Tesla and Other Cars That Let You Game Could Raise Safety Concerns

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Dan Smith

  • You will soon be able to play Steam video games on certain Tesla car models.
  • There is a growing movement to provide high-tech entertainment in the car.
  • However, federal regulators have raised safety concerns about in-car gaming while on the move.
Kemal Yildirim/Getty Images

Playing handheld video games in the back seat of a car is a long-running tradition on the road, but Tesla and other automakers are taking the experience to a new level.

Electric car makers have launched Steam integration within their Model S and Model X electric cars, allowing thousands of games to be played. The gaming system uses the enormous computing power within the Tesla model to power its capabilities.

“We are seeing a unique shift towards more immersive in-vehicle experiences, such as more electric vehicles on the road. Opportunities are increasing,” said ClearMotion, a company that builds automotive user experiences, in an email interview with Lifewire. “Additionally, we see the digital world merging more seamlessly with the car, always digitally connected.”

drive video entertainment

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long tried to turn cars into gaming consoles. The company announced in 2018 that it would add Atari games to its cars. It's been years since "Fallout Shelter" and other games have been available for Tesla models.

“Steam is here, bringing thousands of games to new Model S and X vehicles,” Tesla wrote. recently on twitter.

When the game feature launched, it was possible to play the game while the car was in motion. Made it possible to play only while the vehicle is stationary.

"When it comes to driving, safety is always the number one priority," Steinman said. “Today, video game and movie integrations are only meant to be utilized while parked or while the vehicle is charging. We all want a better vehicle experience, but when the time is right, We must use technology wisely.”

Tesla's enthusiastic adoption of Steam into its car lineup is part of a growing move to bring high-tech entertainment into cars. Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing for car carrier CFR Classic, told Lifewire in an email that he expects more car companies to expand their in-car entertainment offerings.

"It would be easy for other brands to incorporate game console technology into their vehicles," he added. "Most cars already have screens and various car brands can license the gaming technology, so what Tesla is doing isn't exactly revolutionary. But Tesla will pursue this venture directly." It will be the first brand.”

Metaverse in the car

Audi-backed startup holoride combines real-time vehicle information with virtual reality (VR) headsets to create an immersive entertainment experience. This system has recently been enabled on certain Audi models.

Hororide / HTC

The holoride gaming system allows you to play games on the go with your HTC VIVE Flow headset. The game synchronizes with the movement of the vehicle to create what Holoride calls "elastic entertainment."

Nils Wollny, CEO of holoride, said in the holoride news release: “We couldn’t be more excited that our riders can finally enjoy the thrill of the Motorverse for themselves.”

The entertainment doesn't stop even while parking. ClearMotion seeks to capitalize on trends that are changing the way we spend time in our cars as they move from petrol pumps to electric chargers. According to the company, it can take him 40 to 50 hours to charge some electric vehicles when they are empty. “We are spending more time in our cars than ever before and this in-car technology will give our passengers a better experience,” he said.

The company says it is creating an immersive 4D in-vehicle experience where drivers can watch movies or play video games while charging their cars.

“In addition to these features, we are adding motion to the vehicle to enhance the immersive experience,” said Steinmann. "I have seen Jurassic Park While your car is charging and experiencing cinematic and coordinated movement? Our technology makes it possible. Our technology allows you to experience all the movements and sounds inside your car. ”