The BMW Group has just taken a major step in embracing in-car gaming, introducing the AirConsole gaming platform in its BMW 5 Series cars.
While it is already possible to play video games in Elon Musk’s Tesla cars, it is now up to BMW to introduce gaming into its own vehicles thanks to AirConsole. The concept of the AirConsole gaming platform is to allow drivers and passengers to play casual games while waiting for the vehicle to recharge.
BMW recognizes that EV charging times can be long and that games are an engaging way to pass the time. The AirConsole app will be limited to the new BMW 5 Series for now, but it will be gradually introduced in other group vehicles in the future.
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The AirConsole app has a selection of games that are quite simple, intuitive to control, and enjoyable for quick gaming sessions. The initial lineup of games includes racing, sports, quiz, music, simulation, strategy, jump and run, and puzzle games. Titles such as “Go Kart Go”, “Golazo”, “Music Guess” and “Overcooked” will be available from the startand the games portfolio will continuously expand.
Players only need their smartphone, which acts as a controller, and the curved screen of the BMW to participate in the gaming experience. To connect, a simple QR code will be displayed on the screen infotainment, and it will then need to be scanned on the app. Even better, AirConsole supports multiplayer functionality, allowing rear passengers to participate in in-vehicle play during stops. Players can choose to play alone, with all occupants of the vehicle, or in competition mode.
As usual, it will obviously not be possible to play video games while the vehicle is in motion. This new feature will only be available when stationary, to ensure the safety of all passengers. It now remains to be seen which of the group’s next vehicles will support the AirConsole app.
