Sony and Honda are revving up to revolutionize gaming on the go with their latest collaboration. Starting next year, PlayStation 5 enthusiasts will have the chance to dive into their favorite games while riding in Afeela 1 vehicles, thanks to the introduction of Remote Play support.
Introducing the PlayStation-Infused Afeela In-Vehicle Infotainment
The synergy between Sony and Honda has birthed Sony Honda Mobility, a joint enterprise dedicated to crafting electric vehicles. This partnership has unveiled the Afeela In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system, designed to bring PlayStation gaming right to your car seat. With this innovation, passengers in an Afeela 1 can indulge in their PS4 or PS5 games through Remote Play, provided their console is powered on at home to facilitate game streaming.
As with any web-based technology, certain limitations exist. To engage with this feature, owning a PS5 is mandatory. Sony recommends a “stable connection of at least 15Mbps… for a smooth Remote Play experience.” The reason behind Sony’s choice not to utilize existing cloud gaming technology remains a mystery.
A New Era of Mobile Entertainment
Izumi Kawanishi, president of Sony Honda Mobility, expressed the transformative potential of this integration: “The introduction of PS Remote Play embodies Afeela’s vision for mobility: transforming the traveling space into a captivating and emotional one. Through this integration, we are elevating the customer’s entire travel experience to an unprecedented level of entertainment.”
An image highlights the Afeela IVI system, showcasing a passenger using a DualSense controller on a compact screen in the luxurious rear of a Honda. Sony and Honda suggest this setup allows drivers to indulge in gaming while “waiting in your parked car,” possibly by moving to the back seat, or to keep “passengers entertained on a road trip.”
While this feature adds a new dimension to in-car entertainment, it may seem somewhat unnecessary, as Sony already offers full cloud streaming of games via its portable PlayStation Portal device, which is considerably more affordable than purchasing a new electric Honda. Nonetheless, it’s a novel way to ensure your backseat companions remain entertained.