BMW Group Partners with AirConsole to Introduce In-Car Gaming Experience in the New BMW 5 Series
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In a groundbreaking collaboration, BMW Group has joined forces with the popular gaming platform AirConsole to revolutionize the in-car entertainment landscape. For the first time ever, passengers and drivers of the new BMW 5 Series will have the opportunity to indulge in casual gaming while stationary, transforming their wait time into a thrilling gaming experience. This novel offering, also aimed at enhancing the charging experience, will eventually expand to include other BMW vehicles. To commemorate the launch of the new BMW 5 Series, an extraordinary BMW i5, adorned with a bespoke gaming-inspired design by BMW Group Design, is being unveiled, elevating the sedan into an ultimate gaming haven.
To start in-car gaming, players only need their smartphones, which serve as controllers, along with the BMW Curved Display. Upon launching the AirConsole app on the vehicle, players can seamlessly connect their smartphones to the car by scanning a QR code displayed on the Curved Display. This streamlined process enables players to immerse themselves in the gaming experience. Supporting multiple players simultaneously, the AirConsole app allows rear passengers to join in the fun during breaks. Whether engaging in solo play, collaborative gaming, or competitive mode, the in-car gaming feature looks like it will offer quite a bit of versatility.
AirConsole offers an array of casual games, known for their accessibility and intuitive controls. The initial selection available for the market debut of the new BMW 5 Series sedan includes a range of racing, sports, quiz, music quiz, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, and puzzle games. Among the approximately 15 titles available from the start are popular options such as “Go Kart Go,” “Golazo,” “Music Guess,” and “Overcooked.” According to BMW the portfolio of available games will continue to expand, ensuring a diverse and dynamic gaming library.
To celebrate this launch, BMW Group presents a special BMW i5 featuring a unique gaming-themed wrap. The design of the vehicle pays homage to the nostalgic 8-bit era of computer games, with prominent large pixels serving as a visual representation of the gaming journey. Drawing inspiration from various games on the AirConsole platform, the color scheme evokes the vibrant essence of the gaming world. Embellished with elements reminiscent of video game controllers, the i5 perfectly captures the essence of in-car gaming, where the smartphone serves as the controller, putting a world of gaming possibilities at players’ fingertips.
BMW’s in-car gaming experience will initially be available in the new BMW 5 Series, with plans to extend it to other BMW models, including the BMW 7 Series, BMW iX, BMW i4, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, and BMW X6 M, among others. The introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5 via Remote Software Upgrade will enable compatibility with the in-car gaming feature for future models, including the BMW 7 Series, BMW iX, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, and BMW X6 M. BMW Group’s dedication to cutting-edge innovation continues to redefine the boundaries of automotive entertainment, ensuring that every journey is transformed into an exhilarating adventure.
