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Innovations: BMW ConnectedDrive with new functions.
Thanks to the intelligent linking of the driver and his vehicle with the wider world, BMW ConnectedDrive is able to create fascinating possibilities for boosting comfort and safety as well as optimising the use of infotainment functions. BMW ConnectedDrive also takes the global lead when it comes to connecting smartphones and music players in the car.
At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, BMW will showcase:
- iDrive's navigation module will now work with Google's Panoramio service, and will download images of destinations to provide driver with additional navigational aid. The navigation module can also provide drivers with current European weather and temperature information updated at two-hourly intervals, at map scales starting from 1cm to 20km.
- BlackBerry smartphones in the car, which among other things permits the display of emails including the text-to-speech function. The first BlackBerry to support this feature from launch is the Pearl 3G 9105. Calendar entries, SMS, tasks, and memos can also be accessed not only from a BlackBerry but from a list of compatible smart phones. Any image file accompanying a stored contact can be displayed on the on-board monitor, for example when there is an incoming call.
- BMW also presents the new Bluetooth interface technology that was created for the Apple iOS 4 operating system and allows the new Apple iPhone 4 to be integrated, among other devices.
- For BMWs not equipped with iDrive, there is now a dock which can be equpped on 1-Series, 3-Series, Z4, X1, new X3 and outgoing X3. The dock allows an iPhone to be docked cable-free and comes with a handsfree kit with a directional microphone, a radio mute function for incoming calls, and a charging function. To complete the whole pseudo-iDrive experience, BMW will be releasing an iPhone app soon called BMW Link, which is sort of an in-car interface for your iPhone. Other than your usual telephony and music player functions, BMW Link also offers certain services from BMW ConnectedDrive such as breakdown assistance.
- Also on show is the iPod Out function, which optimises the operation of various Apple music players in the vehicle. BMW says they've now changed the way ConnectedDrive interfaces with iOS devices to the new iPod Out system to ensure future devices can be used with theBMw on a long term basis. iDrive's audio player can now also display Cover Art on the on board monitor.
- New possibilities for online use are opened up by the WiFi hotspot function that provides rear-seat passengers using a notebook or iPad with wireless internet access while on the move.
- An iPad holder, has been added to the optional Travel & Comfort System, which functions as the base carrier where holders can be hooked on. This Travel & Comfort system will debut with the new BMW X3 and will be available for all other models from Spring 2011. The iPad holder can be turned 90 degrees for a vertical or horizontal display, and tilt angle can be adjusted in the vertical mode. [Some info courtesy of Paul Tan]
