Tech-Enabled Automated Cars Become Mobile Entertainment Hubs
Published 08 June 2023
2 min read
As the rise of autonomous cars transforms the way we drive (or not), automakers are revamping car interiors as entertainment hubs. Cue a plethora of fun-fuelled tech innovations, such as China’s in-car karaoke craze, and gaming, streaming and shopping features.
- The Automated Entertainment Revolution: Experts predict that autonomous cars will act as entertainment pods, allowing users to immerse themselves in films, TV, games and virtual reality.
Luxury automotive companies are already presenting their vision for these future mobile entertainment hubs. Cadillac (US) has unveiled its InnerSpace concept, which has a display that occupies the entire windscreen and no steering wheel or pedals. Similarly, Audi’s Grandsphere includes a windscreen that shows travel information, entertainment and shopping suggestions.
Other carmakers are opting for collaboration. Japanese multinationals Honda and Sony have combined their expertise for new car brand Afeela. Its first prototype features interfaces and screens for movies, games and infotainment, conceived by American software developer Epic Games. Elsewhere, BMW partnered with Swiss gaming platform AirConsole to bring casual gaming (such as racing, sports quizzes and strategy games) into its vehicles, while Hyundai uses tech from American chip manufacturer Nvidia to enable game streaming in cars.
- China’s Car-aoke Craze: In-car karaoke is becoming popular in China, and the presence of these features in Chinese-made models has prompted young consumers to turn towards local automotive brands offering karaoke apps, lyric displays and microphones.
Chinese automaker Yudo recently released the Yudo Yuntu, which has in-car karaoke, a game console and a 3D digital assistant with an avatar resembling a robot rabbit. Meanwhile, car brand BYD’s (also China) 2022 model Yuan Plus lets passengers sing karaoke over its audio system.
See CES 2023: Automotive and Auto Shanghai 2023 for more.