Volkswagen is adding in-car gaming to its future vehicles in AirConsole, a gaming platform that uses smartphones as the controllers and the infotainment displays built into VW cars.
The gaming platform will initially be integrated into the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer and later it will be enabled in the ID.5, ID.4 and ID.3 product lines as well as the latest Passat, Tiguan, Golf and Golf estate.
AirConsole allows the built-in infotainment displays to be used as a games console. The platform will be in European vehicles initially and by 2025 will be in other countries.
How it works
Users connect smartphones to the vehicle and use it as a controller along with the VW Active Info Display.
Once the AirConsole app is started in the vehicle, the connection between the smartphone and vehicle is established via a QR code. After it is paired, users can play games immediately. The system supports multiple players and rear passengers can also play. It also has the capability to be played solo.
Why it matters
Infotainment is one of the fastest growing sectors of the automotive industry as companies look to explore how entertainment can be used to help not just sell a vehicle but provide content for long trips or just general traveling.
While music has long been a staple of infotainment in vehicles and Bluetooth has allowed streaming to become the main platform, gaming and video has lagged mostly due to the distraction potential to the driver.
However, as wireless connectivity becomes a staple in vehicles, wireless headphones and other platforms are allowing passengers to play and watch without a major distraction to the driver. As automotive OEMs look to differentiate from competitors, especially as value-added infotainment becomes more popular, gaming platforms may be a good way to offer consumers new content.
