Not only iOS and Android in the non-stop updating, car service, too, and these car services not only to withstand the test of automotive media, technology media will not easily release. This year, BMW will its ConnectedDrive (interconnect driving) services and iDrive a "shake" updates, and first applied to the new 4 Series Coupe and the new generation of the 5 Series and 5 Series GT, the new Connected Drive What is the difference?
BMW in the man-machine interactive systems "fighter", we had "sad" recognition: Yup, in this field, the German guy is one step ahead.
Let us look at the specific evaluation:
Not just iOS
Car multimedia topics are discussed all the time, Apple is not in the car also is planning to add iOS system. As we all know, Apple wants to take over BMW car had the idea still there are so enthusiastic, so from the latest iDrive and ConnectedDrive, you can also experience the BMW and Apple iOS is how to combine.
On the map interface is to your smart phone (especially iOS mobile) and automotive seamless factory system. The new system can provide high-resolution real-time traffic navigation data, and most of the original configuration of the navigation system are used old RDS-TMC traffic data to provide wireless communication mode, the weakness of such models is that the data loss rate is relatively high, low transmission rate.
Vehicle network
ConnectedDrive most critical upgrade is the adoption of 3G signal networking, networking to get rid of before the turtle speed. 3G signal networking what can you do? To navigate, the adoption of this vehicle network, you can get a faster high-definition real-time traffic information.
BMW has the SIM card and cellular network adapter integrated into the car, car without the need to connect with the smart phone will be able to own networking. BMW's plan is in 2017, at least five million BMW can be equipped with this feature.
Touch knob
The new iDrive user interface with a new touch knob, the user will gently move your finger in the above can browse the display information, the user can also use it as a laptop touchpad pointer as guide, if you are using a Web browser , then the method of operation is very convenient.
Therefore, the new iDrive user interface can be used a total of three ways to enter data. Touch knob, steering wheel controls and voice control. Among them, the voice control that contains two forms, the first one is through the built-in voice program, and other cars in the same voice voice system; Another way is to smart phones connected to the system, and use the phone for voice control voice control system operation. Currently, only Apple's Siri and Samsung SVoice two programs support this voice-activated mode.
HD display
Have to say, the visual effects, the BMW car multimedia system is all the best.
The reason is the best because it is not only simple and clear, and the product design meets the habits and logic. Updated system more ornate, including adding a 3D effect.
On the BMW navigation system, especially the "higher frame rate" is a great breakthrough. This means that either amplify or exit maps are more fluent (automatic brain supplement the current car map navigation). In addition, 3D maps also realized, if you are interested in fancy features such words.
APP applications and services
There is also a ConnectedDrive store. It's easy to understand, is BMW's where users can buy the APP and services, is no different with the Apple APP Store, you can pay for the new features and upgrades. You can buy mobile phones and other devices can also be purchased in the car.
But there is a problem is how to integrate smart phones and cars, so you need to download a MyBMW application, is now compatible with iOS and Android.
MyBMW can remote control car headlights flashing lights, car doors, heating systems, routes and destinations can also be sent directly to car navigation systems and other equipment.
But there is a drawback. In the test, even when good signal, 3G network connection speed is a little slow. In practice, this problem may be more obvious.
So, looking forward to what the 4G network it.
Abandon touchscreen
The biggest problem is that BMW abandoned the touch screen functionality. This BMW is a great challenge. Touch screen does not apply to all in-vehicle devices. However, in some cases, such as in navigation input address or search online, touch screen is still very useful. Especially in flip switch the map and a list of the time.
In addition, the Web browser still as bad. Slow response, you can not play Flash and HTML5 video. While we do not want a car so the web browser, but since you decided to give us add this feature, please ensure that we can use.
Finally, in the APP, the current not too attractive.
Summary:
If not currently the best car infotainment platform, iDrive with ConnectedDrive mix is still a very good choice. Car technology indeed accelerate the renewal. Audi MMI and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class COMAND system in the BMW bite.