This giant screen could turn your car into a cinema


BMW has showcased its upcoming entertainment system that integrates with Amazon’s Fire TV, and aspires to set the standard for the next generation of in-car entertainment in connected vehicles.

The German automaker unveiled a giant 31-inch 8K-resolution screen at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). He says the 32: 9 ultra-wide screen is “like a movie theater.”

BMW promises that the association with Amazon will provide it with a range of content for streaming videos, music and downloaded programs. The company is also developing a streaming service for consumers in China.

The first integration of Amazon Fire TV in a vehicle in 4K

Frank Weber, member of the board of directors of BMW AG Development, indicates that the BMW Theater Screen was built with 5G connectivity. BMW’s new iX electric vehicle will be the first premium vehicle equipped with 5G.

“In theater mode, the rear of the cabin transforms into a private cinema room. With the 31-inch screen, 5G connectivity, 8K resolution, surround sound and individual streaming, it’s creating an unprecedented experience that sets new standards in in-car entertainment, ”he says.

BMW says this is the first in-vehicle Amazon Fire TV integration to support 4K content, and it offers the highest resolution and largest screen of any in-car Fire TV experience.

Amazon also announced the integration with BMW at CES, signaling the company’s push into the automotive industry in 2022. The company adds that it has sold more than 150 million Fire TV devices globally.

Amazon also announced Fire TV partnerships with Stellantis and Ford. Stellantis is bringing Fire TV-based entertainment to its Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, and will bring it to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica. Ford will integrate Fire TV into the 2022 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Navigator models.

Amazon notes that U.S. consumers will have access to over a million episodes of TV shows, including content from Prime Video. Users can download Prime Video content before traveling, for cases where cell phone or Wi-Fi is not available. Users will also be able to start a broadcast at home and resume it in the car.

Fire TV uses Amazon’s Alexa assistant of course, so passengers or drivers can use voice commands to select content and request things like “pay for gas.” Fire TV also offers touchscreen navigation.

And there should be no more brawling over what to watch if you have a vehicle with two rear screens: Fire TV can stream different content to each screen. Amazon also allows car manufacturers to integrate their own services, offering them an alternative to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Source: ZDNet.com





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