[TheHelix0202]

As long as people continue clamoring for superficial and gimmicky features like this, we shall continue having to bear the brunt of such crass idiocy from OEMs. We get only as much as we think we deserve.

[KryptonMonkey]

Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj

...
Katcherian claims that there is no reason to be concerned about any issues, as the team has removed all possible bugs from the infotainment unit. He also stated that software-based switches could help add features to vehicles after they are sold or support optional add-ons. He further stated that virtual switches give customers a lot more flexibility in terms of offering updates in the future, compared to physical switches.

This one will surely go right up there in the Famous Last Words category.
Even if the system is as bug-free as claimed, wouldn't adding updates increase the risk of introducing bugs?

Also, how exactly will one be able to flash the dipper? That is super important in India. Surely it's important abroad as well?

I hope the regulators really crack down on this stupid trend soon and make the homologation rules stricter to prevent this kind of interpretation.

[G V Krishna]

I guess the industry is moving towards 'single point failures'. Forget the software bugs or hardware issues with the screen, what would happen if someone hacks into the os of the car system?.

Long back I remember reading about hacking a Jeep and switching off its engine. Now someone can easily do a hit-job. Just hack into the car thru connected features and write a small code snippet like "When the car is 'cruising' at 100 KMPH, and the front radars detect large vehicle in front, switch off the headlights and accelerate". Murder successfully completed without much complications.

What I observe is as the time progresses, old automobile enthusiasts are retiring or being replaced by young guns who are more into technology than the practical aspects of driving and safety. Let's see how it turns out.

[digitalnirvana]

How to fix problems that don't exist 101.

GM has a history of gaffes. This one is very high on that list.

[raptor_diwan]

Wait a minute, I hope there's a passlight switch or something like that. It would be ridiculous to have to take my eyes off the road and look at a computer screen just to turn on my passlight while overtaking another car.

Then I thought to myself, do you really think car manufacturers haven't thought about this? There must be a pass light switch somewhere. But then again, if they were thinking that much, why did they remove the button in the first place?

As other bhpians have pointed out, touchscreens can be more prone to malfunctions and can be distracting if they require too much attention to operate. Physical buttons, on the other hand, are easier and faster to use. Plus, they provide tactile feedback, so the driver can keep their eyes on the road while still being able to operate them.

Originally Posted by G V Krishna

What I observe is as the time progresses, old automobile enthusiasts are retiring or being replaced by young guns who are more into technology than the practical aspects of driving and safety. Let's see how it turns out.

Yes, due to the increasing advancements in technology, younger generations are becoming more interested in features such as touchscreens, driver assist systems, and other electronic features. While this is not necessarily wrong, it is important to balance these technological advancements with the practical aspects of driving and safety.

Originally Posted by GTO

GM must be thinking:

I don't remember which car (Hector??), but I'd read on the forum about how a family had to endure a highway journey in the scorching heat because their touchscreen malfunctioned. The AC just wouldn't work.

Wait, this is news to me and it's giving me nightmares! I used to think that a car with only touchscreen controls would be indestructible and built to perfection after all that R&D. But it turns out even those can fail! Pretty soon, I bet we'll see bhpians rejecting cars with messages like, 'Sorry, no physical switch for headlights - this one's a no-go!'

[dsr001]

Ridiculous system, headlights are crucial. OEM should be sued

[da3mn]

Looks like General Motors will be removing the physical gear shift. From what I've heard, the prototype is already done, and it's targeted for production in 2025.