Audi Dashboard Screens Now Enable Pictionary Gameplay: a Potential Unwanted Driver Distraction?
In a bid to keep road safety a priority while providing entertainment for passengers, Audi and gaming platform AirConsole have collaborated to launch an in-car gaming system that ensures drivers remain undistracted. The innovative platform, available on the vehicle's infotainment system, is designed to prevent visual distractions for the driver, thanks to Audi's Active Privacy Mode.
The Active Privacy Mode, initially only available when the vehicle was parked, now enables passengers to enjoy gaming even when the car is in motion. By blocking the gaming screen from the driver's view, this mode ensures that the driver's focus remains solely on the road.
AirConsole's game library is curated to include single-player titles that minimize distraction, excluding party games or content that could draw attention away from the road. The platform is downloaded from the Audi Application Store, and up to four occupants with smartphones can connect to the in-car screens using a QR code.
The game sequence is shown only on screens that are located in the direct field of vision of the front and rear passengers. To further ensure safety, AirConsole deliberately designs the gaming experience for the front passenger only when the vehicle is in motion.
However, it's important to note that any activity that diverts a driver's attention from the road increases the risk of accidents. Distracted driving, which includes visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, is a well-documented cause of compromised safety on roads.
Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart warns that any technology that promotes game playing while a vehicle is in motion carries a level of risk. Momentarily being distracted by a brainteaser or passengers shouting answers out loud while trying to navigate a tricky junction can reduce awareness of what is going on around the vehicle, potentially increasing the risk of a collision.
Despite these concerns, Audi's spokesperson stated that technical solutions have been put in place to allow passengers to enjoy games safely. The car's infotainment system automatically selects 'Active Privacy' mode to prevent the driver from accessing the gaming platform.
AirConsole recognizes that passenger entertainment, whether from tablets, phones, or built-in screens, can be a potential source of distraction for the driver. That's why they design for safety from the ground up, limiting interaction to appropriate contexts, adapting content, and ensuring drivers aren't encouraged or able to participate while the vehicle is in motion.
The new AirConsole system offers 15 games at launch, with more options available from AirConsole's extensive back catalogue. A monthly subscription is likely required to access the full suite of games, which include quickdraw games like Uno! and Who wants to be a Millionaire?
A recent RAC poll found that 63% of the panel admitted making mistakes due to having their attention diverted away from the task of driving for one reason or another. Interaction with other passengers in the car was identified as the biggest trigger of dangerous distraction that almost results in a crash.
By implementing safety features and curating games to minimize distraction, AirConsole and Audi are setting a precedent for the automotive industry in ensuring that entertainment options do not compromise road safety. The emphasis is on keeping the driver’s attention fully on driving while passengers can still experience digital entertainment responsibly.
- Passengers can now enjoy a variety of games on Audi's in-car gaming system, thanks to the extended Active Privacy Mode, even while the car is in motion.
- AirConsole's game library focuses on single-player titles that minimize distraction, ensuring the gaming experience is designed with road safety in mind.
- To maintain focus on road safety, the new AirConsole system offers games that are easily accessible to passengers but not the driver, who is automatically prevented from accessing the gaming platform by the car's infotainment system.
