- Huawei showcased its technology at the recent Beijing Auto Show
- The XPixel platform would be the first car headlight system to project color
- Outdoor cinema and mobile gaming could soon become a reality
Huawei is set to launch the world’s first automotive headlight system capable of color projection.
Although the Chinese tech company has been marketing its high-resolution, pixel-controlled XPixel monochrome LED headlight platform for many years, it has now developed the technology to add full RGB output capable of projecting a 100-inch image onto any nearby wall or surface.
In demonstrations at the recent Beijing auto show, New Atlas reports that Huawei demonstrated the ability to deliver “outdoor” movies on a wall, interactive gaming graphics on the floor, and even turn-by-turn navigation signals launched onto the road surface.
While it may seem like a gimmick, Huawei is keen to point out that the headlights can also change the color temperature in rain or fog to improve light penetration and visibility, as well as intelligently adapt to the curvature of the road and avoid dazzling oncoming motorists.
Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but Huawei says a production version of the XPixel lighting system will debut on a refreshed version of the Aito M9 SUV, which was co-developed with the tech company and is primarily sold through Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) throughout China.
Analysis: paving the way for legal issues
Huawei’s XPixel demonstration is deeply impressive, but it also risks presenting a difficult case for local law.
Smart laser headlights and matrix LEDs have faced severe restrictions in the United States, while regulators in Europe and the United Kingdom are currently reviewing advanced headlight technology, assessing whether or not it could cause distraction and “blinding” glare from LEDs.
China generally has a much more fluid approach to legislating this sort of thing, and as a result, it will likely be the first to witness flagships that can double as a mobile movie theater.
But there are also big questions about price and how much a headlight would cost to repair if damaged or to replace if it were targeted and stolen by thieves – an issue that has caused distress to luxury vehicle owners in London and other major cities.
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