Latest news with #AirConsole
Hypebeast
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hypebeast
Atari Brings Classic Arcade Games to Volkswagen Cars
Summary Volkswagendrivers can now play classicAtarigames,Asteroids: RechargedandBreakout: Recharged, directly from their infotainment screens, thanks to a new partnership between Atari and in-car gaming platformAirConsole. The feature is rolling out to select Volkswagen models starting today, marking Atari's first step into the in-vehicle entertainment space. Designed for 1–2 players, both games bring modern twists to the iconic Rechargedincludes 50 levels and power-ups like rail guns, whileAsteroids: Rechargeddelivers fast-paced action and upgraded weaponry, perfect for short, engaging sessions while parked or charging. Passengers can join the fun using their smartphones as controllers, simply by scanning a QR code on the car's display. The integration is part of a broader push by AirConsole to transform idle moments into opportunities for play. With successful collaborations already under its belt — including titles fromSony Pictures,MattelandBandai Namco— AirConsole continues to solidify its position as the go-to platform for in-car gaming. 'AirConsole's partnership with Atari is a milestone in making the car a space for social connection and interactive entertainment,' said Anthony Cliquot, CEO of AirConsole. More titles, likeMissile Command: Recharged, are expected to join the growing library soon.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AirConsole and Audi Drive a New Era of In-Car Gaming
In-car Gaming, featuring Pictionary™ Car Party, hits the road as Audi enables passengers to play safely while in motion Zurich, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AirConsole and Audi mark a new milestone in in-car entertainment with the official launch of AirConsole's interactive gaming platform in selected Audi vehicles - bringing fun, social games that everyone in the car can play together using their smartphones. Starting today, Audi owners can access a rich selection of games, including Mattel's Pictionary™ Car Party, directly through their in-car infotainment playing AirConsole while vehicle is in motion — front-seat display experience. In models equipped with a passenger display, Audi's Active Privacy Mode—a unique digital curtain that blocks the screen from the driver to prevent distraction—allows the front passenger to enjoy gaming while the vehicle is in motion. Previously limited to parked scenarios, in-car gaming is now a seamless part of the Audi experience, keeping non-driving passengers entertained throughout the ride. 'This is a game-changer for in-car entertainment. With Audi, we're redefining what's possible inside a vehicle—bringing gaming into motion and making every journey more social and fun,' says Anthony Cliquot, CEO at N-Dream, the makers of AirConsole. 'By enabling gameplay on the passenger screen in a way that prioritizes safety—by not distracting the driver—we're taking a bold yet responsible step toward a future where cars are not just modes of transport, but platforms for shared digital experiences.' The feature is now available in the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron model series equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, in all markets where Audi operates. This rollout reinforces Audi's commitment to cutting-edge digital innovation that enhances modern Car Party on AirConsole — Mattel's classic party game becomes an exclusive launch experience for Audi owners. Pictionary™ Celebrates 40 Years—Now Behind the Wheel Audi and AirConsole, in collaboration with Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, introduces Pictionary™ Car Party, an exclusive in-car edition of Mattel's original quickdraw game. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Pictionary™️ has been reimagined for in-car play. Up to four players can connect via personal devices, making every trip more social and engaging. This new format marks the next chapter in Pictionary™'s legacy, bringing its creativity and excitement to a fun travel experience. Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel, said: 'We're thrilled to continue our partnership with AirConsole and work with the team at Audi to bring Pictionary™ Car Party! to Audi's infotainment systems. This collaboration is a game-changer, letting non-driving passengers join in on fun, interactive play using their smartphones. Most importantly, the front passenger can safely control the game without distracting the driver, ensuring that entertainment and safety go hand-in-hand. This is the future of social gaming on the move, making every journey more enjoyable.' 13 More Games, Tailored for the Car Beyond Pictionary™ Car Party, the AirConsole catalog features additional games across multiple genres, including racing, sports, trivia, and party games. Highlights include Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from Sony Pictures Television, Overcooked from Team17, and UNO® Car Party! from Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT). With frequent updates and new content, Audi passengers can look forward to an ever-expanding selection of interactive now available in Audi — play instantly using your smartphone as a game controller. Seamless Gameplay with Audi and AirConsole — Powered by Smartphones as Controllers AirConsole is now available through the Audi Application Store, which features apps specifically designed for in-vehicle use. Getting started is simple: users first download the AirConsole app directly through the infotainment system. After that, AirConsole makes it easy for passengers to jump into the action by using their smartphones as game controllers. A quick scan of a QR code on the vehicle's screen instantly connects players, transforming every ride into an immersive gaming experience. Whether it's a long road trip or a quick city drive, Audi now offers a new way to stay connected, entertained, and engaged on the go. Buckle up—the game is just getting started. Media images can be found here. About AirConsole Drive together, play together. AirConsole is the world's first gaming platform specifically designed for cars. With AirConsole's immersive features, it transforms your car into a fully featured gaming station including the infotainment, sound and light systems. AirConsole's rich portfolio of games is tailored to casual players of any age. By allowing any passenger in the car to join a game using their phone as the game controller, AirConsole is a true social experience. For more information please visit and follow via LinkedIn | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube. CONTACT: For further information please contact the AirConsole: Bilal Mahmood via or +44 771 400 7257 and Amanda Lotzer on amanda@ or +41-438-833-284Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Now passengers can play Pictionary on your Audi's dashboard screen - but is it a distraction drivers don't need?
Gaming in cars has become something of a trend of late. With the arrival of electric cars that [arguably] feel fairly samey to drive - delivering instant torque, no sound, and a relatively soulless experience compared to a combustion engine equivalent - manufacturers are under pressure to make their vehicles more appealing in less conventional ways. And that includes turning them into games consoles on wheels. Various manufacturers already have gaming capabilities built into their latest in-car infotainment systems. However, all of these are restricted to the vehicle being stationary as to not distract the driver – or run the risk of them playing along while behind the wheel. But that's now changed. Audi has become the first auto brand to provide gaming facilities that can be activated while the car is in motion, although it says the driver can't see them. The deal with American toy-making giant Mattel now means you can play Pictionary and Who Wants to be a Millionaire in your A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron or Q6 e-tron while on a motorway schlep or school run. Its arrival has essentially sounded the death knell for I-spy. But is the inception of gaming on the move simply a cracking way to keep the kids entertained on long journeys, or could it be yet another huge distraction for drivers whose attention is already been drawn away from the road by an abundance of technology in their cars? Audi's gaming platform is provided by developer AirConsole. It allows up to four occupants with smartphones to connect to the in-car screens using a QR code. They can then compete in a number of quickdraw games. There are 15 to choose from in total from launch, including that all-time favourite, Uno! And more are available with AirConsole's extensive back catalogue consisting of hundreds of options, ranging from puzzles and quizzes to racing and sports. However, to access the full suite, customers will likely need to pay a monthly subscription. In the US, this is $4.99, so it's likely to be a fiver here. All games are 'cloud-based', meaning they don't need to be downloaded, and they can be played on pretty much every device and platform available, from computer-based browsers to smart TVs. Its recent switch to the automotive space has been a successful one, having already signed deals with Audi's rival BMW and parent manufacturer Volkswagen. Currently, the service is only available in cars with Android-based infotainment systems running as their operating system – which could rule it out for brands incorporating Apple's new Car Play Ultra dashboard system. The latter takes over the entire digital space in the cabin, including the temperature controls and the driver's instrument cluster, with Apple's new system debuted by Aston Martin this month. Is it another dangerous distraction for drivers? The AirConsole interface is downloaded from the Audi Application Store. Passengers can then take part in group games during journeys. The game sequence is shown only on screens that are located in the direct field of vision of the front and rear passengers - and will strictly not be visible to the driver. How does it claim to guarantee this? Once the gaming system has been selected, the car's infotainment brain automatically selects Audi's 'Active Privacy' mode. This acts like a digital curtain, preventing the driver from taking part. AirConsole boss Anthony Cliquot explained: 'By enabling gameplay on the passenger screen in a way that prioritises safety - by not distracting the driver - we're taking a bold yet responsible step toward a future where cars are not just modes of transport, but platforms for shared digital experiences.' However, with up to four people shouting out answers, potentially reading out the questions, and almost certainly squabbling about one or another cheating, it would be naïve to suggest there isn't an additional distraction risk of technology of this kind. A recent study by the RAC revealed that almost two thirds of motorists admit they've made mistakes while driving because they've been distracted behind the wheel. With drivers already tempted to take their eyes off the road by ever-increasingly capable smartphones - at the risk of being issued a £200 fine and six penalty points if caught doing so - and many diverting their attention to larger, more convoluted touchscreens, technology is already having a concerning impact on behaviour at the wheel. But despite the emergence of tech, the biggest distraction is still a human one. The motoring organisation's poll of 2,691 UK drivers earlier this month found that conversing and interacting with passengers remains the biggest trigger for dangerous distraction - named by 43 per cent of the panel as the reason for why they've almost had a shunt. More broadly, 63 per cent of the panel admitted making mistakes due to having their attention diverted away from the task of driving for one reason or another. Surely, the inception of gaming only exacerbates the risk. With all occupants' eyes on the screen so close to the driver's periphery, and the rousing competitive conversation in such proximity to an individual trying to concentrate on the road, this technology - despite its claims of failsafe measures - adds to an existing abundance of distractions luring motorists from the job in hand. Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart says any technology that promotes game playing when a vehicle is in motion 'carries a level of risk' Having seen the details of the new AirConsole system, road safety charity IAM RoadSmart and its director of policy and standards, Nicholas Lyes, told This is Money: 'Technology that promotes game playing while the vehicle is in motion carries a level of risk. 'The driver should be focused on the driving task, rather than on the game being played by passengers. 'Momentarily being distracted by a brainteaser or passengers shouting answers out loud while trying to navigate a tricky junction can reduce awareness of what is going on around the vehicle, potentially increasing the risk of a collision. 'Like everything, it's important the driver mitigates against these risks.' We reached out to AirConsole to better understand how it is limiting driver distraction. Cliquot told us: 'When the vehicle is in motion, the experience is intentionally designed for the front passenger only. 'The game library is curated to include single-player titles that minimize distraction, and we deliberately exclude party games or any content that could draw attention away from the road. 'We also recognise that passenger entertainment, whether from tablets, phones, or built-in screens, can be a potential source of distraction for the driver. 'However, by integrating gaming directly into the car's system, we can design for safety from the ground up: limiting interaction to appropriate contexts, adapting content, and ensuring drivers aren't encouraged or able to participate while the vehicle is in motion.' Audi also provided a - very brief - statement on the potentially distracting nature of the system. A spokesperson said: 'Technical solutions have been put in place to allow passengers to enjoy games safely.'
TimesLIVE
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Audi banishes boring road trips with in-car gaming
Audi is taking vehicular entertainment to the next level with the launch of its new AirConsole gaming platform. Through it, passengers can connect their smartphones to the vehicle's MMI infotainment system and use them as controllers to challenge each other to games including Pictionary, UNO and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? AirConsole is available in selected vehicles via the Audi Application Store. It applies to the Audi A5, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron model series, which have Android-based infotainment systems as their operating systems.
Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Tesla is Going to be Jealous of Audi's New In-Dash Gaming
A core memory that I have from my childhood was that nearly every summer, my family would load up our cars and hit the road on hours-long road trips to vacation destinations within and around the northeast. However, this was the early and mid-2000s; the iPhone was years away, and the best built-in in-car entertainment technology at the time was the flip-out DVD players that came on the top-of-the-line versions of minivans like the Chrysler Town and Country and three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot. Of course, we had none of that. On those trips, I hoped to heaven that my iPod would have enough juice to drown out my mom and my sister shouting directions from a Mapquest printout. However, it's the 21st century, and new digital solutions are keeping passengers from saying 'Are we there yet?' These days, big 'ol screens are in our faces 24/7, and they even dominate the dashboards of our cars. However, Audi is taking advantage of that fact and using it to transform the typical, boring car ride into a shared digital experience with the launch of AirConsole, a gaming platform available in select Audis. As the name suggests, AirConsole is a virtual video game platform that enables occupants to play games directly on the vehicle's infotainment screen by using their smartphones as controllers. This feature is now offered through the Audi Application Store in Audis equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, including the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron. Once inside the car, players can connect their phones by scanning a QR code on the infotainment screen, which will instantly turn their devices into wireless controllers. Passengers can then enjoy solo or multiplayer sessions on the central display, or, in models equipped with a passenger screen, even keep the games going while the vehicle is in motion. Thanks to Audi's dynamic privacy mode, gameplay stays out of the driver's view to avoid distraction. The available game catalog is expansive, with new additions arriving regularly. These include puzzle, trivia, and even fast-paced party games, like UNO Car Party!, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and Pictionary Car Party, which will be available exclusively to Audi drivers through the end of 2025. Audi's adoption of AirConsole reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where automakers find new ways to make cars into personalized digital 'homes away from home.' Although Audi is new to the AirConsole platform, other luxury brands have already adopted it. BMW was the first automaker to integrate AirConsole into its lineup, introducing the feature in its 7 Series and later expanding it to other models, including cars in its MINI brand. However, Tesla pioneered in-car gaming in 2019 with Tesla Arcade. Unlike AirConsole, which features less graphic-heavy, multiplayer-friendly games, Tesla Arcade has more graphic-heavy games and supports external Bluetooth controllers such as those for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Tesla's game catalog includes recognizable titles like Cuphead, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Beach Buggy Racing 2, which even allows players to steer using the actual steering wheel when the car is parked. In the release about this feature, Audi says that AirConsole is another addition to the Audi Application Store, which already has other interactive apps like Spotify, YouTube, and the sports streaming platform DAZN. Personally, I think this sort of integration is kind of cool, though I probably won't be able to fully use it unless I am driving actual children in the car on an extended road trip, or if someone else is driving. Today's kids have it made, but I do think there's a hidden benefit with this sort of integration. The games available on AirConsole include Uno and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, which require thinking and, most importantly, encourage active communication while playing. Say what you will about kids and their phones, but I'd rather be in a car full of energy and interaction than one where each occupant is silent and in their own world. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
