Sony Unveiled a New Futuristic Car that You Can Drive using a PS5 Controller

Sony Unveiled a New Futuristic Car that You Can Drive using a PS5 Controller

Sony’s unveiling of the Afeela at CES 2024 marked a significant milestone in the electric vehicle industry. The Afeela, a collaboration with Honda, boasts cutting-edge technology and innovative features set to revolutionize how we travel. But what caught our attention was the use of a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to drive the car on stage – a bold move that signals a new era in automotive technology.

Sony the Afeela: A Closer Look

Here’s a closer look at the Sony Afeela:

• The Afeela is an electric vehicle developed by Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony and Honda.
• It was unveiled at CES 2023 and is expected to go into production in 2025.

Design:

• The Afeela has a sleek and futuristic design with a light bar across the front, a closed-off grille, and a high-gloss black roof.
• It features a spacious interior with a minimalist design and a focus on entertainment and technology.

Features:

The Afeela is equipped with a range of features, including:

• A large touchscreen display that spans the entire width of the dashboard
• A 360 Reality Audio system with speakers in each headrest and under the seats
• Support for PlayStation gaming with a wireless controller
• A “Media Bar” display on the front of the car that can show information or entertainment content
• Autonomous driving capabilities (Level 3) and advanced driver assistance systems

Technology:

• The Afeela is powered by a dual-motor setup with a 91-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
• It features a range of sensors, including cameras, radar, ultrasonic, and lidar, to support its autonomous driving capabilities.
• It uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis and is equipped with 5G connectivity.

Entertainment:

• The Afeela is designed to provide an immersive entertainment experience, with a focus on music, movies, and gaming.
• It features a range of entertainment options, including streaming services and games.

Production and Sales:

• The Afeela is expected to go into production in 2025, with deliveries starting in North America in 2026.
• It will be sold directly to customers online, with a subscription-based model for access to some features.

PS5 Controller: A New Way to Drive

Here are some details about using a PS5 controller to drive games on your PC:

• The PS5 DualSense controller is one of the console’s spiffiest features.
• It can be connected to a PC via a USB-C cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
• The controller uses the generic DirectInput driver in Windows, but some games may require Steam Input to work properly.
• Some games that support the DualSense controller’s features include Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Returnal, and The Last of Us Part 1.
• The controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback can be used in some games but may require a wired connection.
• The DualSense controller can also be used to play games streamed from a PS5 or PS4 console using the PS Remote Play app.
• Some features of the controller, such as the Create button, may not be available when paired with a PC.

What This Means for the Future of Transportation

Here are some details on what Sony’s Afeela and PS5 controller demo mean for the future of transportation:

• Software-defined vehicles: Sony is taking the lead on the in-car experience, offering over-the-air updates and a user interface that is comparable to those offered by EV startups.
• Autonomous driving: Sony Honda Mobility aims to achieve level 2+ or level 3 autonomy, which would put them ahead of Tesla’s current level 2 vehicles that require human drivers.
• 5G connectivity: The Afeela’s 5G connectivity is expected to improve the vehicle’s autonomous driving capabilities and provide low latency for remote driving.
• In-car entertainment: The Afeela’s integration with the PS5 offers a unique entertainment experience for passengers, which could change how we spend our time while commuting.
• Remote driving: Sony’s demo of remote driving via a PS5 controller, although not intended for public use, shows the potential for advanced remote driving capabilities in the future.
• Electric vehicles: The Afeela is an electric vehicle, which means it offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
• Advanced sensors: The Afeela is equipped with various sensors and cameras to assist the driver and provide autonomous driving capabilities, making it a competitor of other electric vehicles that focus on autonomy and advanced sensors.

The Sony Afeela and its integration with the PS5 controller demonstrate a significant shift in the future of transportation. With its focus on software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving, 5G connectivity, and in-car entertainment, Sony is poised to revolutionize the way we travel. The Afeela’s electric powertrain and advanced sensors further solidify its position as a competitor in the electric vehicle market.

The potential for remote driving capabilities and advanced autonomous driving features opens up new possibilities for transportation. The Afeela’s integration with the PS5 controller also highlights the potential for new interfaces and controls in vehicles.

Overall, the Sony Afeela represents a significant step forward in the development of electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and in-car entertainment. Its innovative features and technologies make it an exciting development in the future of transportation.

Key points:

• Software-defined vehicles
• Autonomous driving capabilities
• 5G connectivity
• In-car entertainment
• Remote driving potential
• Electric powertrain
• Advanced sensors
• New interfaces and controls

These advancements have the potential to transform the transportation industry and shape the future of how we travel.