Some could wonder just how many gadgets a motorist needs at his or her fingers while traveling down the highway. But it seems the automobile's constant development to the computer age is continuing unabated. Rydeen, a California-based company noted for it is on board automotive navigation systems, has presented a brand new technology for Android integration into automobiles. The system is controlled by an interface on the rear-view mirror itself. While the concept may present obvious safety concerns, it could appear in some automobiles by as soon as next year. Source for this article: Android integration in your rear-view mirror



When was it first seen?

 

The system was granted first looks at the International CES - the world’s largest customer technology trade show - that ran in Las Vegas between Jan. 10 and 13. Rydeen claims it is very close to launching its double-DIN stereo head unit to run Android 2.2 in your car, along with all the applications you might care to download. The stereo head unit partners with a touch-screen, which at this time is built directly into the rear-view mirror.



Touchscreen concerns



The company states that showroom models in 2013 should expect to see a simplified version of the touchscreen in the windshield that works for driving. It has no intention of putting a reflective tablet computer into a windshield. It is just for research right now.



Safety concerns



Many question whether even a pared-down, simplified rear-view mirror interface could ever be a good idea, safety-wise. Zach Bowman of Autoblog said:



“We’re big fans of that plan, though we have to wonder about the viability of putting the touch-screen in the rear-view mirror to begin with. Here’s hoping Rydeen will turn to a traditional dash-mounted system in the future.”



Know Rydeen



Torrance, Calif.-based Rydeen already utilizes a touch-screen-enabled rear-view mirror interface as part of its car navigation systems. The company states on its site that it is dedicated to making “unique products focused on driver safety, convenience and lifestyle enhancement.”



Sources



Autoblog

Tech Beats

Rydeen