Škoda Auto is expanding the in-car experience for its electric vehicle (EV) owners with a significant infotainment update. The Czech automaker has integrated the AirConsole gaming platform, the Škoda Play video service, and native Spotify support into its all-electric Enyaq and Elroq models. The rollout, announced on , aims to transform downtime – such as charging stops – into engaging entertainment opportunities.
Gaming on the Go with AirConsole
The centerpiece of the update is the addition of AirConsole, a platform that allows drivers and passengers to play games using their smartphones as controllers. This functionality is available on the Škoda Enyaq with Software Version 4.0 and higher (produced from October 2023, Model Year 2024) and the Škoda Elroq. The system utilizes a QR code scanning process to connect smartphones, eliminating the need for additional hardware. AirConsole currently offers a catalog of 15 games, including a Škoda-exclusive version of Tetris®, which will be available for six months before wider release.
The integration of Tetris is particularly noteworthy. Designed specifically for the in-car environment, the game offers both solo and multiplayer modes, allowing occupants to compete without relying on touchscreen controls. Other games available through AirConsole span various genres, including party, trivia, arcade, sports, and puzzle games, such as Uno Car Party and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The platform supports up to five players, depending on the game and vehicle configuration.
According to Anthony Cliquot, Chief Executive of N-Dream, the developer of AirConsole, the partnership with Škoda is a “natural fit.” He stated that Škoda’s understanding of how digital experiences can enhance the in-car experience aligns with AirConsole’s goals.
Beyond Gaming: Škoda Play and Spotify Integration
Alongside AirConsole, Škoda is introducing Škoda Play, a video service offering personalized news and learning content from a range of authorized partners. This service aims to provide passengers with access to informative and engaging video content during travel. The update also includes native Spotify integration, allowing users to stream music and podcasts directly through the infotainment system without needing to connect a smartphone.
Enhanced Safety and Route Planning
The infotainment update isn’t solely focused on entertainment. Škoda has also enhanced safety features through the Traffication application. A new Emergency Vehicle Approaching alert now provides drivers with real-time notifications when emergency vehicles are nearby. The MyŠkoda application now incorporates AI-supported EV route planning, optimizing routes for electric vehicle efficiency and charging stops.
Media Streaming Package and Future Updates
All three infotainment features – AirConsole, Škoda Play, and Spotify integration – are bundled within the Media Streaming Package. This package is offered free of charge for the first three years with new vehicle purchases. Petr Kabelka, Connectivity and New Businesses Lead at Škoda Auto, emphasized that the AirConsole integration represents a “new chapter in in-car entertainment” for Škoda customers, allowing them to explore new digital experiences directly within their vehicles.
The move by Škoda reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry towards transforming vehicles into more connected and entertaining spaces. As EVs spend more time charging, automakers are seeking ways to make that downtime more productive or enjoyable for occupants. The integration of gaming platforms like AirConsole, alongside streaming services and enhanced safety features, positions Škoda to offer a compelling in-car experience for its EV customers.
The addition of these features to the Enyaq and Elroq models demonstrates Škoda’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the overall driving and passenger experience. By providing a range of entertainment and safety options, Škoda aims to make its EVs more appealing to a wider audience and solidify its position in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
