You might call the built-in TikTok app in the new W214 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a publicity stunt, but it actually does its job, which is attracting people’s attention. BMW saw that and decided to go to a whole other level by launching the all-new BMW 5 Series with a built-in gaming platform.
This built-in gaming platform is possible thanks to BMW Group’s partnership with AirConsole, an online video game platform, allowing the driver and passengers to play casual games while the vehicle is stationary. As odd as it might sound, this built-in gaming platform can actually be a good way to pass the time during long waits, like when the car is charging, for instance.
So how does the AirConsole in the BMW 5 Series or i5 work? What you need is basically a smartphone, which acts as a controller, and a screen, which in this context is the new BMW 5 Series’ Curved Display.
After starting the AirConsole app in the vehicle itself, you can connect your smartphone to the car by just scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. To make the in-car gaming experience even more fun, the AirConsole app supports multiplayer too, allowing your passengers to play along with you using their smartphones.
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As of now, BMW describes games that are available via the AirConsole gaming platform as ‘casual games’. Genres currently offered include racing, sports, quiz, music quiz games, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run, as well as puzzle games.
There are around 15 titles available to play from the start. This includes titles such as “Go Kart Go”, “Golazo”, “Music Guess”, and “Overcooked”. BMW has also promised that the portfolio of available games will be continually expanded.
Just in case the launch of the in-car gaming platform wasn’t interesting enough, BMW even presented a BMW i5 with a unique gaming wrap. This was done to pay homage to the iconic 8-bit computer games, with its colour scheme inspired by games available on the AirConsole platform.
In addition to the new BMW 5 Series, the AirConsole app will also be made available for other BMW models. Among the models listed are the BMW 7 Series, BMW iX, and BMW i4 produced after July 2023. The BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, and the BMW X6 M produced after August 2023 are also shortlisted.
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