Tata Sierra EV Gets AirConsole Gaming Platform With Official Kaun Banega Crorepati Game

KPIT, the Pune-based automotive software and services company, has announced more details of its partnership with Tata Motors to bring its AirConsole software to the Tata Sierra EV. The feature was announced at the Sierra EV launch, making it the first car in India to ship with this feature. AirConsole was developed by Swiss gaming platform maker N-Dream, which is now majority-owned by KPIT.

Previously seen in cars from Škoda, Volkswagen, Porsche and BMW, primarily in Europe, the Airconsole platform lets drivers and passengers play a variety of popular casual games natively on a car’s large infotainment screens, using their smartphones as controllers. Gaming is only possible when the car is stationary.

AirConsole will be available on the Sierra EV’s higher-end Adventure and Empowered variants, within the Tata Arcade infotainment system and app store. After a four-month exclusivity period, the feature is likely to be added to other Tata Motors models via a software update.

Users can simply scan a QR code on the car’s screen, allowing them to quickly pair their smartphone as a controller. The app integrates with the car’s multiple screens, audio system, and even ambient lighting, to create an immersive environment for multiple car occupants.

Around 15 puzzle and arcade-style games will be available at launch time, suitable for all ages and play styles. The headliner is an official Kaun Banega Crorepati quiz, modelled after the popular TV game show, in association with Sony Pictures Television. Players will use their phones as buzzers, trying to answer trivia questions quickly.

Speaking about the partnership, Anthony Cliquot, CEO, N-Dream, said “India is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the world… To see our gaming platform in the vehicle alongside other premium offerings, was a clear testament of how entertainment and passenger experiences are becoming paramount for consumer choice.”

“The Sierra has always been an icon, and with the Sierra.ev, we have elevated that legacy for an electric era. Bringing AirConsole’s in-car gaming experience to the Sierra.ev redefines what connected, immersive technology can add to the ownership experience. As the first vehicle in India to offer this capability, we are delighted to partner with AirConsole to deliver an entirely new dimension of entertainment and engagement for our customers”, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd said.