CES 2024: BMW Unveils In-Car Gaming, Automated Valet Parking And More New Tech

BMW showcases several innovations planned for future production models at CES 2024. New digital infotainment features and advancements focusing on BMW's current voice assistant and remote parking systems are included.

Integrating game controllers with BMW's most recent operating system, 9.0, is one example of digital advancements. It is an expansion of BMW's game selection, supporting both single- and multi-player games through the AirConsole App.

According to BMW, a number of production models will get the new Bluetooth controller integration in 2024. In the meantime, customers can choose from a variety of games through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

Furthermore, BMW presents the most recent updates to its Video App, which enable digital content to be streamed on the central display through an improved TiVo App in models that run either the BMW 8.5 or 9.0 operating system.

The TiVo App has been optimized to enable live TV channel streaming and on-demand media libraries through the new DTS AutoStage video service, which was developed in collaboration with XPERI. BMW claims that after its initial release on the eighth-generation 5-Series, it will be extended to other new models in 2024, such as the second-generation X2 and new Mini models.

BMW's wearable augmented reality technology, which is streamed through new XReal Air2 glasses, is another innovation on display. Developed in collaboration with Meta Reality Labs and XREAL, it enables more thorough visualizations through the use of 3D glasses, such as navigation, hazards, entertainment content, charging stations, and parking assistance features.  

Compared to previous iterations of the XREAL Air, BMW claims that the new glasses offer a more reliable visual representation of the content. It is also stated that a more smooth connection to the vehicle's sensor data will enable more accurate visualization pinpointing.

An additional update to its voice assistant that works with Amazon's Alexa Large Language Model (LLM) is happening soon. The German automaker claims that this new artificial intelligence functionality will enhance BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant and enable it to process conversational commands and questions more quickly and smoothly. It is planned for release in future production models.

Although BMW says the current system, which operates with limited AI functionality, will be improved on models running BMW's 9.0 operating system in 2024, the company has not yet confirmed when its LLM-supported Voice Assistant will be made available. BMW's final development is its latest Level 4 autonomous driving technology. It was created in collaboration with Valeo and includes an automated valet parking function which allows the driver to leave the car at a predetermined drop-off location.

From this point forward, the car will search for an empty parking space and park itself. BMW claims the car can also return to the drop-off location autonomously when prompted by the driver using a smartphone.