I used Metas Neural Band to control a cars screen in a Garmin concept, and it kind of rocked, but not just for the gestures

Date:
Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Description:
I tried Metas Neural Band inside Garmins Unified Cabin car concept, showing how gesture controls could shape future in-car experiences.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

You likely know Metas Neural Band as the companion controller that lets you use a hand as an input for the Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses , but it might
one day be sold separately and work with a bevy of other hardware.

Garmin, which makes a boatload of technology inside devices, showed off a concept of its next generation of in-vehicle systems at CES 2026 one where its own-made computer can power way more than just a heads-up display and
main screen, but also integrate with dynamic lighting, ultra-wideband tech, and even new inputs from voice to hand gestures.

And while this is just a concept, I got seated in the demo car, which was
very much non-movable and just four seats in a rough frame, slapped on the Meta Neural Band, and was off to the races, able to spin the electronic version of the car on the main screen and even pinch to zoom in or out. Its basic, but its mostly a proving ground for how these different types of
inputs could prove useful in the car. (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Its part of Garmins Unified Cabin concept, which is basically a next-generation, much smarter interior for future vehicles. The ability to
use the Neural Band is part of a collaboration between Garmin and Meta, exploring how this tech could be used.

The idea, though, is that within Android Auto , instead of saying Hey Google or swiping with your fingers, you can use gestures without needing to extend your hand. I was sitting in the passenger seat and had my hand just above my lap, able to make the right gestures to control the display. It was limited, but you could also use it to swipe through the interface and interact with various input elements.

There was no steering wheel in this cabin concept, but it might even work
with hands on the wheel though Im not sure about the safety there. And the way the Meta Neural Band works is pretty ingenious; this was my first demo with it, and its essentially able to read finger gestures and movements via electrical signals from your wrist. Its neat and provides feedback with
subtle haptics in the band. (Image credit: Future/Jeremy Kaplan)

The Unified Cabin concept also highlighted the ability of UWB, potentially in future vehicles, to know the position of a digital key either a fob, phone, or maybe even a Meta Neural Band one day to welcome you with lighting as you approach, but also to provide more accuracy for when youre in the vehicle. If youre with a partner who also has a digital key on their phone, it can be
more precise in setting the right seat style for whoever is actually in the drivers seat. Thats not perfect as it is today.

While this is just a concept, its neat to see that the folks behind the tech used in vehicles are looking at future inputs. The Meta Neural Band could one day be sold on its own rather than just bundled with the Display Glasses and who knows, it could be the key fob of a smart car you get in the future.

TechRadar has been extensively covering this year's CES , and is bringing
you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home
gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And dont forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/i-used-metas-neural-band-to-control-a-c ars-screen-in-a-garmin-concept-and-it-kind-of-rocked-but-not-just-for-the-gest ures


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)