The BMW i7: Taking Entertainment to the Next Level with Multiplayer Option

Urian B., Tech Times 21 May 2023, 10:05 pm

BMW, the esteemed German automaker, is embarking on an innovative endeavor to enhance the excitement of car journeys. Through a recent patent filing, BMW aims to introduce a gaming feature that can transform their vehicles into immersive gaming environments, drawing inspiration from Tesla's pioneering advancements.

The Future of In-Car Gaming with BMW's Compact Console for Rear-Seat Entertainment

According to the story by Gizmo China, teaming up with AirConsole, BMW envisions revolutionizing the in-car entertainment experience and pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. Let's explore the objective details of this ambitious initiative.

BMW's newly filed patent offers both single and multiplayer gaming within their vehicles. As the automotive industry embraces the trend of "smart cars," BMW is eager to integrate cutting-edge features into its lineup, as also noted in an article by Game Rant.

Their prior introduction of a "cinema room" feature in the BMW i7 series showcased their commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, as earlier reported in an article by Tech Crunch. Now, BMW is aiming to transform car interiors into fully-fledged gaming hubs.

The patent application suggests the inclusion of a compact in-car gaming console primarily designed for rear-seat passengers. This console aims to keep the driver's focus on the road while providing an immersive gaming experience for one to three players.

Balancing Driver Focus and Passenger Entertainment in BMW's Gaming System

Through a collaboration with AirConsole, passengers can utilize the iDrive screens as gaming monitors. Smartphones will serve as game controllers, adding a creative touch to the virtual console. A cloud-based system will power the platform, offering a library of approximately 200 games, predominantly featuring fast-paced mini-games reminiscent of the popular Jackbox series.

The game selection will include entertaining experiences like car racing, mystery box finding, and small-scale fighting games. Connection to the system will require scanning an in-car QR code using a dedicated app accessible exclusively to BMW owners.

While many users have expressed excitement about the potential of this feature to keep passengers, particularly children, entertained during long journeys, some have raised concerns about possible distractions for the driver, which could potentially lead to accidents.

At present, the gaming feature remains in the patenting stage. BMW plans to introduce it to the market by the end of 2023 as an optional feature rather than a standard inclusion.

BMW's Vision for Automotive Technology and Passenger Engagement

The first model to offer this gaming option will be BMW's electric vehicle, the i7. This move by BMW demonstrates its commitment to evolving the automotive industry by focusing on driving mechanics and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

In conclusion, BMW's upcoming gaming system represents an ambitious leap forward in in-car entertainment. By integrating gaming capabilities into their vehicles, BMW aims to provide passengers with an immersive and enjoyable experience while maintaining driver focus and safety.

However, it is essential to address concerns about potential distractions. The imminent arrival of this feature signifies BMW's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and catering to evolving customer demands.