We're thrilled to announce the return of GamesBeat Next, hosted in San Francisco this October, where we will explore the theme of "Playing the Edge." Apply to speak here and learn more about sponsorship opportunities here. At the event, we will also announce 25 top game startups as the 2024 Game Changers. Apply or nominate today!
Pikachu, I choose you … to get me through this flight from Los Angeles to New York.
Earlier today, the Federal Aviation Administration loosened its rules on gadgets during commercial airline flights. It is now OK to use gaming devices like a Nintendo 3DS, a PlayStation Vita, or an Apple iPad during the flight and while the plane is taking off and landing. This means passengers can go gate-to-gate without ever turning off their favorite piece of consumer electronics.
The new rules still prohibit cellular communications. This means you’ll have to keep your phone and 3G-equipped Vitas in airplane mode. Wi-fi and Bluetooth (the other common forms of wireless communication in today’s gadgets) are perfectly acceptable.
“We believe today’s decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumer’s increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. “These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future.”
Event
GamesBeat Next 2023
Join the GamesBeat community in San Francisco this October 24-25. You’ll hear from the brightest minds within the gaming industry on latest developments and their take on the future of gaming.
While the FAA has officially altered its rules today, it will take some time for the airlines to roll out these new guidelines. Don’t get yourself kicked off a plane this afternoon by insisting on your right to “catch ’em all” while your passenger jet ascends to 10,000 feet.
“I commend the dedication and excellent work of all the experts who spent the past year working together to give us a solid report so we can now move forward with a safety-based decision on when passengers can use [personal electronic devices] on airplanes,” FAA administrator Michael Huerta said.
Previously, all electronic devices were prohibited during takeoff and landing. Passengers had to completely shut down their cellphones, 3DSes, and Kindles and stow them away. The concern was always that the radio signals coming from these devices could potentially interfere with an airplane’s sensitive instruments.
In coming up with the new guidelines, the Aviation Rulemaking Committee found that most airplanes are properly shielded against the radio signals from most gadgets.
GamesBeat's creed when covering the game industry is "where passion meets business." What does this mean? We want to tell you how the news matters to you -- not just as a decision-maker at a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat will help you learn about the industry and enjoy engaging with it. Discover our Briefings.