BMW previews in-car 8k Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV

Amazon has partnered with BMW to preview the first Fire TV integration for the automobile market. At CES 2022, the company presented an Amazon Fire TV integrated into BMW’s new 31-inch panorama (32:9) 8k Theatre Screen.

With Alexa built-in, navigation and control is voice based, however the interface also has a touchscreen navigation option. Audio can be delivered via Bluetooth wireless or wired headphones, or in-car speakers. For this prototype, an integrated Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system delivers the surround experience.

This particular in-car entertainment experience, to be built into future luxury class models from BMW, begins with the activation of My Mode Theatre. When the BMW Theatre Screen moves into position, it’s accompanied by a sound experience created by film music composer Hans Zimmer. At the same time, the sunblinds for the side windows and the rear window are closed and the ambient lighting in the rear of the vehicle is dimmed, effectively transforming the space into a private cinema lounge, with surround sound and 5G connectivity.

The panoramic display has a zoom function, allowing content to be played 16:9, 21:9 or even in 32:9 format.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG Development, says the system “sets new standards for in-car entertainment."

The tilt of the display can be adjusted by touch operation using the control menu on the ICE system. The controls are also used to select the screen format while two individual passenger volume controls are arranged both on the right and left edges of the display. Alternatively, the passengers can control the entertainment system using the control panels integrated in door handles.

Vehicles with two rear screens can either watch individual content on each rear display, or mirror across both displays to watch together. Parents can select content from the front seat, or limit screen time for the rear screens.

Amazon says Fire TV will be available as an option in the Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Grand Cherokee; Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator.

Amazon is also setting its sights rather further afield, announcing a project with Lockheed Martin and Cisco that will send Alexa into space as a part of the Artemis I NASA mission, heading to the moon. Alexa will be part of Callisto, a technology-demonstration payload embedded into NASA’s Orion spacecraft. The idea is to explore how voice technology and AI can assist astronauts on future missions.