LG Puts Xbox in Your Car (But Adds Zoom Calls Too)
▼ Summary
– LG announced a partnership with Xbox at the IAA Mobility show to integrate the Xbox app into Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis cars via its webOS-based Automotive Content Platform.
– Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access hundreds of games in compatible vehicles using a Bluetooth controller and internet connection.
– A native Zoom app will also be available, enabling video calls and transforming vehicles into mobile workspaces.
– Existing Hyundai Motor Group models already support entertainment apps like Netflix and YouTube, but these are intended for use only when the vehicle is parked.
– While cars are evolving into entertainment hubs, they are also increasingly facilitating workplace connectivity, which may not appeal to all users.
Imagine transforming your daily commute or a long road trip into a personal entertainment hub. LG is making that a reality by integrating the Xbox app directly into select Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles, allowing passengers to dive into a vast library of games while parked. This innovation is powered by LG’s webOS-based Automotive Content Platform, which already supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube.
To access these gaming features, users will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, a compatible Bluetooth controller, and a stable internet connection. This setup unlocks hundreds of AAA titles, turning the cabin into a portable gaming lounge during charging stops or waiting periods.
However, there’s a trade-off. Alongside gaming, LG has partnered with Zoom to bring video conferencing capabilities into the car. Brendan Ittelson, Zoom’s Chief Ecosystem Officer, emphasized how the native app can turn vehicles into “mobile collaboration spaces.” While this may appeal to professionals who want to stay productive on the go, it also means your boss could schedule a meeting just when you’d rather relax with a podcast or game.
The concept of cars as entertainment centers is gaining momentum. Mercedes-Benz, for example, recently showcased its new CLA model with a hyperscreen and Dolby Atmos sound system, enabling passengers to play Fortnite or watch movies when the vehicle is stationary. This trend highlights how automakers are increasingly viewing cars as extensions of our digital lives, blending leisure and work in one mobile environment.
For some, having Zoom in the car is a convenient bonus. For others, it might feel like an intrusion into personal time. Either way, the line between the office and the open road is becoming increasingly blurred.
(Source: TechRadar)
