BMW ConnectedDrive Comes Home

Since it was launched with German automaker BMW’s 2014 models, ConnectedDrive has become almost synonymous with infotainment. Taking a page from the success of platform-based infotainment systems, ConnectedDrive does not attempt to reinvent the wheel by offering access to media and information through custom apps. Instead, the system allows a user to connect to a wide range of services through existing apps that you would use for entertainment, travel, news, sports, personal security, social media and now, even allowing a driver to control their car from a smartphone.

From Smart Cars to Smart Homes

Simple tasks such as bookmarking a favorite restaurant or personalizing an in-cabin music playlist from an iPhone now represent only a fraction of ConnectedDrive’s capabilities. Today, owners use the BMW remote app to control several functions such as remote locking and car location services. As automotive smart capabilities flood the market, the only natural technological progression is the integration of pervasive computing capabilities. BMW has tapped this progression by integrating Smart Home functions into the ConnectedDrive service bundled through the IFTTT service. This integration enables a user to be able to access a variety of functions for compatible hardware including heating and lights, access control and alarms. The new upgrade features expanded music capabilities including the addition of on-demand music service Deezer. BMW Online entertainment system also shifts from drawing on smartphone data resources to the car’s built-in SIM card while making small, yet vital innovations to the music live stream such as track buffering during playback in low-coverage or blackout areas. An ever-increasing suite of patented and third-party apps offers users a wide choice of immersive infotainment experiences while on the move. ConnectedDrive also keeps drivers safe with driving assistance alerts and bespoke user profiles for members of the family. Social media integration and hands-free alerts include audio readings of Facebook updates and tweets. Siri and SVoice compatibility extends BMW’s coverage across iPhone and Android smartphones.