has announced a partnership with gaming platform AirConsole to implement “casual” gaming options on the curved screens of new BMW vehicles. This new feature will exist within the infotainment system of these vehicles and will allow drivers and their passengers to use their smartphones as controllers.
On Tuesday, the BMW Group shared that it has chosen AirConsole as its gaming partner through the , which functions as a venture customer unit for early-stage startups.
The program takes startups that have graduated and helps validate their prototypes, connecting them with decision-makers at the BMW Group for business development.
Starting in new BMW vehicles next year, the AirConsole video game catalog will be accessible through the vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing .
Aside from the curved screens that will be present in the 2023 BMW electric vehicles, drivers will only need a smartphone to use as a controller to enjoy a vast catalog of single and multiplayer video games. Users will simply scan a QR code from the BMW’s screen to connect their “controller” and they are ready to play.
BMW Group Senior Vice President of Connected Business Development Stephan Durach spoke about the new partnership with AirConsole and what it means for future electric vehicle drivers:
“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 an enjoyable time.”
, BMW’s 7-series sedan, which will be the first model with this benefit, will be built with a head unit hardware upgrade that can accommodate the computing capabilities needed for gaming.
