The car is becoming an entertainment platform

In many respects, the car has already become another consumer electronics device. The rise of digital screens has made it easier for automakers to offer similar experiences to a television, smartphone or even games console. Plenty more can be done, and as autonomous driving systems become more capable and democratised, entertainment solutions will centre not only on passengers but also the driver.

In-vehicle entertainment is nothing new. Since the 1980s, mass-market cars have come with television screens mounted on the back of the headrest, giving passengers a similar experience to what they might have on an airline. More recently, central displays have served as information and entertainment centres, giving rise to the expression ‘infotainment’.

But times are changing, and bigger more capable screens are redefining in-vehicle entertainment. At a basic level, there is simply a greater opportunity to present different kinds of media to passengers. The latest