While the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the year's first important car show, is almost upon us, a few automakers joined the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to preview some of their future technology. Volkswagen is one of them, with the German carmaker having joined the show with a special that previews the future of infotainment systems.

Built around a new digital platform called Ecosystem that will manage all mobility and infotainment services, this special app, which is free on Apple and Android devices, will enable CES visitors to experience "how human, car, and environment will, in the future, be intelligently interconnected in the Volkswagen Ecosystem via the Volkswagen User-ID."

Specifically, visitors can use the app to create their own profile (a Volkswagen User-ID set up for the show), which includes new, innovative functions. At the individual user stations, they can quickly and easily input and configure the settings of their personal ID, including selecting a favorite ambient light setting. Users can also integrate any services from third-party sources and port them wherever they wish, as well as program the car to prepare their favorite music, configure the display screen, and make the right seat adjustments.

What this means is that your personal setting will be remembered and made available across all VW products using the Ecosystem. If at some point you have to drive someone else's Volkswagen, you will be able to import all these setting to make it as comfortable as your own. When the car returns to its owner, he can reconfigure all setting at the push of a button. That's pretty sweet and indeed a new user experience.

There's no word as to when the Volkswagen Ecosystem will be launched for production models, but it shouldn't take too long to be implemented judging by how fast automotive technology evolves nowadays. I'd say that we may see it in action in 2018.

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Why It Matters

CES has become a regular event for new infotainment-related technology for cars in recent years, with both Volkswagen and BMW unveiling their gesture control systems at the event. So it comes as no surprise that Volkswagen chose the Consumer Electronics Show to previews its next-generation infotainment system, as well as give visitors a chance to experience the features that have already been implemented. It will take some time for the new system to be offered in production cars, so make sure you visit the Volkswagen booth for a closer look.