Way before the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show kicked off, BMW said that it will be bringing a plethora of new technologies to its stand. However, we didn’t expect such a huge number of them, to be honest. Amongst the previously announced features was also the new over-the-air update system for the navigation maps.
Available for the Navigation system Professional, its latest version will now feature automatic navigation maps updates via the BMW ConnectedDrive suite.
Thanks to the built-in SIM card the cars come with the data is transmitted over the air via the mobile phone network, without any additional charges or transmission fees for the end user.
That’s right, the update will be free, unlike older versions that had to be updated via a DVD or by visiting a BMW Dealership. However, not only the maps will be updated but also route planning algorithms. Basically, along with new roads that are added to the system, the on-board computer can also include them in travel patterns to get you to your destination in a timely manner.
The system will be updating itself automatically, a couple of times a year, whenever a new map version becomes available. The update progress will be shown on the iDrive/Control Display while it’s underway. Of course, all navigation functions will still be available while this process takes place.
Thanks to the built-in SIM card the cars come with the data is transmitted over the air via the mobile phone network, without any additional charges or transmission fees for the end user.
That’s right, the update will be free, unlike older versions that had to be updated via a DVD or by visiting a BMW Dealership. However, not only the maps will be updated but also route planning algorithms. Basically, along with new roads that are added to the system, the on-board computer can also include them in travel patterns to get you to your destination in a timely manner.
The system will be updating itself automatically, a couple of times a year, whenever a new map version becomes available. The update progress will be shown on the iDrive/Control Display while it’s underway. Of course, all navigation functions will still be available while this process takes place.