BMW will launch the feature as early as next year, having tied up with an online video game console that offers more than 180 games.
By: HT Auto Desk
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Updated on: October 13, 2022 at 10:10 am
BMW has teamed up with AirConsole to bring casual gaming to vehicles by 2023.
Stuck in a traffic jam? Music not your cup of tea? You may soon be able to kill time playing video games on the infotainment screen if you own a BMW. The German auto giant has tied up with AirConsole, an online video game console with over 180 games on offer. BMW Group and the online gaming platform announced their partnership that will offer casual games on new BMW cars starting next year.
Video games can be played on the giant curved digital entertainment screen offered by the latest BMW cars. Games offered by AirConsole will be able to be played directly inside the vehicle’s entertainment system. Games can be accessed via AirConsole technology and can be updated over the air. One will be able to control them with the help of a smartphone.
BMW Group says that setting up the games in the infotainment system will be a seamless affair. The connection between the smartphone and the vehicle can be established through means such as a QR code. The smartphone will act as a game controller and will be in tune with BMW’s curved display. Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Connected Company Development, said: “With AirConsole we will take advantage of innovative technologies combined with a wide variety of fun and multiplayer games. This will make every waiting situation inside the vehicle, such as charging, a nice time.”
Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream, the company behind the AirConsole brand, said: “We are very proud to lead in-vehicle gaming with BMW and are excited to create new games for in-car entertainment. Our ingenious architecture coupled with the ease of access of our platform will change the way people engage with their vehicles.”
Neither AirConsole nor BMW have shared what kind of games will be available in the new cars. They are likely to be revealed before next year’s launch. BMW will join other automakers like Tesla, which also offers online gaming inside its electric vehicles.
Date of first publication: 13 October 2022, 10:10 IST