Gaming has evolved into many forms over the years to ensure that this entertainment medium is portable and suitable in almost any setting. AirConsole is a pioneer in in-car gaming, but it’s understandable for many drivers to be wary of its integration into vehicles and the driving culture.
How an AirConsole Works in the Car
AirConsole is a cloud-based gaming platform where smartphones are turned into controllers and users can play on just about any screen. Its popularity comes as no surprise, given that 205.1 million Americans play video games this year.
The idea is to use the car’s infotainment system as the platform and engage in casual gameplay. AirConsole already partnered with the BMW Group in 2022 to promote casual gaming in their vehicles with minimal setup.
The Appeal Behind In-Car Gaming
In-car gaming is a relatively new concept, especially if it’s more than just bringing out your smartphone for a quick mobile game. That said, benefits are driving the trend, like:
Curing Passenger Boredom
Long drives can have their moments, but they can also feel extremely tedious. AirConsole offers a simple way for people to discover entertainment and enhance their travel experience. The multiplayer games, especially, can bring up lots of laughs and feel-good moments for everyone in the whole car.
Boosting Entertainment Without Needing Batteries
Another perk of in-car gaming is the seamless setup involved. Simply connect your smartphone and vehicle by scanning the QR code to get started with AirConsole games. You can skip bringing a separate tablet or gaming console to minimize clutter.
Additionally, there’s less pressure to rely on those devices and their battery life. You can easily charge smartphones in the car nowadays.
Fixing Downtime with Pastime
Say you have an electric vehicle and you need to charge it. Level 2 chargers can charge battery-powered electric vehicles to 80% in at least four hours, while a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will take one to two hours. If you’re lucky enough to find direct current fast charging equipment, it should take only 20 minutes or so.
Playing games while waiting for the charging time is a much more engaging activity. Additionally, you can keep a closer eye on your vehicle until the battery is fully charged.
Concerns Surrounding In-Car Gaming
As enjoyable as in-car gaming can be, there are still risks associated with projecting and playing video games on the infotainment screen. Here are several to be wary of:
Distracts Drivers on the Road
It’s essential to maintain your utmost focus on the road to ensure a safe arrival at your destination. In-car gaming may serve as a visual distraction, and 62% of road accidents are due to distracted driving. Even if you’re not the one playing per se, newer and inattentive drivers may find their eyes dart over to the screen.
Makes You Less Aware of Your Surroundings
Using AirConsole is fantastic for killing time, but concentrating too much on its games can make you less aware of your surroundings. Even if you’re in a public charging station or parking lot, it’s essential to be vigilant of any suspicious activity. You never know if you’re going to fall victim to carjacking or vandalism.
Swaps Out Relevant Information
Normalizing in-car gaming on the infotainment system means trading off that screen for key driving data, such as navigation apps and weather updates. It also takes space away from vehicle status, rearview camera feeds and more.
Should You Use AirConsole Games in Cars?
AirConsole games are a fantastic feature for entertainment, but it’s vital to use them responsibly. For example, the system should only be used when the vehicle is safely parked. Ideally, passengers should be the only ones to play, as drivers are responsible for their safety. If drivers do want to play, stay aware of their surroundings, even when the car is stationary.
If you need entertainment, consider less visually distracting options. A study found that 70% of American drivers listen to the radio, though you can also play your own podcast or music on the car speakers.
Vigilance for Drivers, Entertainment for Passengers
Cars are slowly morphing more and more into entertainment hubs with the addition of AirConsole games. Weigh the benefits and risks before using such systems. While they’re an excellent option for passengers or standby drivers, these should definitely be closed while on the road for maximum focus and safety.