Promising to make automotive navigation systems "easier, faster, and more convenient to use," BMW is (finally) rolling out its Google-partnered "Myinfo" service in North America (Europeans received BMW's similar "ConnectedDrive" late last year). With a click of a mouse from the Google Maps web site on your computer, up to 10 destinations may be automatically sent to the navigation system of the BMW Assist-equipped model (yes, there is no need to use the iDrive controller to painstakingly plug them in). The telemetry may be sent while the vehicle is parked, or while driving if you have shared your Myinfo data with a relative, friend, or co-worker.
BMW is making Myinfo exclusive to the 2008 BMW X6 right now, however it plans to roll it out across the lineup in 2009. Inputting address and destination data into any navigation system has always been grievous, so we welcome any technology that allows remote, one-click, uploading. BMW's system joins the upcoming eNav feature for GM's OnStar service, which works with MapQuest instead of Google Maps.
Hit the jump for BMW's full press release and a brief video of the system in action.[Source: BMW North America]
The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.
PRESS RELEASE
CONNECT YOUR DRIVE: BMW ADDS NEW "MYINFO" SERVICE FROM BMW ASSIST(TM) POWERED BY GOOGLE MAPS(TM)
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey (April 11, 2008) - Navigation systems have become even easier, faster and more convenient to use with the introduction of "MyInfo". This latest addition to the BMW Assist Safety Plan allows subscribers to send business locations and street addresses and their associated phone numbers found in Google Maps(TM), an innovative online mapping service, from the comfort of their home or office directly to their BMW.
Effective as of April 8 production of 2008 X6 Sports Activity Coupes equipped with the BMW Assist and Bluetooth® Hands-free calling System, customers will be able to call the phone numbers received with their Bluetooth connected mobile phone or, if their BMW is equipped with a navigation system, immediately start route guidance by a simple push of a button.
To use MyInfo, just search for a business or street address on Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) and click on the "Send" link at the top-right corner of the map. Select "Car", then "BMW" and "BMW US" for country and enter your e-mail address on file with BMW Assist as your BMW Assist account name. You can add a personal note, if desired, then press the "Send" button – and your destination is on its way. Once inside your BMW, simply push the MyInfo button within the BMW Assist menu and you will find the desired destination and associated phone number.
Already popular in Europe and recently launched in Canada this unique service allows advanced preparation for your next trip. Before you leave the house or office, you can easily and quickly determine online the exact location of up to 10 of your desired destinations and then make them available in your BMW. The advantage is that the listings found at Google Maps no longer have to be written down or printed out. Also manual data entry into the navigation system is no longer needed -the address and phone number is already in your iDrive menu. Even better, you can share MyInfo with your family, friends and colleagues so that they can send destinations, phone numbers and even notes to the vehicle while you are on the road. But best of all, there is no charge for this service, as it's included as part of the Safety Plan for the first four years, like the other benefits of Ultimate Service.
MyInfo will be included on BMW Assist-equipped X5, X6, 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series, effective with Model Year 2009. For now it is an exclusive feature of the 2008 X6. The X6 Sports Activity Coupe will be offered in the USA in two versions. The X6 xDrive35i, sporting a 300hp, twin-turbo, inline 6 cylinder will be available at authorized BMW SAV centers on April 26th. The twin-turbo V8 powered X6 xDrive50i will come to the US market in the late summer 2008.
To learn more about MyInfo, please visit www.bmwusa.com/bmwassist.
About BMW Assist:
BMW Assist provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is standard on all 5, 6, and 7 Series models, including M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this service for 4 years at no additional cost. Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service.
The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW Assist system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. A severe accident automatically activates the BMW Assist emergency call as well. The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.
TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. The Service Advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.
BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of BMW Assist Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On most models produced September 2006 and later, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW navigation system and Bluetooth®–linked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge button. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged. After pushing the SOS button, a BMW Assist response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year.
As before, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone.
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