BMW Rolling Cinema: Turn Your Car into a Movie Theater
BMW Elevates In-Car Entertainment with 31-inch 8K Theatre Screen
Following the introduction of lounge seating in its vehicles at CES 2020, BMW has now revealed its subsequent advancement in in-car entertainment: a 31-inch 8K smart TV. This system incorporates support for Amazon’s Fire TV service, with a tailored streaming option for Chinese markets also under development.
A Cinema Experience for Passengers
Designed for rear passengers, the new 32:9 “My Mode Theatre” screen, when paired with a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, aims to replicate a cinematic atmosphere during travel.
Leveraging a 5G connection, the vehicle will facilitate on-demand streaming of the latest content. BMW’s My Mode system will further enhance the experience by adjusting the ambiance for optimal binge-watching, such as during episodes of The Expanse.
Although currently limited 8K content exists and Fire TV does not yet natively support it, the system ensures the car is prepared for future high-resolution streaming capabilities.
Image Credits: BMWScreen Deployment and Control
To avoid obstructing the driver’s view when not in use, the screen extends from the headliner upon request. Touch-sensitive controls, integrated into the rear doors, manage the screen’s deployment.
“We develop immersive, digital experiences for sheer driving pleasure,” stated Frank Weber, a member of the BMW AG Development board, in the official announcement. “In Theatre Mode, the rear of the interior is transformed into a private cinema lounge. With the 31-inch display, 5G connectivity, 8K resolution, surround sound and individual streaming program, an unprecedented experience is created that sets new standards for in-car entertainment.”
My Mode Enhancements
BMW’s latest iDrive displays and operating system feature My Mode, which modifies driving and transmission settings to alter the vehicle’s behavior. It also adjusts the theme of the displays, ambient sounds, and interior lighting to align with individual preferences.
Image Credits: BMWPreviously offering “Efficient,” “Sport,” and “Personal” modes, BMW has expanded the selection at CES with the addition of “Expressive,” “Relax,” “Digital Art,” and “Theatre” modes. These new modes will become available in the latter half of the year, primarily focusing on theming rather than substantial changes to driving characteristics.
Collaborations in Art and Sound
For the “Digital Art” mode, BMW collaborated with Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fei, who created artwork intended to represent “the deep connection of humankind and nature.”
Image Credits: BMWFurthermore, BMW has partnered once again with film composer Hans Zimmer for sound design. BMW IconicSounds Electric will debut in the BMW i4 during the first half of 2022 and the BMW iX in the second half, delivered via an over-the-air software update.
Image Credits: BMW