Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is expanding the infotainment system into a game console and is immediately adding the in-car app "AirConsole" to the app program for the currently offered versions of the ID. Buzz, Caddy, Multivan, California, and Crafter.
This allows single or multiplayer games to be played directly in the vehicle during charging breaks or other waiting times—using
your own smartphones as controllers. The commercial vehicle manufacturer is thus expanding the existing range of onboard games.
How does it work?
Instead of games installed directly in the infotainment system, controlled via touchscreen and multifunction steering wheel, AirConsole can be downloaded as an app via the in-car shop.
Subsequently, the games would then be available directly in
the vehicle. According to the information, players connect via an internet connection to the infotainment system, and control is done via smartphones.
Starting with 15 games
Depending on the game and available space, up to eight people could compete in game matches in the parked vehicle. Currently, 15 games are available that can be played for free (with
an active VW Connect Plus contract)—including "Pac-Man Championship Edition".
However, the plan is to gradually expand the game program together with cooperation partners N-Dream. According to the information, AirConsole will be available in the ID. Buzz (from ID. Software 4.0) as well as for the Caddy, Multivan, California, and Crafter from model year 2025 in many European countries.
