Continental and Swarovski unveil Crystal Center Display at CES 2024

The development of navigation and multimedia systems has effectively compelled manufacturers to choose ever-larger displays. Not only are they beginning to take over the entire dashboard area, but they can also obstruct visibility.

At this year’s CES (Consumer Electronics Show), however, Continental unveiled an innovation that could provide an answer to the minimalist luxury image sought by many manufacturers.

Developed in collaboration with Swarovski, Continental’s transparent display uses microLED technology and is built into a crystal component, giving it a more elegant appearance than existing solutions.

Continental Crystal Center Display uses microLED technology

With a 10-inch diagonal, the new display relies on microLED technology to deliver particularly high brightness and contrast levels. Yet, because the image is projected within this crystal ‘body’, it gives the impression that it is floating.

Its transparency means it is possible to see what lies behind the screen - including the outside of the car, depending on its position - helping to address the issue of restricted visibility.

New possibilities for in-car display design

This technology gives automotive designers a broad range of options for integrating displays into the cabin of each model.

“With the Crystal Center Display, we want to make an impact on the design world and create an innovative product for the premium cars of the future. We are moving away from simply presenting information and elevating it into a highly personalised user experience”

Dr Boris Mergell, User Experience (UX), Continental

Innovation award at CES

Continental and Swarovski Mobility’s new Crystal Center Display was very well received at CES 2024, with the solution already receiving an innovation award at the technology show.

Peter Widmann, Senior Vice-President B2B and Managing Director of Swarovski Mobility, said that combining these technologies had made it possible to create “an element that is as visually striking as it is technically impressive”.

“In this way, our crystal becomes far more than merely a design element, as it is used as an interaction interface with each vehicle.”

Peter Widmann, Senior Vice-President B2B and Managing Director of Swarovski Mobility.