Autoblog

BMW adds iDrive Touch and 3D maps to latest generation infotainment system [w/video]

John Neff — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Luxury, Infotainment

BMW claims to have been the first carmaker to offer an in-dash navigation system all the way back in 1994 on its 7 Series. It was also arguably the first automaker to experience the backlash that comes with poor user interface design when it introduced the iDrive system in 2001. Nav systems today have trickled down to cars costing a fraction of the 7 Series these days, and iDrive has matured to become a competitive infotainment platform among the luxury set. This week, BMW is unveiling the latest generation of its infotainment platform that includes so much more than just navigation and a clever master knob to control to it all.

Called BMW ConnectedDrive, the new system is marked by two big improvements. The first are new graphics for the entire system that feature black backgrounds and atmospheric lighting effects, as well as a new view option for maps called "3D City Models" for select locations.

The second improvement is the introduction of iDrive Touch, which is a touchpad interface like those first used on some Audi models that's embedded on the top of BMW's familiar iDrive rotary knob controller. Measuring 45mm in diameter, the touchpad can be used not only for inputting characters, but also features a pinch-to-zoom function when viewing maps and will soon have the ability to control a cursor when BMW makes a browser function available. iDrive Touch will launch this month in China, where the input's gesture control method works particularly well with that language's thousands of characters, and then go on to appear in all other markets a year later.

Continue reading BMW adds iDrive Touch and 3D maps to latest generation infotainment system [w/video]

BMW adds iDrive Touch and 3D maps to latest generation infotainment system [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yelp comes to BMW ConnectedDrive

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Infotainment

In-car point-of-interest and Google searches are all well and good, but it's hard to decipher what restaurants, bars and other local businesses are worth your hard-earned bucks while you're on the go. Yelp for BMW ConnectedDrive solves that problem.

Whatever your view of Yelp is (and there are many), the crowd-sourced business rating site is still the go-to source for many looking for up-to-date, relevant rankings of what's nearby. And with the latest update from BMW Online, drivers of most 2009 and later models can benefit from the service.

Additionally, you can email business listings to yourself or a friend, and BMW's infotainment system can also read off the three latest reviews so you won't be staring at the screen while trying to find a suitable sushi joint. Make the jump for the official details and a list of vehicles included in the update.

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Yelp comes to BMW ConnectedDrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Online gets updated interface for 2009 and later models

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Infotainment

BMW owners with 2009 or later models equipped with BMW Online will begin receiving an update to the service that overhauls the UI and streamlines some of the functionality of the ConnectedDrive system.

Since its introduction, BMW Search has expanded to include everything from recent news headlines to Google Local Search and fuel prices, and this latest update enhances many of the services to both look better and be easier to access. Navigating through the various sub-menus appears to be cleaned up, as does the way information is displayed. You can see a before and after shot above and get the full details in the press blast below the fold.

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BMW Online gets updated interface for 2009 and later models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MOG coming to BMW ConnectedDrive

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Infotainment

MOG's on-demand streaming music service is set to come to BMW later this year, allowing drivers to enjoy high-quality 320kbps music through their ConnectedDrive-equipped vehicle.

As previously reported, the unlimited music streaming service, which originally debuted on Mini Connected earlier this year, will be ported to BMW through the BMW Connected App available on both the iPhone and Android-powered phones.

Make the jump for the full announcement.

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MOG coming to BMW ConnectedDrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW shows you how to steal jewelry in 10 steps

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, BMW, Infotainment

What's the best way for BMW to highlight its ConnectedDrive system? Thievery, of course.

BMW's latest online spot features the ConnectedDrive Vision roadster from this year's Geneva Motor Show and details how the system's connected functionality can help out in your next jewelry heist. It's easier to highlight in motion, so hit the jump to check it out.

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BMW shows you how to steal jewelry in 10 steps originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW brings real-time traffic to your desktop

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW, Infotainment

Owners hooked up with BMW ConnectedDrive now have the ability to access real-time traffic information from any internet connected device through the system's recently launched web portal.

The traffic information - provided by connected taxis and fleet vehicles - is much more accurate than traditional methods, and the new implementation will allow drivers to check traffic conditions before they get behind the wheel. The BMW Routes Portal is available now and will be ported into the My BMW Remote app when it launches this fall. Full details in the press blast after the jump.

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BMW brings real-time traffic to your desktop originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Exclusive hands-on with BMW Apps, new ConnectedDrive

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Technology, BMW, Infotainment

BMW Connected Apps - Click above to watch video tour

BMW has big plans for this week's New York Auto Show, including the debut of the 2012 6 Series Coupe, lease pricing for the all-electric ActiveE and the first application of its new TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder in the U.S. But that's not all.

BMW gave us an early preview of the next generation ConnectedDrive system, complete with Apple Plugin integration (read: iPod out) for the iPhone and iPod Touch and it's latest foray into the integrated app game, which ports Twitter, Facebook, Pandora and web radio directly into iDrive for a seamless, connected experience.

Follow the jump for our full impressions and a video of the system in action.

Continue reading Video: Exclusive hands-on with BMW Apps, new ConnectedDrive

Video: Exclusive hands-on with BMW Apps, new ConnectedDrive originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept focuses on connectivity [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, BMW

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has pulled the wraps off of its latest concept vehicle, which is in part a research tool for the automaker as it looks towards the future of mobile networking. The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept is a two-passenger roadster seeking to push new boundaries in the realm of automotive technology.

The topless concept borrows much of its design from the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that's on the road to production, but this showcar focuses on three areas; comfort, safety and infotainment. Each category provides feedback and data to the driver by means of a light display spread throughout the vehicle.

In the cabin, the driver will be able to monitor a multitude of information thanks to a three-dimensional head-up display. The HUD incorporates augmented reality to display point-of-interest icons and road information into the driver's field of vision. The display is fully customizable, and the driver can fine-tune the amount of information and how it's displayed in front of him or her. Interestingly enough, BMW has provided no information about what powers this concept - either in reality or merely conceptually.

The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept is the automaker's view of where automotive information technology is heading. By providing the driver with as much or as little information as he or she desires, the driver is able to make a closer connection with the vehicle. It may be merely a study at this point, but it's a glimpse at a future where the driver is still in control... and that's something we can stand behind.

Be sure to check out the car in the gallery below, and click past the jump for b-roll footage of the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept.

Gallery: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept focuses on connectivity [w/video]

Geneva 2011: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept focuses on connectivity [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X6 to get five-seat option among other changes

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

BMW X6 now available with room for five - Click above for high-res image gallery

Have you always wanted to drive a BMW X6, but felt that leaving one of your four friends waiting on the curb was a drawback? Tell that friend to buck up and head over to your local BMW dealer, because the X6 is getting an optional third rear seat.

The additional seat is available on all version of the X6 with the exception of the ActiveHybrid variant. Along with the extra (and from the looks of the pic above, tiny) middle squab, the Spartanburg, South Carolina-built BMW X6 is getting new 20-inch alloy wheels, interior leather options, and vicinity lighting.

In addition, there will be available enhanced content for Apple iPhone users. Through the BMW Apps system and ConnectedDrive, iPhone users will be granted access to Facebook and Twitter. The BMW Apps system also allows iPhone users to listen to radio stations from around the world regardless of where they're located. Learn more in the official press release after the jump, which also details changes to the X6's kissing cousin, the more capacious X5.

Gallery: BMW X6 now offers seating for five

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW X6 to get five-seat option among other changes

BMW X6 to get five-seat option among other changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration

Zach Bowman — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

BMW ConnectedDrive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Good news, Apple fans. BMW has turned up the level of smart phone integration in its vehicles in a big way. The company will be showing off its new ConnectedDrive system at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The swank tech not only boasts Bluetooth wizardry and a text-to-speech function that will allow drivers to access text messages, memos, emails and the like from their Blackberry, it will also work with Apple iOS4. That means that the system clicks with the latest iPhone.

But wait, there's more.

The German manufacturer is also introducing something it calls iPod Out that's designed to make the most of using Apple music players in the vehicle. There's even a handy docking system for the iPad in the back seats. What's more, BMW will offer a mobile hotspot system with ConnectedDrive so that passengers can surf the web without burning up their data plans. Welcome to the brave new world. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

Gallery: BMW ConnectedDrive

[Source: BMW]

BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW's iDrive gets improved iPod functionality

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, BMW

BMW's iDrive features for the iPod - Click above to watch video after the jump

One of the next steps to evolve BMW's iDrive into Connected Drive is increasing the communication the car has with peripherals. In this case, work is nearly complete on you being able to control your iPod Touch (and, we're guessing, your iPhone) and all of its applications using the same Apple interface on the car's console screen.

Not only might it make navigation of your music files easier, but it would make any application you download for your iPod Touch immediately usable in your Bimmer. BMW doesn't give much away in terms of how this all comes together, but does say that the feature will be available on BMW's as soon as early 2011. Follow the jump to see the vid.

Continue reading Video: BMW's iDrive gets improved iPod functionality

Video: BMW's iDrive gets improved iPod functionality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled

Alex Nunez — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, BMW

Click above for 40 hi-res images of the freshened 3 series

BMW has unveiled photos and details pertaining to the facelifted, Euro-spec 2009 3 Series sedan and wagon. We touched on the visual updates yesterday, but to recap, the car sports a revised front fascia, a new hood, restyled mirrors, and reshaped taillamps. The changes are subtle, but good. Inside, the new iDrive trickles down to the 3, which also gets BMW ConnectedDrive in-car internet, as well as an 80-gig hard drive. The 3 Series sedans and wagons are available with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 7-speed DCT doesn't make it into the four- and five-doors at this time, but it becomes available on the 335i coupe and convertible. Read on after the jump as we run down the model variants and engine offerings.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 3 Series

[Source: BMW | Photos: BMW via BMW Blog]

Continue reading 2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled

2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's in-car internet coming to U.S. later this year

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, BMW

It looks like BMW will begin rolling out its in-car internet system to markets outside of Germany sooner than expected, according to Automotive News. ConnectedDrive offers unrestricted access to the Web through the EDGE network, one of the faster mobile connections on the planet, and while backseat passengers can surf while on the go, front seat occupants will have to keep their speed under 5 kph if they want to check their favorite websites. BMW is setting up the system so that unlimited access will cost customers 15 euros each month.

BMW will begin offering the service to German consumers this September, with ConnectedDrive (click link for video) coming to 'Net-addicted Bimmer owners throughout Europe and the U.S. soon afterwards. AN contacted Mercedes-Benz and Audi to ask if they intended to offer similar systems in the future. Both of automakers responded in the negative, saying that demand isn't sufficient enough to justify the expense. BMW obviously thinks otherwise, as does Chrysler, which is developing its own system, due out before the end of the year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW's in-car internet coming to U.S. later this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW gets in bed with Google Maps for MyInfo

Michael Harley — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, BMW

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]

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BMW gets in bed with Google Maps for MyInfo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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