Autoblog

BMW ConnectedDrive update adds email reading

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:58:00 EST

BMW ConnectedDrive has been upgraded, turning the automaker's vehicles into the world's best four-wheeled email client. Beginning this autumn, iDrive will be able to connect to BlackBerry phones via Bluetooth and iDrive will be able to display email on its LCD screen. A voice output function is an optional add-on, giving your Bimmer the ability to reads your messages to you. The email functionality bolsters the office functions already included in BMW ConnectedDrive that allows compatible smartphones to pass calendars, text messages and even music player functions to the iDrive system in BMW vehicles.

The first BlackBerry phone that supports ConnectedDrive email is the Pearl 3G, though more will become compatible soon. The key to it all is Bluetooth, which expands the communication and entertainment capabilities of the iDrive system while also enhancing safety by reducing distraction. All BMWs equipped with the Professional navigation option can add the email function once it officially hits showrooms this fall. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW ConnectedDrive update adds email reading

BMW ConnectedDrive update adds email reading originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Next Big Debate: Hardware or software?

Dan Roth — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

More tech in your car? Oh, that's inevitable. But automakers are trying to figure out the best way to implement it. There are two main architectures currently; tethered and embedded. Ford's SYNC is an example of a tethered tech-integration system that uses Bluetooth to connect to mobile devices consumers already own and carry with them. General Motors' OnStar system is an embedded setup that builds the technology into the car. Going forward, the consensus seems to be that we're going to see systems that combine elements of both.

A tethered system is typically less costly than an embedded alternative, and it works with equipment you already own and know how to use. Systems like Sync can extend the functionality of your gear and is an attractive option to tech-savvy consumers. The lower cost makes it possible to proliferate these kind of features into more models, instead of just being a high-end feature. However, embedded systems offer advantages of their own. With communications hardware built in to the vehicle, performance is more reliable, and safety can be enhanced by tying in to the vehicle's crash sensors and stability control to automatically call for help if it detects a severe accident.

True to the cliche, it seems that the young'ins are more comfortable with tethered systems, while older generations prefer embedded systems. OnStar is already starting to do this, opening up the system in Chevrolet Volt applications with a mobile app that lets drivers connect to their car even when they're away from it. The future likely holds a system that combines aspects of both, enhancing safety, beating back obsolescence and drawing on the strength of each technology to deliver the best experience as cars continue to become more sophisticated.

[Source: AutoObserver.com]

The Next Big Debate: Hardware or software? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM and BMW collaborate on iDrive-controlled BlackBerry integration [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW

BMW iDrive BlackBerry connectivity - Click above to view the video after the jump

Research In Motion has been hard at work bringing new ways to integrate the functionality of its BlackBerry devices into the automobile. We recently brought you news of RIM's acquisition of QNX Software Systems, but before that partnership comes to fruition, several automakers (most recently including Ford, for example) have been working with the Canadian electronics firm - now one of the top five mobile phone-makers in the world - to bring the BlackBerry into the cabin in a distraction-free manner.

The latest collaboration revolves around BMW's iDrive system, which has now been linked up with the BlackBerry to provide limited functionality while behind the wheel. Connecting through Bluetooth, the iDrive controller will now be able to read email messages aloud to the driver and occupants, and initiate calls either from the email sender or from the phone's contact list, displayed on the dash-top screen. The feature is being rolled out first on the new Pearl 3G, but is slated to arrive to all new devices running the new BlackBerry 6 mobile operating system.

Follow the jump to watch a video of the feature in action, as demonstrated on a 335is.

[Source: Phone Scoop via Engadget]

Continue reading RIM and BMW collaborate on iDrive-controlled BlackBerry integration [w/video]

RIM and BMW collaborate on iDrive-controlled BlackBerry integration [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to add further features, complications, to iDrive

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:47:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, BMW

These days, technology and customization go hand-in-hand. Laptop computers and MP3 players now come in a rainbow of colors and your computer's operating system can be made to suit your unique preferences. BMW has big plans in store for its oft-criticized iDrive system which would make it and the vehicle in which it's installed extremely customizable as well. Simple choices such as color schemes and screensavers for the iDrive's graphical user interface pale in comparison to the ability to adjust transmission shift points and engine boost levels in an effort to either increase fuel economy or improve overall performance. Multiple users will be able to make their own adjustments and save their settings and the car will know the driver based on which key fob is in close proximity.

There are way too many new features planned for iDrive than there is space in this post to display them. For the complete and exhaustive rundown, click here. Thankfully, changes will be accessible from a web-enabled computer, which should simplify the in-car user interface somewhat. Rest assured, though, BMW's iDrive, already overcomplicated in the opinion of many, won't be disappearing from its dash-mounted perch anytime soon. Thanks for the tip, gear_shift!

[Source: BimmerFile]

BMW to add further features, complications, to iDrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's Ultimate Computing Machine

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 20:54:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, BMW

The ultimate driving machine is getting the ultimate computing machine. OK, maybe that's an exaggeration, but BMW has reached an agreement with Intel to use their new Albert 2 supercomputer at the BMW/Sauber Development Center near Zürich, Switzerland. The Albert 2 is only 60th on the list of world's fastest supercomputers at 12.8 teraflops per second. We think that's even quicker than the 20,000 RPM F1 engines.

BMW Motorsport director Dr. Mario Theissen says the Intel deal will stretch beyond the motorsports division, however. BMW will also switch all of its corporate servers over to Intel-based products. Office computers, entertainment and information applications, service computers, they'll all be using Intel equipment in the future. Will new BMW iDrives sport an "Intel Inside" sticker?

One other thing we know about this relationship is that the Formula 1 cars will sport Intel livery. Even with this agreement, Intel is still committed to its arrangement with Toyota as well, where the chip company is a big tech partner for the Japanese automaker's F1 program as well. Somewhat hard to believe, but BMW plans to show off its first Formula 1 car designed with Albert 2 on January 16! That seems very quick indeed.

[Source: Heise via Engadget]

BMW's Ultimate Computing Machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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