The World Atto 1will be one of the Chinese automaker’s first Australian models without a rotating infotainment screen, a standout feature of the brand to date.
The feature was originally intended by the automaker as optimal performance for various functions, allowing screens to be rotated 90 degrees between a portrait orientation and a horizontal landscape orientation.
However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only worked in the latter position.
British outlet Autocar reports that a greater emphasis on smooth app integration is the reason BYD is phasing out the feature.
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“We are starting to get involved in a lot of apps,” BYD Vice President Stella Li told the publication.
“The Atto 2 will be the first model with Google and Apple CarPlay, and if they want to offer the best experience, then a rotating screen will limit their apps,” she added, referring to the introduction of Google Built-in – with a range of embedded Google apps – in the Atto 2 DM-i in the European market.
“And secondly, we’ve seen the feedback in the market. People love the rotating screens, but the benefit is very low.”
“The next focus for us will be autonomous driving,” Ms. Li said Autocarwhich alludes to the technical connections required for the development of the technology.
“We want to make our platforms more universal to provide the best experience. Some apps, like Google, are a little behind.”
While the comments posted by Autocar Although the decision was made on a global basis, BYD Australia has not yet been able to confirm whether it will ditch rotating screens on all future models sold here.
Instead, BYD Australia said the decision not to offer the rotating screen on local models was based on customer feedback Daily Sparkz Australian buyers prefer larger fixed displays to smaller, rotating versions.
This is despite the UK market Atto 1, for example, offering rotating screens of the same size as the fixed version in cars sold here.
Overseas, the Atto 1 – sold as the Dolphin Surf in the UK – is available with the same 10.1-inch center touchscreen, but has a rotation function.
The BYD Atto 1 is one of three models from the brand to feature a fixed screen, while the upcoming Sealion 5 SUV and seven-seat Sealion 8 SUV will also feature fixed touchscreens.
The rotating screens were also featured in models from BYD’s premium brand Denza, which launched in Australia this month with the B5 and B8 off-road SUVs.
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