ASIA-PACIFIC – JAPAN, OCTOBER 3, 2012 – Who knew that a simple act of recharging a smartphone could turn into a game? Toyota Motor Sales & Marketing Corporation launched a sports iPhone & Android app called “PLUG-IN Championship”, which uses recharging of the smartphone as the main game controller, to bring to life the "Fun to charge" concept of the new hybrid vehicle with rechargeable battery Prius PHV.
The mechanics of game requires the accuracy and timing of the “plug-in” action when smartphone users connect their device to the recharger and win scores for each play. When a smartphone is connected to the recharger, the app is activated and a video clip shows on the screen.
Features of “PLUG-IN Championship”:
– The world’s iPhone and Android app which uses the “plug-in” action as part of the game play.
– Movie clips will vary based on the score won, time and location of the plug-in.
– Accuracy of the timing of the plug-in is converted to a score and players will compete in the world championship. The app’s promise to convert “Need to Charge” to “Fun to Charge” is hinged on the same experience one gets while charging Prius PHV because the charging action in Prius PHV contributes to extend the cruising range of the electric-motor-only driving mode (EV mode). In addition to reducing CO2 emissions and gasoline consumption as well as contributing to air pollution control, extending the EV mode cruising range also offers the additional economic benefit of reduced total fuel costs, including the cost of gasoline and electricity.
With this app, Toyota wishes smartphone users to experience aspects of “Fun to Charge”.
