Unveiled at the CTIA Wireless Association's Enterprise and Applications conference in Sand Diego, Cadillac's new CUE system promises to be the most advanced in-car telematics interface. Rivaling system's like MyFordTouch, it's also designed to be easy to use and understand, even for novices.

With a big 8-inch high-def screen (optional 12.3-inch) CUE has numerous unique features to the segment, even using multi-touch hand gestures, much like the iPad, with different motions (tap, flick, swipe and spread) all executing different functions on the screen. Plus it even offers "haptic feedback" with the screen pulsing where pressed to give the operator and idea of what button they are on allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. In addition, Cadillac says CUE will allow for fewer and simpler voice controls, while also reading texts and sending pre-recorded messages in return.

CUE stands for Cadillac User Experience and Cadillac aims to make that experience as user-friendly as possible, reducing the usual 20 or so buttons used to control in car features to just four, with a display screen that features large icons and a big storage area behind to place your smartphone.

"CUE doesn't replace your smartphone or your iPod," said Micky Bly, executive director, Global Electric Systems, Infotainment and Electrification. "Rather it allows consumers to securely store those mobile devices while channeling the information on those devices, along with your navigation tools, weather maps with Doppler radar, AM/FM and XM radio, instant messages and emails, through a central portal in your Cadillac, keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

Developed based on driving habits, CUE's LCD screen puts the driver's five most frequently used functions at the top of the screen with up to 60 other customizable options available at the bottom of the screen. Also a part of the package are two five-way controllers, with the one in the right of the steering wheel that allows operation of display, the volume and with buttons to scroll through the favorites. On the left side is a controller to operate cruise control, voice recognition, Bluetooth and the heated steering wheel. And of course GM's OnStar system is a part of CUE with many OnStar functions available on the screen.

The first models to offer the CUE telematics system are the upcoming ATS (Caddy's BMW 3 Series fighter) as well as the XTS flagship luxury sedan and the SRX crossover.

More: Cadillac CUE Debuts as the Next Big Thing in in-Car Telematics on Autoguide.com