Computers and cars are increasingly converging, with consumers wanting tight integration between their mobile phones and the computers that power their vehicles. Big Detroit auto manufacturers are taking note and increasingly looking to out-do each other with cool tech features.
The latest example is General Motors which will debut “Active Phone Cooling” in its 2016 models. As the name implies this innovation will cool down your smartphone to avoid overheating in the heat of summer.
Designed by engineers in GM’s Chevrolet division, the “industry-first technology” was created when the researchers began noticing that the combination of hot temperatures and wireless charging caused phones to stop charging, or in some cases, shut down entirely.
The active phone cooling system consists of an air vent that sits over the charging station inside the vehicle and blows cool air to lower the temperature of your phone while its charging or being used for GPS navigation. The engineers found that the simple yet highly purposeful solution will not only provide a better experience for in-car phone use but it will also extend the life your phone.
“Innovation doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel,” said engineer Dan Lascu. “Sometimes simplicity offers the most elegant solution to a problem.”
According to a company press release, the technology will be available on the upcoming 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, Impala, Malibu and Volt.
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