Sony’s new AFEELA Electric car from Honda can be driven with a PS5 controller.
In a year that already feels like a sci-fi novella, Sony and Honda bring us one step closer to the futuristic world we’ve imagined. In a jaw-dropping performance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, Sony revealed their latest offering: an electric vehicle controlled not by a wheel but by a PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller.
Attention-Grabbing Marketing Meets Eco-Friendly Technology
With tech enthusiasts already buzzing about the possible innovations after CES 2024, Sony and Honda’s joint venture made a significant statement by showcasing the AFEELA, a concept electric car. Sony Honda Mobility demonstrated their commitment to both groundbreaking technology and environmental sustainability by driving their AFEELA prototype onstage using a PlayStation 5 controller.
The AFEELA, a product of the collaboration between Sony and Honda, is designed to serve as both an electric vehicle and an entertainment platform. The car’s onboard entertainment system offers movies, music, and gaming, all built with highly advanced sensing technology and AI integration.
Sony’s new AFEELA car from Honda can be driven with a PS5 controller. pic.twitter.com/tkf6rqLvLd
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 9, 2024
The PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller: A New Avenue for Mobility
During the keynote address, Izumi Kawanishi, President and COO of Sony Honda Mobility, demonstrated the Playstation 5 DualSense controller’s capabilities as he effortlessly controlled the electric vehicle with it. Although Kawanishi clarified that the controller integration was only a tech demo, this dynamic presentation certainly speaks to the company’s mission to redefine mobility.
Having a gaming controller play a central role in the AFEELA’s launch not only captured the audience’s attention but served to emphasize the link between the real and virtual worlds that Sony Honda Mobility seeks to forge.
Establishing Sony as a Leader in Electric Vehicles
By leveraging their strong foothold in the gaming arena, Sony positions itself as a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry. Using a well-loved product – the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller – to connect with potential consumers underscores the company’s creativity and willingness to innovate.
Additionally, the Sony Honda Mobility program announced partnerships with both Epic Games and Microsoft, further cementing their position in the industry. Utilizing Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.3 for the dashboard’s 3D graphics and partnering with Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI showcases Sony’s innovative drive and commitment to excellence.
Shifting Gears: Final Thoughts
In a market that thrives on innovation, Sony’s promotional strategy at CES 2024 is both attention-grabbing and assertive. By using the Playstation 5 DualSense controller to control the AFEELA prototype, they’ve successfully combined the excitement of gaming with the potential of eco-friendly electric vehicles.
Only time will tell if Sony’s promotional tactics will have a lasting impact on the electric vehicle industry, but for now, it’s clear the impact is massive. As we await the chance to hit the gas pedal on our game consoles, Sony’s advancements in AI and mobility inspire excitement for a future where technology and sustainability merge seamlessly.
