VR games while driving could soon be part of everyday life. Source: Audi
With a technique called Holoride
Audi wants to bring virtual reality into cars as early as this summer. This gives you a virtual reality headset that is directly connected to the car and can thus access vehicle data.
The colleagues from computer base report that the new VR-based entertainment system incorporates data such as acceleration, direction changes and even the map data of your surroundings into a potential gaming experience. You notice and see in the virtual world when the car accelerates or the driver makes a right turn.
For example, your character will turn right when the car turns in that direction. The game world is based on an abstract version of the real world. For this purpose, Holoride uses the map data of the area through which you are currently driving. This is how the technology could be networked:
Audi describes the technology as virtual reality entertainment. Source: Audi
At least that is the case with the first known game. With the new technology, game developers have the opportunity to use this data creatively in upcoming games. This makes completely new approaches and game ideas possible.
In addition to games, you can also use the VR glasses to watch films or series. These should also include the movement of the car. Small particles on the edge of the screen that move in the appropriate direction show you where the driver is steering.
This has the advantage that you don’t get sick so easily while driving, because what’s happening under the glasses and the actual movements match.
My first time
You don’t care about VR until you try it
When is Holoride coming and for which models?
The new VR experience should be available in selected Audi models from June. These must have the third-generation infotainment system, MIB 3. Holoride cannot be activated later via update, which is why only the models that will be produced from June have the technology:
- A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, E-tron, E-tron, GT quattro
The VR extension will first be offered in Europey, England and the USA. This is followed by the entire European market, Canada, Japan and China. This is an additional package that is not supplied by the company. Audi has not yet commented on the price.
Vive Flow is the beginning
Which VR glasses are compatible with the system is not yet known. However, Computerbase has found out that the Vive Flow will be compatible with the Audi models. Audi is probably still testing the compatibility of various VR headsets. We will probably get an official list of compatible devices before the release.
If you prefer to play in the car without virtual reality, a Tesla could be interesting. CEO Elon Musk wants to bring the entire Steam library into the electric car.
Do you already have experience with VR games or even playing in the car? Does technology have a future or is it just a gimmick that will quickly disappear? Please let us know!
