At the IFA 2015 show in Berlin BMW is showcasing some of its new “connected car” features. The company premieres apps from Samsung to operate functions inside connected houses from the BMW i3. BMW also showing smartphone apps, BMW i Remote app for the new Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 and new attachment points for GoPro cameras.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 smartwatch can operate BMW i3 functions. Users can monitor their car’s battery charge or view its operating range from their wrist such as charge level and navigation. Intermodal route guidance for BMW i cars offers public transport such as buses or trains into efficient route guidance. The smartwatch gives drivers the ability to perform operations on their wrist without having to take out a synced mobile phone.
BMW ConnectedDrive offers its own A4A (Apps for Automotive) interface, an in-house development which allows both current and future models to be upgraded with the latest applications at any time.
The BMW i3 and BMW i8 use an integrated SIM card to provide connectivity between drivers, their vehicles and the outside world. This SIM card allows users to request and operate remote functions of the BMW i3 using the BMW i Remote smartphone app.
BMW’s Home Sweet Connected Home
Smart Home apps allow users to control in-building functions, such as heating, from a car. Users can check whether windows and doors are locked or the burglar alarm is activated while in the car. Users get notified on their car’s dashboard about water leaks or intruder alerts. The apps for connected houses can be operated using the iDrive Controller and viewed on the Control Display.
The GoPro app for operating cameras can also be operated from inside a BMW. Holders and attachment systems designed specially for BMW vehicles are available for GoPro cameras from the Original BMW Accessories range, and enable perfect shots and videos even in extreme driving situations, e.g. on race tracks.