Look up at your car roof. Pretty boring, right? How nice would it be to have a calming, mood-setting visual display to show to a client while en route to a tour? If you find yourself in possession of a self-driving car equipped with a Harman MoodRoof, that’s exactly what you’ll be able to do.
With autonomous cars trending so heavily over the past few years, someone was bound to push the envelope on what’s considered “fundamental technology”; in that category, Harman might take the cake. The MoodRoof is a panoramic, roof-mounted display that shows tranquil imagery and music-activated dynamic presentations (think iTunes’ equalizer, but better), giving you something pleasant to stare at while your self-driving car speeds down the freeway.
The MoodRoof itself is stunning enough, but it’s actually designed as a complement to an audio system also designed by Harman. This means that whatever is playing on your self-driving car’s audio system can dictate the kind of imagery you see on the MoodRoof display (and vice versa), making your trips nothing short of personalized lightshows.
When it comes to the technology behind the MoodRoof and the accompanying Moodscape audio suite, Harman is all about convenience. The suite’s software is designed to predict music preferences that pair well with certain displays—a decision that is based on other information, such as your schedule, location, and vehicle status—meaning that all you have to do is sit back, relax, and let the display do its thing.
Since Harman doesn’t manufacture automobiles, the MoodRoof will have to be installed in a different company’s vehicle. This is hardly a problem, since the wide array of different available vehicle types leaves room for some pretty interesting applications for the MoodRoof. For example, using it in a spacious SUV might facilitate an upbeat, enthusiastic mood, while a closer, more intimate use of this technology might be best for the milder among us.
Self-driving technology is still in its infancy, meaning that anything goes when it comes to prospective accessories. It will be interesting to see what other technologies are offered in response to the newfound freedom that accompanies not having to watch the road, but for now, the Harman MoodRoof is a solid 10 in our book.
