Automobiles have been consistently evolving over the years. The improvements are meant to accommodate the needs of its passengers and driver while on the road. The developments include navigation systems, entertainment systems like radio or television, and, lately, auto-drive mode.
With that being said, it's no surprise that games are now coming into cars as well. BMW, specifically, is trying to add a gaming system to its infotainment screens to pass the time. The idea is that drivers or passengers can pass the time with it when the car is idle.
How Does It Work?
According to The Verge, the German manufacturer plans to add AirConsole to its systems next year. For the drivers' convenience, the AirConsole technology will enable games to be instantly delivered over the air. The users may then scan a QR code to connect their smartphones and use it as a controller.
However, this new addition to BMW cars is compatible with models that have a curved infotainment display only, using the iDrive 8 System. The Verge publicist, Bilal Mahmood, claimed that AirConsole would be installed in the new BMW 7-Series first since it is the German automaker's vehicle to support the system for the games.
It means that not all BMW cars with curved displays will get the new feature like the iX XDrive 50. BMW might make it so the car can be retrofitted to accommodate the game system, but the company has not yet announced anything about the matter.
At the AirConsole's launch, BMW Series 7 Sedan owners may play the games with the car's 31.3-inch 8K Theater Screen, as mentioned by TechCrunch. The screen will have a built-in Amazon Fire TV.
This could be a competitive move for BMW since Tesla already added a gaming feature to their infotainment system in 2019. Tesla users can enjoy famous titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Stardew Valley.
Tesla Motor CEO Elon Musk has also stated that integration of Steam within the car's infotainment system is on its way. Along with that promise is the possibility of Tesla adding CD Projekt Red's widely played games, like Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.
Why This Development Might Flop
The issue with the new gaming system that will soon be added in select BMW cars, is that it is only accessible when the car is parked, as mentioned in the same article from TechCrunch. This means that even passengers cannot play the games in the infotainment system when the car is in motion. It's probably because the infotainment system will be used for its main purpose, which is to assist the driver with navigation.
Also, smartphones might make for terrible controllers. Since it has a flat surface as opposed to a console controller with protruding buttons, players will have to constantly look at their phone to see which buttons to press when they're still getting the hang of it. This will dampen their gaming experience, which leads to the next point.
Drivers or passengers may prefer other gaming platforms as mentioned in The Verge. The direct sight of the phone's screen will make it easier for players to see the control buttons. It will also be less of a hassle since you won't have to connect it to the car's system.
