Thales' prototype of its “Immersive Business Class Seat” is bound to appeal to technology geeks, Big Data enthusiasts and entertainment addicts. Unveiled recently in Hamburg, and with a potential availability in 4-5 years, here's what the business class concept seat can do, and why I, for one, definitely don't want to fly in it.
1. Ultra High Definition 24 Inch Screen with Surround Sound
Thales' current immersive business class seat offers a 24 inch ulta-high definition display screen and surround sound, which is no doubt a boon for movie buffs and those who wish they could take their home cinema with them while traveling.
My take: It may just be me, but what I'm most interested in with a business class seat (and even many first class flights) is how comfortable the bed is. So far I still haven't found one nearly as comfortable as a Four Seasons bed or my bed at home, although Singapore Suites on the A380 comes closest. How about some more innovation in the bed arena? After all, on my three recent Singapore Suites flights, I didn't use the IFE at all for the first two. The bed was so much more important in my satisfaction with the flight.
2. Analyzes Big Data to Learn Your Travel and Content Preferences
Ostensibly Thales concept seat will connect to your personal electronic device and social profiles to better understand your travel and content viewing preferences, and make recommendations for your film or entertainment pleasure.
My take: Um, no thanks. I spend enough time just trying to opt out of intrusive ad placement technology and have zero desire to provide all my preferences and contacts to some seat technology. I'll decide for myself what I'd like to watch, thank you very much.
3. IFE Is Visually Controlled
Instead of the current manual or handheld touchscreen control, you can control the IFE by your eyes. Look at the correct icon, and it will play the movie. If you look away, whether to talk to your travel companion or ask the flight attendant for something, the IFE pauses. Or fall asleep, and it will pause, then resume when you're awake again.
My take: This sounds perfect for the mobility impaired (and in fact, that was the reason this technology was designed) but given that voice controls aren't anywhere near where I'd want them to be to not have a frustrating experience, it's hard for me to imagine that visually controlled technology will be any less frustrating. Just give me a manual control that consistently works well (and not even necessarily a touch screen, given my frustration using the one in Iberia New Business Class) and I'm happy.
4. Can Test Your Vision and Recommend Glasses
Per Thales, the IFE is so perceptive that it can literally test your vision and recommend glasses or visual correction if you need them.
My take: Ok, good to know, but really, how many people who need glasses have no clue they need them? And no matter how precise the measurement, you'll still be taking an eye test when going to get glasses or contact lenses fitted, so no time saved really.
5. Next Iteration: Voice Control?
While not in the current concept seat, voice control is planned for the next iteration, although it remains a challenging feature due to all the background noise on an aircraft. For now, the microphones are planned to be mounted under the headrest.
My Take: I still end up needing to speak to a human for most calls I make to airlines and such. It's hard to imagine voice controls being faster or more efficient than a well designed manual control, although I can certainly see their application for the mobility impaired.
Would you want these features in a future business class or first class seat?
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Photo: Thales Press Department