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iDrive Update Released by BMW for Communication and Entertainment

Near the end of January, BMW released a new update for the iDrive system, in order to keep up with the growing number of new mobile devices on the market.
BMW iDrive System 1 photo
Photo: BMW
This new update, released on 01.21.2013 is going to allow the users to connect their newest devices to the iDrive platform, thus proving once again, that BMW engineers are constantly working to keep your BMW up to date with the latest technology.

Among other tweaks and performance improvements, this update gives the user better support for the connectivity of the following devices:
  • Mobile phone Business preparation with Bluetooth interface (optional equipment, code 633)
  • Mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth interface (optional equipment, code 644)
  • USB audio interface for media player support (optional equipment, code 6FL)
  • Hands-free kit with USB audio interface (optional equipment, code 6NH)
  • Mobile phone preparation Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio interface (optional equipment, code 6NK)
  • Mobile phone preparation Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio interface including BMW Assist (optional equipment, code 6NL)
In order to be able to install this update, your car would have to be fitted with the USB Audio Interface that has, in the 'Settings'  menu the 'Software Update' option ( included in optional equipment codes 6FL, 6NH, 6NK or 6NL).

So, what does this update actually bring? It improves the quality of bluetooth communication between Mobile Devices and the car's multimedia system. Also, now, new models are supported for wireless communication with the car's iDrive system. These newly supported phone models are:

  • Apple: iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5 (iOS 5, iOS 6)
  • Blackberry (OS 6.x), Pearl, 9800, 9900
  • DoCoMo: Galaxy S SC-02B,
  • NEC MEDIAS N-04C,
  • Samsung Galaxy S II SC-02C,
  • Sharp Aquos phone SH-12C,
  • Xperia Acro SO-02C,
  • Xperia Arc SO-01C
  • HTC: Sensation, Trinity
  • LG: Enlighten VS700
  • Motorola: DROID RAZR 4G
  • Nokia: C7, N8, X7
  • Samsung: Galaxy S II (Android 2.3.3), Nexus S
  • Sharp: au IS03
  • Sony Ericsson: W205
  • Verizon Wireless: Casio C781, ZTE F450, Pantech 8992

Other changes regarding phone support are: Improved support for email messages. Improved display of text-message sender on iPhone devices with iOS 6, Improved functionality of TeleService, BMW Online and Internet for iPhone devices with iOS 5, Improved USB connection for iPhone devices with iOS 5. Improved connectivity of certain devices, better display and stability during calls, improved Bluetooth connection with HTC devices, improved sorting of the phone book in Android devices in Japan.
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