The feature will be available from spring 2011, coinciding with the launch of the new BMW 1 Series Coupe and new BMW 1 Series Convertible. The interface allows features such as Facebook, web radio and Twitter to be shown on the vehicle display and accessed using the iDrive Controller.
With the new 'Apps' option, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and the Navigation system Professional, the "BMW Connected" app, which is available for free from the Apple App Store, downloaded onto their iPhone, enables internet connectivity on the go. Connecting the iPhone via the USB port or the snap-in adapter will allow the content of the BMW Connected app to be shown directly on the display, which is conveniently positioned in the driver's field of view. This allows the driver to follow his Facebook or Twitter messages or listen to web radio, by means of the iDrive Controller. Preset messages allow the driver to post information such as the vehicle's speed, outside temperature and destination entered in the navigation system.
Thousands of internet radio stations around the world will be available, regardless of the vehicle's current location, through the use of this interface. The stations are neatly ordered according to country and alphabetically. The app can also store favorite stations.
BMW offers customers the option of integrating external applications into the interface. Additional functions and apps are set to follow and will be available to customers for download from the App Store.
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