Honda/Acura Dual-Screen Infotainment System
The 10 Best And 10 Worst Automotive TechnologiesHonda makes great powertrains. Its 3.5 L Earth Dreams V6 and accompanying six-speed automatic transmission work phenomenally well together. But its dual-screen infotainment system is not as refined, unfortunately. The Honda Accord, Crosstour, Acura RLX, and MDX employ a high-mounted intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a smaller touchscreen below for the models with navigation.
When I first came across the system at Mudfest 2013, I wondered why the company would use two LCDs for infotainment. Honda's rep assured me the interplay would make sense once I used it. So, I scheduled some time with a 2013 Honda Accord Touring and Acura RLX to try for myself. And sure, the combination works, but I still don't see a need for two displays.
Of course, the idea is that you can have two different tasks on-screen, depending on whether you want to use Pandora, USB input, or just FM radio. But then you have to control them. There are two outputs capable of the same thing. However, if you have navigation on the i-MID display, the touchscreen still shows your radio controls (unless you are trying to enter an address, which also requires input from the control knob). It's just more complicated than it needs to be. A good touchscreen or pure control knob-based interface is more effective.
Acura's implementation in the RLX and MDX is slightly better thanks to its capacitive touchscreen with haptic feedback. The Accord's screen is resistive, and not as responsive. We hope Honda ditches its system and comes up with a more intuitive successor.
At least BMW disables it automatically when the car is in Sport mode. The Jaguar you have to disable every time. But yes I agree its obnoxious unless its completely transparent, which most of the time it isn't. Seems harsh most of the time which is not something I'd tolerate in a luxury vehicle.
We've yet to spend seat time in a Tesla. The times I've seen them, I wouldn't say its the best. The interior just overwhelms you with touch screen LCDs, and overwhelming you doesn't make it the best. The drivetrain is impressive though.
The big problem is the smoothness. Even when they try to mask it, you can still feel a shudder. The level of refinement on start/stop isn't good enough for a luxury vehicle. For a Ford Fiesta? Sure, but a $40k+ luxury / sports sedan? Not so much.
I know Toyota and Ford use a Microsoft based solution so those probably would, but I don't think it matters too much because if you are buying a Chevy Sonic, you probably don't have the cash to buy their half assed nav system.
Actually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
I keep a folder of FLAC music on my flash drive for car testing hoping that one day a car will work with FLAC. So far it has not happened yet
Actually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
Yep. FLACK support.... for the low price of $89,000!
Actually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
Yep. FLACK support.... for the low price of $89,000!
Don't forget you have to sign your life over and let them monitor your usage too.