car is that it's based on bad assumptions.

With a computer or iPad we are free to focus on the screen while we are using the interface, in a car we are not. We have to focus on the road to maintain the all important Situational Awareness.

This is why the mouse-like Remote Touch Interface ultimately failed. This is also why Cadillac's CUE is failing, as have other touch screen interfaces.

The best interface minimizes the need for and time spent with the driver's eyes on the display. The click-wheel approach from Audi and BMW follow that design principle much better. Touch Screens do not.

Car companies are failing in their engineering by not doing their homework on Human Factors Engineering, other industries are ahead of them and they need to tap into those industries.

agreed on every point. Just to add to the evidence list, the Lincoln MKZ. Complete touch sensitive controls from the HVAC to the volume er.. "knob"? The lack of haptic feedback make it difficult to orchestrate simple tasks like increase fan speed while still fimly focused on the road unwinding ahead.

I personally feel most of this technology has next to no place behind the wheel of a car. My favourite part of driving is escaping the sequential aspects of modern life and focusing on the visuals. You can feel the switch in how your brain is operating. I feel that this technology detracts from that. Not to mention its a blatant circumvention of hands free laws...

 

[soarer]

I get your points on this tech and new features, I just love it all.
But if you want something more simplified and more driver focused and more natural you might as well buy an older car for that raw experience

 

[rwdftw]

ahh thanks for the info.

would be nice if the infotainment was updated. noone likes a slow navi system.

 

[soarer]

ahh thanks for the info.

would be nice if the infotainment was updated. noone likes a slow navi system.

Seeing how important this car is to the brand and how much they've worked on it and the rest of the new vehicles, it's possible we'll see an updated software in it. If not they can always add it in later

 

[Coupe2015]

Sadly importance does not seem to help with this tech. The IS was important to compete with 3 series.

Cadillac ATS and CTS are hugely important to Cadillac and they botched CUE.

 

[rwdftw]

sometimes i'm not sure if the infotainment systems are crap because good ones are too expensive or if they dont have a department to test these systems.

 

[soarer]

Sadly importance does not seem to help with this tech. The IS was important to compete with 3 series.

Cadillac ATS and CTS are hugely important to Cadillac and they botched CUE.

And all they would need to save it is to rework the software, easy way to add value to all the old models for next to nothing and better secure the future.

 

[rwdftw]

i think car manufacturers all need to start working together with mobile phone software engineers instead

trying to make your own or hiring microsoft to do your infotainment? errr bad idea

still waiting for the day for someone to fully develop the infotainment system by using Apple developers.

 

[soarer]

It would be cool if they do that, have one industry standard to be applied into all vehicles but Im not sure what the downsides to that might be

 

[rwdftw]

seeing how much smoother and bug free my phone is

i'd say there are no downsides. its like those who design infotainment systems do not test them

 

[soarer]

Good point using a system setup like that wouldn't have as many flaws. Financially i think it will be an issue. Companies would fight to put a stop to that as it's a A LOT of money out of their pockets.

 

[chuck58]

I am in a 2011 CT200h, premium. I know I have 3 year old technology (not quite ancient) but Lexus could certainly make improvements in the new RC350. They should (but probably won't) adapt Apple CarPlay for better iPhone connectivity. I am frustrated by having to pay for the Navigation upgrade for new roads in my area around Washington, D.C. I like XM radio but iTunes radio and other streaming music services may be reducing the XM appeal.
I've seen the updated system in the Lexus ESh. it is an improvement but I am hoping for even better in the RC350. I don't use the CD player much anymore. A 500 GB hard drive would be preferable for music storage. Keep the USB input and Bluetooth is a must of course.

 

[rwdftw]

are your plans to move away from the CT to new the RC?

 

[Lex Luther]

I'm interested to see more infotainment systems that are built by Blackberry and Apple. The new Volvo system is built by Apple so that gives an example of what is possible.

 

[soarer]

It will be a good move, especially with Apple and even Android since they have a rich APP store and tech that can really help.