BMW iPad Holders and WiFi Hotspot

The 2010 Paris Auto Show will not only be the setting for the world debut of the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe, but it will also see the German manufacturer bring a series of technological innovations to its ConnectedDrive service. These are meant to offer additional convenience, extended functionality and a higher level of integration for safe in-car use of mobile devices.

New possibilities for online use are opened up by the WiFi hotspot function that provides rear-seat passengers using a notebook or iPad with wireless Internet access while on the move. This function is available from autumn 2010 both as an option from BMW ConnectedDrive and as a retrofit item from the Original BMW Accessories range.

A data-enabled SIM card is either placed directly into the BMW Car Hotspot or fitted in a mobile phone with SIM Access Profile (SAP) which is integrated into the vehicle via the snap-in adapter. The encrypted WiFi connection then allows the passengers to surf the Internet using suitably equipped devices.

A stable online connection with virtually 100 percent coverage is provided by the transition between the UMTS and GSM networks, and the connection is enhanced by the external vehicle aerial. Moreover, using the BMW Car Hotspot leads to a reduction in radiation levels inside the vehicle and extends the battery life of the mobile device.

The BMW holder for the Apple iPad will be making its debut on the new BMW X3 and will be available for all other model series from spring 2011. Turning the holder by 90 degrees in either direction allows the position of the iPad to be adapted to the desired usage. The introduction of a new interface technology in 2011 will enable all new BMW models to support the new iPod Out function of iOS 4.