Audi Virtual Cockpit for TT revealed at CES 2014 (pictures)

LAS VEGAS -- Audi changed the Multimedia Interface (MMI) controller for the Virtual Cockpit, using two toggle switches instead of the four buttons previously used to access navigation, phone, radio, and media. Likewise, Audi swapped the four quadrant buttons for two, with contextual functions.

This TT cockpit lacks a central LCD, and Audi simplified the climate controls by putting them on the vents.

The home screen shows all the vehicle functions on a partial ellipse, while virtual gauges sit in diminished positions at the lower corners of the display.

The driver can trace letters on the top of the MMI dial, which are then interpreted by the infotainment system and used to initiate searches.

The right-side button on the MMI brings up a contextual options menu for whichever current vehicle function is onscreen.

The LCD panel instrument cluster can show a large map display, or diminished turn-by-turn directions.

The Virtual Cockpit can, of course, show telephone and messaging functions.

The instrument panel shows a music library interface for drivers browsing stored media sources.

Audi employs the same search mechanism used for navigation for music search.

The music playback screen shows album art along with track information.

With all these screens, the driver can make the gauges show in a more prominent position.