Feature Spotlight: The Touch Pad-Based CUE Infotainment System Of The 2016 Cadillac CT6
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One of the major criticisms of Cadillac’s latest models is its CUE infotainment system. Many have found the system to be a bit slow and difficult to use when driving, among other issues. So when the automaker developed their 2016 CT6 sedan, they were sure to give CUE a thorough revision.
CUE is sometimes slow to recognize inputs or commands on its touch screen and attempting to use the screen while also trying to keep your eyes on the road can be a bit tedious. To remedy this, Cadillac put a touchpad on the center console, allowing the driver to rest their arm on the console while using CUE rather than reaching out and touching the screen.
The touchpad also provides haptic feedback to the user, sending out a small vibration as they scroll through menu icons. There’s also a small ‘back’ button just aft of the touchpad (a real button, not a touch button) for returning to the main menu screen after launching an application like Pandora, for example.
Another improvement to CUE in the CT6 is the larger 10.2-inch capacitive touch screen. Cadillac says the screen will now react faster when scrolling the menus and will also recognize handwriting movements for searching addresses or points of interest. In the CT6, the heavily revised CUE system is also complimented by wireless phone charging and OnStar’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
We’re happy to report our initial impressions of the CT6’s new CUE system are quite good after briefly familiarizing ourselves with it on the floor of the New York Auto Show. The touchpad is fast and responsive, as are the menu actions, and it seems as though it would be much easier to use while the car is in motion. We’ll have to wait until the 2016 CT6 arrives later this year to provide you with the second GM Authority CUE review, though.
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I’m on board with this, like I mention in an earlier post here, CUE just needed an Attitude Adjustment by being Faster and more Intuitive, an seems the Electronic Engineers did what we All know they can do, tho we have not got our hands on it yet, we can believe that it has improved at least 60%(For Now) and with the Touch Pad and Handwriting Recognition Software added, this is gonna be Very Interesting, can’t wait….. 😉
It was mostly an learning issue with Cue as the original set up took time to learn. Now with this one it should be a faster system to master.
I’m surprised Cadillac stuck with their guns and kept the touch control setup; I was expecting a full return to regular buttons and knobs after barrage of criticism. But from what I hear this new version looks to be a pretty good improvement over the current CUE system. But initial impressions are always subject to change after extended periods of usage. Such was the case with the CUE system in the beginning. For Cadillac and GM’s sake, I hope the newest version will be at least competitive with what’s on the market, especially in terms of reception and user-friendliness.
If you demonstrate the cue or any gm infotainment interface you should temper expectations don’t let the customer just start mashing the screen like a five year old finger painting .simple gesture s flick pinch swipe speak after the beep with the push to talk and demonstrate all the features …in a calm non rushed way If do this the customer will be completely satisfied.
So the user needs to have patience with the user interface??? So attempting to do something really quickly like lowering the volume to zero in an emergency is not recommended? Why would anyone want this? NOTHING is better than a KNOB for volume and temp control. The response is immediate and the driver doesn’t even have to look at it. CUE creates more problems than it solves and GM still hasn’t figured that out.
As with any new operating system there will be a learning curve to it . Once you have time to play with it you’ll learn how to use it . I wonder how dog friendly is this touch pad going to be . My dog likes to go from one seat to ending up in my lap while I’m driving . If one or more of his paws hit an icon on the pad then what ?
Knobs are limiting and restrictive much of what these new systems can do. If you go that way often you end up with so many buttons or knobs that have to do 5 things it is a mess.
The touch pad will open the door to more things as we have much more to come. I hope it will make the learning curve much less here that is the key. Cue was hit in most reviews but most long term test said they liked it once they learned it.
I drive had the same issues too and they were worked out.
I have not used this new system yet but I am expecting it will be a much easier first use experience. But will see if it went far enough when I get my hands on one,.
Younger people should have no issues with these systems so as time goes on this will be less an issue.
For volume control, you can’t improve on a knob.
Sorry, that’s just a fact. Just two knobs would solve a lot of what’s wrong with CUE.
GM should be asking themselves, does this user interface IMPROVE the user experience or not?
If it’s not faster, easier, or safer… then it should not be in a car.
If there’s a “learning curve” for your radio and HVAC controls, you’ve just made the car more-dangerous and have turned off lots of buyers.
Yes you can with a button on the steering wheel. To be honest most controls are on my wheel so I seldom touch a knob anymore.
The fact is the sound systems and other dash systems are in for major changes. There has even been talk of removing the radio from the dash and at some point just using smart phones or pads. I would assume a pad would be included with the car. This they said would eliminate more weight from the cars.
I know it sounds far fetched but that is what several MFGs are talking about. Who ever thought we would have cars with no spares?
The fact is they are out to combine as many functions into one small unit they can. The other fact is the younger people who grew up on smart phones have no issue with these systems while the older folks who are buying Cadillac’s are struggling.
On the other hand my GMC Terrain has a touch screen but it also has redundant buttons for the sound and then also for heat and many other functions. Since it is my wife car I have to look at the great number of buttons and knobs for what I want. Many times I still grab the HAVC knob to turn the radio down.
I think a good balance of buttons, Touch and Knobs can do the job but all one or the other is a pain.