Discovering the Sony Car: 7 Lessons Unveiled Through My Gran Turismo Adventure

Sony Honda Mobility recently allowed journalists to get a hands-on experience with its Afeela prototype, providing valuable insights into the car’s features and capabilities. Although test drives won’t be available anytime soon, there are several interesting aspects of the Afeela that have been uncovered.

One notable improvement in the latest prototype is the addition of a physical button to open the doors. Previously, the doors could be opened using the smartphone app or a camera system that recognized the user’s face. The new button, mounted underneath the window, provides an alternative method of opening the doors and worked seamlessly during the demonstration. However, Sony Honda is still contemplating how to authenticate users, leaving open the possibility of using a keyfob or a digital car key like UWB for identification purposes.

Another interesting feature of the Afeela is its extra-wide screen, which is designed to provide an immersive experience for passengers. However, Sony Honda plans to incorporate a privacy filter that prevents the driver from seeing the entire screen while in motion. This way, passengers can enjoy their content without distracting the driver. Although the specifications for mass production have not been finalized, the company aims to install a mechanism that ensures the driver’s safety by restricting their view of the screen.

It’s worth noting that the Afeela does not house an actual PS5 console. During the demonstration, the journalist had the opportunity to play Gran Turismo 7 on the car’s screen, with the game being streamed wirelessly from a nearby PS5. Sony Honda initially toyed with the idea of integrating a real PS5 console into the vehicle but has since decided to rely on remote play capabilities instead. It remains uncertain whether the Afeela’s steering wheels and pedals can be used to play games.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Afeela is its “conversational personal agent.” In collaboration with Microsoft, Sony Honda aims to develop an AI-driven assistant that prompts users with questions based on their needs and preferences. This interactive personal agent aims to create a two-way communication channel between users and the vehicle, enhancing the overall driving experience. While specific details are yet to be disclosed, the collaboration with Microsoft hints at a sophisticated AI system that can adapt and grow based on the user’s preferences.

During CES, Sony Honda refrained from allowing attendees to touch the car due to several components being mere mockups rather than functional parts. Digital side mirrors, rearview mirrors, turn signal stalks, sun visors, and glove compartments are among the elements that are still under development. Additionally, although the touchscreen interface allows users to scroll through maps and control certain features, many functions are not yet operational. However, Sony Honda has been transparent about the Afeela being a prototype, emphasizing that there is ample time to refine and perfect the vehicle over the next few years.

Interestingly, the Afeela doesn’t have to be a rolling advertisement for Sony alone. While the prototype features a digital billboard on its front bumper that showcases Sony properties, the company is open to collaborating with non-Sony entities as well. During the demo, journalists were able to display any text of their choice on the bumper screen by entering it into the smartphone app. This flexibility allows for potential partnerships and customization options for future Afeela models.

In conclusion, the Afeela prototype offers a glimpse into Sony Honda Mobility’s vision for the future of electric vehicles. Although test drives won’t be available for journalists anytime soon, the hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the car’s features. With improvements such as the addition of a physical door opening button and the integration of a privacy filter for the passenger screen, the Afeela promises to offer a unique and personalized driving experience. Furthermore, the collaboration with Microsoft to develop a conversational personal agent demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing the user experience through advanced AI technology. While there is still work to be done in terms of refining and finalizing several components, Sony Honda Mobility is well-positioned to make significant strides in the development of electric vehicles in the coming years.



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