BMW Teams Up With AirConsole To Bring Gaming To Their Cars

Using over-the-air technology, AirConsole, a video game console made by developers N-Dream, has teamed up with BMW to bring games to their vehicles.

Everyone knew that once bigger and faster screens arrived in cars, we would soon be able to play games or watch movies on them. Tesla had already cornered the market with this thanks to their exceptionally talented engineers, as you were able to play racing games using the Tesla steering wheel. But now BMW wants to get into the car gaming space and they have done so by teaming up with AirConsole.

AirConsole is a cloud-based video game console developed by N-Dream. It uses over-the-air technology to allow you to connect your Smartphone and use it as a controller. The games run directly on the vehicle's entertainment system, meaning you do not need to purchase a separate console to play. 

The games will be displayed on BMWs large displays which are being placed in their newer vehicles. There will be a large and diverse range of games, including both single-player and multiplayer. We're unsure at this stage if you will be able to play online with other BMW drivers who are nearby, or locally with your passengers.

Setting up the AirConsole is actually a seamless process. All you need is a modern Smartphone and your vehicle that is able to load the AirConsole, which will more than likely be BMWs built after 2022 (or potentially an over-the-air update for older BMWs).

The connection is established by scanning a QR code on your Smartphone that will be displayed on the BMWs screen. Once that is done you simply choose the game and begin playing.

BMW says in 2023 AirConsole will be available to use for its newer vehicles. We're not sure if the technology will be applicable to older vehicles at this time.

Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream, the company behind the AirConsole has said:

"We are extremely proud to spearhead gaming inside vehicles with BMW and are excited to create new games for in-car entertainment. Our ingenious architecture coupled with the ease of access of our platform will change the way people get entertained in their vehicles."