New Delhi: Sony and Honda are leading the in-car entertainment in a new way. Their joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility, has revealed that its next electric vehicle, AFEELA, will have PlayStation Remote Play. This will enable the users to stream games on their PS5 or PS4 consoles on the infotainment screen of the car.
The relocation makes AFEELA the first car in the world to officially be compatible with PlayStation Remote Play. It is a wider change in the perceptions of carmakers towards vehicle cabins. The cabin is no longer merely a driving zone but an individual and a digital space where people can enjoy entertainment and communication.
PlayStation gaming, parked and charging only
Sony Honda Mobility has made it distinct that driving is not intended to be done in a game. PlayStation Remote Play will be available in case the vehicle is parked or charged. This is to make the waiting time more interactive, particularly in the process of charging over a long time or charging during stops.
The car has an inbuilt display that enables users to control games that are being played on their home PlayStation console. A big screen and the high-quality sound system transform the cabin into a small gaming lounge.
How PS remote play works in AFEELA
Players will require a PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 at home to take advantage of the feature. Internet connection must also be stable. Sony Honda Mobility suggests 15 Mbps as the recommended speed of the game, and the lowest one is 5 Mbps.
Like any streaming service, it will be dependent on the quality of the network. Weaker coverage areas might be characterised by lag or drops.
A new vision for in-car experience
The integration, according to the President and COO of Sony Honda Mobility, Izumi Kawanishi, fits the bigger picture of AFEELA. It is aimed at turning the travelling space into something that is immersive and emotionally powerful, rather than being functional.
With its experience with gaming and entertainment associated with Sony and Honda car-driving, AFEELA is already positioned as a technology-orientated electric car.
Although the markets and timelines of the launch remain uncertain, the message is simple. Another screen of daily digital life is becoming cars. By integrating AFEELA, Sony and Honda hope that the interactive experiences will be appreciated by the upcoming purchasers as much as driving range or performance power.