The Evolution of Infotainment Systems

The evolution of infotainment systems has been significant. In just several years, we’ve seen modern-day cars kitted out with some truly next-level technology. While decades ago a radio might’ve been seen to be the very height of sophistication, the very latest models go above and beyond that with greater levels of connectivity, more complex features, and clever ventilation technology.

At Eden, we’ve got a wide range of vehicles that all incorporate some of this clever tech, so if you’re a keen button-presser—or know someone who is—then head on over to your site, where you’ll find some of the very latest models to choose from. Right here, we’re going to be diving in to see how infotainments reached this point and the steps that were taken to get there.

What is Infotainment?

You may have seen the term ‘infotainment’ used quite a lot, particularly if you’re in the market for a new car. Essentially, it refers to the screens or displays mounted within the cabin of a vehicle, through which you access features like media functions or even heating and ventilation.

It’s these screens in cars which have transformed how we interact with our vehicles and today form a big part of how a cabin is designed overall.

Radio

While by modern-day standards a radio isn’t all that complex, they were something of a revelation when they first arrived in cars during the early 1950s. For the first time, drivers were able to enjoy music and radio shows while they drove along, transforming the entire experience.

Though invented some time ago, radio is a feature which few people could do without in their cars. Despite being fitted with some very impressive new technology, nearly all new cars come with a radio of some sort fitted as standard. These days, you’ll find that cars across Eden’s current range come equipped with the latest digital radios for crystal-clear sound.

Cassette Players

Moving things onwards from a standard radio were tape players. While eight-track cassette players were a hit with drivers during the 1960s, they were a little too bulky to properly enter the mainstream. That happened with the introduction of the compact cassette tape player during the 1970s.

This popularity stretched throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, allowing drivers to create their mixes and listen to them from the comfort of their car. As costs fell, cassette players became even more popular, while the famous graphic equaliser—which gave drivers the ability to tweak the sound of their stereos—was yet another popular addition to in-car entertainment during this period.

Satellite Navigation

Though satellite navigation had already been invented some years ago, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it was first introduced to vehicles. It was the Mazda Eunos Cosmo of 1990, which was the first car to feature a pre-installed GPS navigation system, wowing audiences of the time.

While more rudimentary navigation systems had been installed on earlier cars, the Mazda moved the game forward with its use of GPS - allowing for real-time positioning so you could ‘see’ where your car was on a map thanks to orbiting satellites.

CD Players

We’re moving a little closer to the present day with the introduction of CD players in cars. Thinner and more easily transportable than cassettes, CDs radicalised how we listened to music in our vehicles. With improved quality, car makers were free to push the envelope of their in-car sound systems, too, bringing a more cinematic experience whenever you were playing music.

CD players would continue in popularity throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s and they’re still a feature that you’ll find on many new vehicles, even though the CDs have waned in use over recent times.

The Invention of iDrive

It was in 2002—with its ultra-modern 7 Series—that BMW tried to reinvent the wheel, quite literally. In this model, it debuted its brand-new iDrive system, which essentially kicked off the trend for a more screen-centric layout inside cars.

Using a single rotary knob, drivers could take charge of an 8.8-inch display and its variety of features and settings. It caused quite a stir at the time but set the tone for future systems.

MP3 Players

As CDs started to diminish in popularity, MP3 players took over. Now, drivers could take thousands of songs around with them in a device no bigger than a phone. Connecting them to cars couldn’t be easier, too, with many vehicles gaining MP3 sockets dedicated to making the connection as hassle-free as possible.

It was during this period—in the mid-2000s and early 2010s - that iPods started to increase in prominence, with many drivers using cables to connect them to their in-car stereos.

Tesla Introduces the Widescreen

In 2012, Tesla shook things up with its Model S saloon and its enormous 17-inch portrait-orientated display. Unlike other cars, which utilised several physical controls for certain settings, the Tesla’s screen operated practically everything, including the air conditioning.

It was a huge step forward for the time and in classic Tesla fashion, it was delivered in a true tech-forward fashion. Everything worked and operated just as it should and the whole system shocked the industry into taking a more screen-heavy approach with its cars.

What Can an Infotainment System Do?

Today’s infotainment systems incorporate loads of great functions. Systems such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to easily ‘mirror’ the apps on your phone's screen through the car’s main display, giving you quick access to features like Spotify or other streaming services.

You’ll find that all manner of cars on our site features a clever infotainment system, including Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit setup and Vauxhall’s eye-catching Pure Panel display. Head on over to our site to check out these—and so many others—today.