Window to the World Technology

Toyota Takes Backseat Riding to a Whole New Level

Michele Starkey

A friend of mine forwarded the latest news from the automotive industry. When you watch this short video of things to come, it makes the backseat DVD seem archaic. Essentially it is an interactive back window or as Toyota calls it, a "Window to the World" technology and it could be coming to a back seat near you in the near future.

In Belgium last month, Toyota's European arm of the company showcased the newest technology at the Autoworld Museum.

Anyone sitting in the backseat looking out the window can:

Draw on the rear window (similar to an etch-or-sketch) and very unlike writing on a foggy window!

There is a zoom capability similar to a smartphone that allows a person to zoom in on objects outside the window to get a closer look.

A voice activated translation device to have the names of objects outside the window translated into a local language.

A mapping device that will locate and display the approximate distance of objects. Are they really closer than they appear?

For the astronomer in everyone, there is a virtual constellation capability that will turn a panoramic roof into a mini planetarium.

If you just can't wait to see this exciting concept technology, you can watch it here.

I have to warn you, especially if you have children, it could be the end of the old comment, "Are we there yet?"

An interesting side note, Toyota put a disclaimer on the video because it appeared that the child drawing on the window didn't have a seatbelt on. The disclaimer read,

"Please note: The video used to promote this vehicle concept is a simulation filmed in static, controlled environments. All health and safety requirements were met for the described conditions. Toyota will never promote unsafe behaviors, and will always encourage passengers to fasten their seatbelts."

After reading the disclaimer, I wondered how many children might be tempted to unbuckle to take full advantage of the Window to the World.

Maybe it's not such a good idea after all.

Source:

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-toyota-demos-window-world-vehicle.html

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/07/toyota-makes-ba.php

http://wot.motortrend.com/video-find-toyota-touts-%E2%80%9Cwindow-to-the-world%E2%80%9D-concept-as-educational-98997.html
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

Published by Michele Starkey

Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left.  View profile

50 Comments

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  • Linda M. McCloud8/11/2011

    Truly amazing!!

  • Delicia Powers8/9/2011

    Super!

  • Agnes Farside8/6/2011

    I didn't know there was an Autoworld museum. Need to check that out.

  • Sivaramakrishnan Ananthanarayanan8/6/2011

    We have to get used to these, and faster they come! They cut both ways, for sure. Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware! Thanks for sharing, Michele - siva

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky8/6/2011

    Intriguing.

  • Beverly Nevin8/5/2011

    How interesting! I'd love the astronomy part. Great article.

  • Betty Asphy8/5/2011

    Michele this is just great.

  • Pamela GM Smith8/5/2011

    With all the debt around us, it is amazing to see what people spend money on. It sounds neat though.

  • Melissa Matters8/4/2011

    Wow, truly amazing

  • Lodie Quezada8/4/2011

    Great article, gives you something to think about.

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