3D navigation, SMS and email functionality through dictation, internet hotspot inside car and smartphone third-party applications downloaded to your vehicle – welcome to BMWs latest ConnectedDrive functionality. Smartphones have changed the way we live, the connected car will transform the way we drive.
The BMW group (including MINI) has just released details of their latest ConnectedDrive functionality, suitably through a webinar interface. Internet connection has managed to shrink the world to a desktop or in the case of BMW to the central display of the latest models. The graphical interface has been improved and is now rendered in 3D. With a new powerful 1,3 GHz processor the following functionality is now possible:
3D Navigation
A new 3D navigation display under the banner of High Guidance is now capable of adding 3D renderings of buildings on the navigation map to aid the driver finding his/her final destination in a city environment.
SMS and email through dictation
ConnectedDrive now have the capability to pair with your smartphone and send SMS messages and emails through dictation. A state-of-the-art speech recognition system is able to recognise the driver voice and display the intended message or email on screen before the infotainment system sends it off.
BMW iDrive Touch
The BMW IDrive has now been fitted with an active touchpad to receive character input through finger swiping as well as zooming or panning functionality – similar to a smartphone touch screen interface.
LTE Hotspot
With the LTE accessory and a LTE-capable SIM card the cabin of a modern BMW can be transformed into a high-speed internet Hotspot. Several devices can then be connected at once.
Integration of smartphone applications (APPS)
Third-party smartphone APPS can now be downloaded to the vehicle including social networks and internet radio APPS. BMW vehicles are now APP ready.
