Las Vegas, Nevada – Journalists recently had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Afeela prototype car developed by Sony Honda Mobility. This unique experience allowed journalists to not only touch the prototype but also engage with a video game version of the car through the Gran Turismo game while inside the actual vehicle.
During a recent visit to PlayStation’s North American headquarters, journalists were able to explore the Afeela prototype and discover new features that were previously off-limits. However, despite the excitement surrounding the prototype, there are some limitations to what journalists can experience at this time.
One of the key takeaways from the experience is that test drives of the actual Sony Honda car are not yet available. While journalists were able to interact with the car in various ways, such as pressing buttons and pedals, the driving experience remains unavailable for now. The company plans to offer test drives in the future, but it may be several years before journalists can take the wheel of a working model.
Another interesting feature of the Afeela prototype is the addition of a physical button to open the car door. Previously, the door could be opened via a smartphone app or facial recognition, but the latest prototype includes a physical button for added convenience. Sony Honda is still exploring authentication methods to ensure security and ease of use for drivers.
Additionally, the Afeela’s interior design includes a wide screen that separates the driver’s view from the passenger’s screen. This privacy feature aims to minimize distractions for the driver while allowing passengers to enjoy their own entertainment without interference.
While the Afeela prototype boasts impressive features like wireless streaming from a PS5 console, there are still uncertainties surrounding its final design. Some components, like digital mirrors and touchscreen capabilities, are still in the development phase and not fully functional.
Despite its current state as a prototype, Sony Honda is looking to expand partnerships with non-Sony entities to offer a diverse range of options for users. The Afeela’s digital billboard can display a variety of content, including text chosen by the user via a smartphone app.
Overall, the Afeela prototype offers a glimpse into the future of automotive technology, with innovative features and partnerships that aim to transform the driving experience. As development continues, it will be interesting to see how Sony Honda evolves the Afeela into a fully functional and user-friendly vehicle.