BMW announced on their website the features of their 2014 line called BMW ConnectedDrive .
BMW, one of the three best selling luxury automakers in the world based in Germany, is living up with its objective of developing new concepts and integrating technologies on cars. By 2014, BMW ConnectedDrive line of cars will be fully introduced to in several markets across the globe. To date, the services are available in 11 countries.
One of the significant feautures that the BMW ConnectedDrive 2014 models have is its ability to pair up with a smartphone and have it operated through voice commands. It is programmed to work with Apple’s Siri and Samsung’s SVoice so it doesn’t matter if you have an iOS or Android device. The manufacturer calls this technology as ‘iDrive’ which aims to separate display and steering allowing the driver to concentrate on the road. The driver can navigate on different functions such as multimedia, radio, telephone, and navigation. Isn’t it great when you can move to another radio station or change your music just by talking?
The iDrive interface is very easy to use. BMW will pair your smartphone to the steering wheel of the car where the interface is set up. Just press and hold the voice access button in the steering wheel, wait for the purple light to appear which indicates Siri is ready to take your command, and finally speak your instruction. Your smartphone will communicate the command to the interface and do as you wish.
BMW is the first to launch iDrive but other manufacturers such as Audi, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, General Motors, Mercedes, Hyundai, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Chevrolet are soon to have the service as well.
BMW aims to have over five million cars transition to ConnectedDrive before 2014 before they start working on the integration of more smartphone apps on their vehicles.
