Sony has revealed details about its smart car, AFEELA, marking the Japanese giant’s entry into the automotive industry. The innovative vehicle is expected to hit the markets by 2026, showcasing a fusion of cutting-edge technology and entertainment.
During the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas, Sony captivated the audience by presenting a new version of AFEELA. Isomi Kawanishi, Deputy Director for Smart Car Development at Sony, took the stage, holding a PlayStation 5 controller to maneuver the prototype car.
The experimental model incorporates 45 precise sensors distributed inside and outside the vehicle’s structure. Sony collaborated with Qualcomm and Honda in designing and manufacturing the car. AFEELA boasts an impressive performance, harnessing 536 horsepower from a dual-engine setup, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.8 seconds.
While specific details about pricing and battery specifications remain undisclosed, Sony is expected to unveil this information within the next two years before the official launch.
Sony emphasized the interior design of the car during the presentation, showcasing expansive screens integrated into the dashboard for both the driver and passengers. The company highlighted its commitment to providing a distinctive entertainment experience, leveraging its extensive expertise in content production.
The company pledged to deliver a gaming experience that rivals that of PlayStation 5, promising an immersive experience for users.
Sony introduced a new operating system for its upcoming car, designed to receive features and updates via Over the Air Updates. The system also allows multiple user preferences for driving modes, temperature adjustments, lighting, and seat and steering wheel positioning.
The partnership with Microsoft was showcased, with Jessica Hawk, CEO of Microsoft, announcing that AFEELA relies on Azure servers, Microsoft’s cloud service, to analyze data collected by its sensors. This integration aims to harness the capabilities and benefits of artificial intelligence available through cloud services to enhance the in-car user experience.
Experts anticipate that Sony’s entry into the automotive market with AFEELA will open up opportunities for content creators to offer diverse experiences to passengers, ranging from gaming to varied content. Developers may leverage data from the car’s sensors, creating games or interactive experiences based on real-time camera inputs or other vehicle parameters.
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