- Huawei demonstrated the technology at the recent Beijing Auto Show
- The XPixel platform is said to be the first automotive lighting system to project full color
- Outdoor cinema and mobile games may soon be a reality
Huawei is set to release the world’s first car headlight system capable of full-color projection.
Although the Chinese tech company has been delivering its monochrome XPixel high-resolution, pixel-controlled LED headlight platform for 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.
During demonstrations at the recent Beijing Auto Show, New Atlas reports that Huawei showed off the ability to transmit ‘open-air’ movies on a wall, interactive gaming graphics on the floor and even turn-by-turn navigation cues cast on the road surface ahead.
Although it may seem like a gimmick, Huawei is keen to point out that the headlights can also change color temperature in rain or fog to improve light penetration and visibility, as well as intelligently adapting to both the curvature of the road and to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.
There’s been no word on pricing, but Huawei says a production version of the XPixel lighting system will debut on an updated version of the Aito M9 SUV, which has been co-developed with the tech company and is predominantly sold through Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) throughout China.
Analysis: illuminating the path to legal issues
Huawei’s XPixel demonstration is deeply impressive, but it’s also likely to present a difficult case for local legislation.
Smart laser headlights and matrix LEDs have faced heavy restrictions in the US, while regulators in Europe and the UK are currently investigating advanced headlight technology and assessing whether it could cause distraction and ‘dazzle’ LED glare.
China typically has a much more fluid approach to legislating this sort of thing, and as a result is likely to be the first to see headlights that can also double as a mobile cinema.
But there are also big questions about cost and how much a headlight unit would cost to repair if damaged or to replace if targeted and stolen by thieves – a problem that has caused distress for luxury car owners in London and other major cities.
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