[Lhuis]

Anyone have news if Mini implement this technology in their cars?

 

[uke]

Anyone have news if Mini implement this technology in their cars?

Well, kind of. You can make calls, play music, and navigate using an iThing. It works fairly well. But you won't get those sexy Apple Icons on your center console screen.

 

[Iain Bennett]

I see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be gimmicks. Now, if you're used to head units being pretty lame, then I can see the appeal. As far as I'm concerned MINI Connected and BMW DriveConnect is one of, if not, the best system out there. Yes it has it's flaws, but it's certainly pretty good.

 

[JPslov]

I like BMWs system as well. The biggest difference (from what I can tell) is that the interface for apple carplay is essentially iOS making the learning curve pretty small if you have ever used an iphone. That, and Siri takes over the voice command which I think would be an improvement over BMWs current voice control tech (especially in conjunction with navigation).

BMW is listed on the apple carplay site, so it would seem MINI will inevitably get it.

 

[siriuszero]

The great thing about CarPlay and Android Auto is that we will no longer have to wait on auto manufacturers to update their infotainment systems to work how we expect them to with our phones. It's all coming from the phones themselves, which we all know update MUCH faster than car manufacturers can push them out. This means a more consistent experience between the car and your device and functionality can easily be added or improved with a simple app or OS update on the phone.

The latest versions of CarPlay/Android Auto also support car specific application support. This means companies like MINI or BMW can also create an app so that CarPlay/Android Auto can interface with the specific car's functions. Climate controls, lap timers, fuel economy monitors, settings...so many possibilities!

BMW has definitely expressed interest in both platforms and from what I've heard is that we'll see it in the next year or two.

 

[Vickered]

I hope that when MINI/BMW implements CarPlay, it will be available as a SW update that can be used with the controller. So far that I know, current implementations of CarPlay are on touch screen displays. I agree with BMW AG that touch screens on a car are less safer.

 

[siriuszero]

I agree with BMW AG that touch screens on a car are less safer.

I hope so too. I just spent 12 hours last week driving a rental Cadillac from SLC to Seattle and it had a big touch screen system. It requires a bit more attention to use so you can make sure you're hitting the right thing and it didn't always register the touch input. Not to mention the screen was FILTHY from everyone touching it all the time.

Touch screens? No thanks