[RahulNagaraj]

According to reports, tech giant Xiaomi, which recently entered the EV car market with its all-new SU7, is offering a satisfactory solution to both lovers and haters of touchscreen in cars.

As per reports, the Xiaomi SU7, as standard, offers a touch-only interface. However, customers of the electric car can also purchase a row of hard keys and switches, which can be installed below the SU7's touchscreen infotainment display.



Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, had earlier stated that the SU7's central screen is modular. The screen will come with magnetic attachment points on all four sides. Initially, the car will be offered with a row of piano keys and a volume knob, which Xiaomi calls a 'docking unit', mounted at the bottom edge of the screen. However, Xiaomi's CEO also hinted that the company could introduce other add-on features in the near future.

This add-on row of physical buttons offers customers the best of both worlds, increasing comfort and functionality.

Source: InsideEVs

Link to Team-BHP news

[omranga98]

somewhere between create a problem and sell a solution, we got robbed

[Ferruccio]

Originally Posted by omranga98

somewhere between create a problem and sell a solution, we got robbed

Well said. Cannot understand why brands cannot provide a row of user customizable keys beneath the touchscreen with the freedom for the owner to configure as they please.

Simply record shortcuts of multiple touchscreen keypresses for say the 4 step procedure to toggle Lane Keep Assist and assign it button 1, auto emergency brake toggle to button 2, rear window washer toggle to button 3, freeze my co-driver when she is irritating to button 4 and so on!

[tushar_j]

Originally Posted by omranga98

somewhere between create a problem and sell a solution, we got robbed

And if this solution fails to gain popularity, it will be conveniently interpreted as: "Customers are not interested in physical buttons. Hence going forwards there will be only touchscreen option"

[dsr001]

Physical + touch is a great option. I'd like to have something like this for smartphones as well

[saubi2299]

In my experience, the rotary dial in BMWs is the best. One doesn’t have to stretch towards the dashboard to press any physical button or operate the touchscreen. It is super convenient and all vehicles should provide something similar if not the physical buttons.

[Arnav612]

So we're officially in a market where a "need" is now a "want". Bravo technology.

[BrakHorseBarhat]

Originally Posted by omranga98

somewhere between create a problem and sell a solution, we got robbed

So very true, I like the advancement in technology, however, I think complicated machinery and automation always come with higher risks of failure and less reliability.

Moreover, the infotainment screens that are part of cars nowadays are quite laggy and underpowered, which makes it rather annoying when settings like the Air conditioning are locked behind them...especially when you are driving alone and have to sift through it on the go. Dedicated analogue buttons are better for such things in my opinion.