[danarcher]

Wanted to create a thread just for future iPhone integration features and requests.

Personally, I look forward to the day that SMS and Email are fully integrated from iPhone to BMW (either through BMW Apps or Bluetooth), Spotify through BMW Apps, and other features.

Post in this thread for features that are announced or you'd like to see happen.

Best of luck!
Daniel

[danarcher]

Also, when using Pandora, MOG, or the upcoming Stitcher, you can only use one app at a time. I hope that these app developers will build in better multitasking support for the iPhone that allows the BMW to stay connected with Pandora (etc.) while also in BMW Connected (for Facebook, Twitter, etc.).

Thoughts?

Daniel

[stampchez]

You should be able to use BMW Apps via bluetooth. Being forced to use the cradle really limits its use.

[danarcher]

Originally Posted by stampchez

You should be able to use BMW Apps via bluetooth. Being forced to use the cradle really limits its use.

iOS for iPhone does allow apps to pair and connect with other devices over Bluetooth for sharing information (i.e. connecting and playing games or sending files), so if BMW put some extra effort into the BMW Connected app, then they could certainly integrate that. There's nothing (it seems) that iOS is preventing from them building that in.

Maybe they should tweak the iDrive OS a little bit for it to work?

[MacAttackBMW]

I'd like them to fully integrate iStripper into my passenger seat - only then would I opt for buying BMWapps

[shoptb]

I'd really like to see BMW integrate the iMessage application into the interface. Especially since this is widely suspected to move to the next release of the OSX platform, so it will pretty much be supported as SMS/MMS across all Apple products.

I guess there's some reticence to support messaging while driving, but I would absolutely love the ability to see what's been sent, and then have some quick-reply suggestions ("I'm currently driving; I'll message you back when I reach my destination", etc). I would think that the benefit gained here by promoting a safe method of reply would win over the urge to respond on the hand-held device itself, causing a potential safety situation.

[matt_335Ci]

I would like them to integrate MS Word and Excel so I am never away from the office...oh and PowerPoint too so I can give a presentation while I am driving.

[shoptb]

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

I would like them to integrate MS Word and Excel so I am never away from the office...oh and PowerPoint too so I can give a presentation while I am driving.

Seeing someone try to use Excel via iDrive (and then subsequently plow into a freeway bridge support) might just be worth it for the entertainment factor.

[Frankisme]

Upgrade the USB port so i can charge my iPad while in the car.

[Feanor]

Originally Posted by shoptb

I'd really like to see BMW integrate the iMessage application into the interface.

I can see an argument for BMW to allow messages to be displayed, but I think allowing replies to be sent from the iDrive is going to just end up with people killing themselves and people around them.

I think it's also unecessary - if BMW allow for Siri support through BMW Apps then it could work reasonably well. It might be hard to correct Siri's inevitable misunderstandings though.

Or, shock horror, you could just phone people instead of texting them!

[shoptb]

Originally Posted by Feanor

I can see an argument for BMW to allow messages to be displayed, but I think allowing replies to be sent from the iDrive is going to just end up with people killing themselves and people around them.

People are killing themselves and others around them today. I do agree that if you at least display the message, that would allow the user to phone back if necessary. Of course, until the iPhone doesn't allow the user to respond if they're driving...the temptation on the part of our fellow drivers will always be there to respond on the iPhone. I'm just trying to think of a way to allow them to respond with *something* -- preferably something canned -- in a safer manner. There is, of course, the BMW liability situation, which will probably factor into what they're willing to enable on this type of app.

Originally Posted by Feanor

I think it's also unecessary - if BMW allow for Siri support through BMW Apps then it could work reasonably well. It might be hard to correct Siri's inevitable misunderstandings though.

I totally support this statement. More Siri integration could lead to a complete hands-free approach, which is preferable of course. Misunderstandings happen, unfortunately, not only with Siri, but also with BMW Voice Recognition.

Originally Posted by Feanor

Or, shock horror, you could just phone people instead of texting them!

What?? An iPhone allows VOICE calls? The younger generation might be shocked by this revelation.

[Micleg]

Originally Posted by Frankisme

Upgrade the USB port so i can charge my iPad while in the car.

You can buy a 12/230 or 12/110 converter for cheap. Then you can charge anything...

[Feanor]

Originally Posted by shoptb

What?? An iPhone allows VOICE calls? The younger generation might be shocked by this revelation.

Originally Posted by Micleg

You can buy a 12/230 or 12/110 converter for cheap. Then you can charge anything...

That's either not necessary or it won't help. The problem is that the USB socket doesn't provide enough power to charge the iPad properly.

What you're suggesting would plug into the 12v cig lighter socket. You can get iPad chargers that plug directly into the cigarette lighter socket and provide the required 2.1A/10W output.

Assuming, that is, BMW's 12v sockets can provide 10W of power without blowing a fuse, which I imagine they can. If they can't then a 12v/mains converter would also blow a fuse, so either way there's no need to have a 12v/mains converter and Apple charger cluttering up the cabin.

[danarcher]

BMW Connected App updated with the following new features:

New functions:
- News:
Receive news services via RSS and view them on your vehicle display.
- Wiki Local:
Find Wikipedia articles relating to nearby locations.

Several improvements and bug fixes. Improved stability and performance.

Download it here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bmw-c...406975118?mt=8

[danarcher]

The new update also no longer allows you to lock the screen of your iPhone while in BMWConnected

[shoptb]

Originally Posted by danarcher

New functions:
- News:
Receive news services via RSS and view them on your vehicle display.

[nofuture]

Manufacturers have to change their design philosophy when it comes to smartphone integration and the car.

For example, BMW is of the design school that you integrate your phone into it's systems via iDrive (hence BWM apps) and you hide the phone.

Some manufacturers are starting to experiment with the approach where the phone/device becomes part of the dashboard.

Both approaches have pluses and minuses.

Note: keep in mind a lot of things you are asking BlueTooth to do is not currently possible due to its capabilities so integration via USB/Dongle/Car Dock will provide most of the function.

Also, noticed that only devices from Apple have integrated apps, it has to do with the fact apple apple provides special access/functions (APIs) when you connect your phone to the car via usb or connector.

You will be glad to hear that Apple recently had a job posting for the designer with car design experience, so it's obvious that they are interested in car/phone integration. Just the fact that Mercedes announced future integration with SIRI is a confirmation of that future.

Just based on comments here it's clear that BMW approach to phone integration is not favored by tech savvy people. We want our phone to be part of the dashboard and not hidden way.

At the end it's a difficult balance; how do you give more but with less, after all you have to maintain the balance between paying attention to the road and getting additional inputs from your phone at the same time.

If you ask me, car manufacturers have a poor track record when it comes to designing and building software, so do not expect miracles in a next 5-7 year.

The only way out is for them to oursource that part to reliable partners. But even that did not work for Ford and some people will consider MIcrosoft reliable partner (I am not one of them) (Ford touch became a big flop because Ford and Microsoft screwed up because the system they designed for Ford does not work to customer satisfaction.)

Yeah, we can dream but very little will change very soon. I bet next redesigned 3 series will still have hidden iPhone connector in a center dash. I can put my money on it. If nothing else, cup holders are the indication of how rigid BMW is to its design principals.

[danarcher]

I just received the Media Adapter PlugIn for my iPhone 4 and I've played around with some of the features so far.

From what I've found, it has the beautiful iPod Out interface, and allows for video output as well. Unfortunately, the one video I did test did not show up. It only showed black and played the audio. Any thoughts?

[nofuture]

Originally Posted by danarcher

I just received the Media Adapter PlugIn for my iPhone 4 and I've played around with some of the features so far.

From what I've found, it has the beautiful iPod Out interface, and allows for video output as well. Unfortunately, the one video I did test did not show up. It only showed black and played the audio. Any thoughts?

Video will not show if you were driving.

Videos work only at stationary position.

[danarcher]

Originally Posted by nofuture

Video will not show if you were driving.

Videos work only at stationary position.

I was stationary. I'm thinking it could be a DRM issue?

[benflux]

Where can I buy the iPhone cradle without paying BMW Australia prices (read - rip off)

[PAR5]

Originally Posted by Frankisme

Upgrade the USB port so i can charge my iPad while in the car.

Are you telling me that the USB dock in the armrest doesn't carry power and won't charge my iPhone? please say its not the case.