New BMW 5 Series and i5 can turn your phone into a controller and will offer 15 games at launch
The all-new 2024 BMW 5 Series and all-electric i5 will be offered with in-car gaming at its launch in Europe, thanks to a new AirConsole app.
Still to be confirmed for Australia, the AirConsole app comes with 15 different titles spanning racing, sports, quizzes, puzzle games, strategy and jump-and-play games – all designed to be fun, intuitive to control and easy to play.
Only able to be played when the vehicle is at a standstill, the new app uses the 5 Series’ 14.9-inch Curved Display and turns your smartphone into a controller when you connect it with the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system using a QR code displayed on the screen.
The app supports multiple players, including the maximum five occupants on-board. More games will also be added in time.
Other models set to be offered the AirConsole app include the i4, iX, 7 Series, i7, X5, X6 and the flagship XM.
To promote the launch of AirConsole, the German car-maker has created a one-off BMW i5 that features a purple wrap incorporating pixel images – a reference to the 8-bit era of gaming.
There’s no confirmation yet, but it’s thought AirConsole will be free for the first year, with monthly charges following thereafter.
Previously, EV pioneer Tesla landed itself in hot water over its in-car gaming after some owners were found to be playing games on the move.
Keyword: 2024 BMW 5 Series gets in-car gaming