You possible know Meta’s Neural Band because the companion controller that allows you to use a hand as an enter for the Meta Ray-Ban Show Glasses, nevertheless it would possibly in the future be offered individually and work with a bevy of different {hardware}.
Garmin, which makes a boatload of know-how inside units, confirmed off an idea of its subsequent technology of in-vehicle programs at CES 2026 – one the place its own-made laptop can energy far more than only a heads-up show and foremost display, but in addition combine with dynamic lighting, ultra-wideband tech, and even new inputs from voice at hand gestures.
And whereas that is only a idea, I acquired seated within the demo automotive, which was very a lot non-movable and simply 4 seats in a tough body, slapped on the Meta Neural Band, and was off to the races, in a position to spin the digital model of the automotive on the primary display and even pinch to zoom in or out. It’s primary, nevertheless it’s largely a proving floor for a way these several types of inputs might show helpful within the automotive.
It’s a part of Garmin’s Unified Cabin idea, which is principally a next-generation, a lot smarter inside for future automobiles. The flexibility to make use of the Neural Band is a part of a collaboration between Garmin and Meta, exploring how this tech could possibly be used.
There was no steering wheel on this cabin idea, nevertheless it would possibly even work with arms on the wheel – although I’m unsure in regards to the security there. And the way in which the Meta Neural Band works is fairly ingenious; this was my first demo with it, and it’s primarily in a position to learn finger gestures and actions by way of electrical indicators out of your wrist. It’s neat and offers suggestions with delicate haptics within the band.
The Unified Cabin idea additionally highlighted the power of UWB, probably in future automobiles, to know the place of a digital key – both a fob, cellphone, or possibly even a Meta Neural Band in the future – to welcome you with lighting as you method, but in addition to offer extra accuracy for whenever you’re within the car. In the event you’re with a accomplice who additionally has a digital key on their cellphone, it may be extra exact in setting the fitting seat model for whoever is definitely within the driver’s seat. That’s not good as it’s at present.
Whereas that is only a idea, it’s neat to see that the oldsters behind the tech utilized in automobiles are taking a look at future inputs. The Meta Neural Band might in the future be offered by itself reasonably than simply bundled with the Show Glasses – and who is aware of, it could possibly be the important thing fob of a sensible automotive you get sooner or later.
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