BMW plans to bring video games to its curved display screen next year to keep drivers occupied while parked or waiting for an electric vehicle to charge.
The games — from a partnership with AirConsole — use smartphones as controllers but won't otherwise require additional hardware. Single-player and multiplayer games will be available to download using the car's over-the-air update connection. Phones can be connected via QR code displayed on the car's screen at the start of a game.
AirConsole already works on non-BMW screens, including PCs and smart TVs that use Android, Google or Amazon Fire software. There are 180 games in the AirConsole library, but only some work on all screens. BMW did not say how many games will be available in its cars at launch. AirConsole offers a limited access Starter Pack for free and charges between $2 and $8 a month for access to more games.
Send us a letter
Have an opinion about this story? Click here to submit a Letter to the Editor, and we may publish it in print.
