Subaru’s new 9MP rear-view camera and social media buttons on the steering wheel now allow drivers to interact with social networks without taking their eyes off the road. This function is only available for vehicles bought today.
Hot on the heels of Siri Eyes Free available in its 2016 model line-up, Subaru has introduced new functionality into its vehicle’s allowing drivers to interact directly with Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, with new dedicated steering wheel controls and full HD camera’s allowing instant social media updates.
With the adoption of a front facing 9MP camera internally mounted onto the rear view mirror, and the complementing reversing camera, drivers can now capture front or rear facing HD photographs and videos which can be previewed on the vehicle’s infotainment system, prior to sharing socially.
Using the vehicle’s voice recognition command system, drivers can then also dictate a message to accompany the images being shared socially as status updates or comments.
Four new functions can be accessed using the steering wheel controls:
- Camera select – switches between the front and rear cameras
- S# – share to Twitter function
- I – share to Instagram
- S – share to Snapchat
The vehicle’s infotainment system allows for the social media accounts to be set up initially, allowing photographs and text to be shared on the fly without lifting one’s hands off the steering wheels. The system requires a mobile device to be paired for internet connectivity via Bluetooth.
The technology was developed after several studies demonstrated the risk associated with mobile phone usage whilst driving, with specific reference to social media engagement. Tested extensively in the US, the system has proven invaluable in ensuring that drivers do not take their hands off the wheel but rather remain focused on driving, first and foremost, whilst being able to share images and videos of their adventures safely with social fans and followers.
Project Chief engineer Mr Ai Lai remarks “With the growing trend of dash cam capturing and social media usage whilst driving, we looked for a way to be able to do this in a much safer and more responsible way.”
Available from the 1st of April, the system will be standard on all vehicles sold in SA, as part of the Subaru April Fools Imaginative campaign.
