Tag Archives: Mini

BMW is bringing a dedicated UNO Gaming App to over 500,000 existing car infotainment systems

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With an announcement from BMW dropping shortly after the Concours d’Elegance event at Pebble Beach, you’d probably think we’ve got some interesting car news or some automotive updates, but you’d be wrong. Instead, BMW threw quite the curveball by announcing a dedicated version of the hit card game UNO, designed specifically for in-car gaming. Dubbed the “UNO Car Party!”, this collaboration between BMW, Mattel, and AirConsole rolled out at Gamescom 2024, where it was introduced as the next evolution of in-car entertainment. With over 500,000 BMW and MINI vehicles set to feature this, you can now settle all your family’s backseat rivalries with a virtual card match that no one saw coming.

Designers: BMW & Mattel

The setup is surprisingly slick for a car game. AirConsole’s tech lets up to four players use their phones as controllers—no shuffling required, just a quick QR code scan on the car’s display. Each player’s hand remains secret on their phone while the main screen shows the game’s progress, meaning you can still side-eye your opponents and snoop on their hand. Given how hands-on and intense UNO can be, the game is only playable when the vehicle is in park mode. That’s BMW’s subtle way of saying, “Hey, safety first.” But once the car’s stationary, it’s game on, transforming your car into a temporary game room that’s perfect for killing time while charging your EV or waiting for that friend who’s always late.

In terms of gameplay, it’s pretty much the UNO you know and love (or dread). Same rules, same chance to ruin friendships, but now with digital flair—automated scoring, snazzy graphics, and a setup that doesn’t involve losing cards under the seat. It’s straightforward, easy to get into, and definitely beats staring out the window. The concept is clever in its simplicity, merging retro card game vibes with modern tech. Plus, it’s a nice break from doomscrolling or listening to the same playlist on repeat.

This move from BMW is part of a bigger trend where cars are becoming more than just vehicles—they’re turning into mobile entertainment hubs. And while “UNO Car Party!” might not be a game-changer (pun intended), it’s a fun little feature that adds personality to your car. Sure, it’s no substitute for a full-fledged console, but it’s a step toward making your vehicle a bit more interesting when you’re not actually driving it. Whether it’s a quick match during a pit stop or a way to pass the time while you’re stuck waiting for someone, it’s clear that BMW is leaning into the idea that cars can be places for more than just commuting.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I wish I could play UNO in my car,” your oddly specific wish has just come true. Whether you’re ready to embrace it or just find it amusing, BMW’s latest innovation proves that even the most unexpected ideas can have a place in the future of driving—or at least parking.

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The Flaming Mini Light Is Designed To Capture & Portray The Poise & Elegance Of Its Namesake Bird

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If you’ve recently done up your home, or are simply looking to rejuvenate your current interior decor, then you may want to consider adding a few bespoke and uplifting lighting designs. A beautifully designed lighting fixture can completely uplift and elevate a living space! A well-designed lighting fixture should not only be able to efficiently illuminate any living space but also add that extra oomph factor! I mean, of course, we need them to see in the dark, but as highly functional as they should be, a lighting fixture also needs to be aesthetically pleasing, adding an attractive and visually soothing element to your home or office space. And, a lighting design that would make a fitting addition to your home is the Flamingo Mini lighting by Antoni Arola for Vibia.

Designer: Antoni Arola for Vibia

Designed by Barcelona-based designer Antoni Arola for Vibia, the Flamingo Mini light is a deconstructed pendant light that utilizes polycarbonate diffusers to cast an ethereal and customizable glow. It was designed by Arola to capture and portray the poise, elegance, and grace of the bird after which it is named.

The Flamingo Mini light is made using a cylindrical LED light, which artfully hangs on stainless steel rods, and emits light through subtle layers of translucent polycarbonate diffusers. “Flamingo Mini’s delicate, deconstructed silhouette expresses a sense of extreme lightness,” said Vibia. “By separating the light source from the diffusers, light is projected onto each shade rather than surrounding the source, resulting in an ethereal, weightless effect.”

The polycarbonate diffusers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they can be arranged to suit the proportions of the space they are placed in. The light source can be directed in an upward direction to create an ambient flow, or it can be pointed downwards to produce an intimate illumination – for example over a dining table. Flamingo Mini is a smaller version of the brand’s Flamingo product, and it is designed for smaller rooms with lower ceilings.

The post The Flaming Mini Light Is Designed To Capture & Portray The Poise & Elegance Of Its Namesake Bird first appeared on Yanko Design.