BMW offers full on-board Internet access

[Z06S6]

BMW will introduce full on-board Internet access that will allow drivers to copy maps and other information directly to their navigation systems.

The service will operate via an EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) mobile connection, currently the fastest universal mobile connection available.

BMW says the service, which is part of its ConnectedDrive package, is the first of its kind to allow unrestricted Web access in an automobile.

Operating through the BMW iDrive control system, the Web can be surfed via a small joystick mouse. Information relevant to a destination can be put on the navigation system with the press of a button. For safety reasons the Internet can only be used at speeds of less than 3 mph. If the vehicle has a rear DVD system, passengers in the back seat can access the Internet when the vehicle is traveling at any speed.

Manfred Grunert, a spokesman for BMW ConnectedDrive, believes the company is responding to growing customer needs for Internet services. “Customers need Web access in the office, they need it in their private lives, so we thought, why don’t we complete that with Internet in the car too.”

The carmaker plans to start offering the factory-fitted option in Germany in September, with the United States and other European markets receiving it shortly afterward. It will be offered at no extra charge to those purchasing a ConnectedDrive package in any BMW model, but in Europe will have an unlimited mobile data tariff charge that the company estimates will cost customers about 15 euros a month, or $23 at current exchange rates. U.S. pricing details are unknown at this time.

BMW’s biggest German rivals, Mercedes Benz and Audi, told Automotive News Europe that they have no plans to offer a similar option in the near future because of a lack of customer interest.

[Z06S6]

Got info from autoweek... Not exactly something I would use, especially running on EDGE.

[golfer4life]

Why they would use EDGE does not make sense since UMTS has been around for a while now.

[mtech8]

Whats wrong with EDGE? (Sorry. Don't follow wireless technology that closely). I figure it's probably slow. But isn't slow better than non-existent?

The question would be: Is the internet that would be offered via connectedDrive's EDGE be better than surfing from a hand held mobile phone? Speed, screen resolution, overall user experience.

[rh71]

"factory-fitted" ... does that mean '09 models and later only? Retrofit? Simple software update? What's this about a small joystick - additional hardware?

Not that I'd pay any more for such a feature, but just curious.

[golfer4life]

Originally Posted by mtech8

Whats wrong with EDGE? (Sorry. Don't follow wireless technology that closely). I figure it's probably slow. But isn't slow better than non-existent?

The question would be: Is the internet that would be offered via connectedDrive's EDGE be better than surfing from a hand held mobile phone? Speed, screen resolution, overall user experience.

EDGE is slow. UMTS is available. We're already moving to LTE capable of 100mbps downloads. EDGE will be obsolete pretty soon.

We're talking downloading directions, maps etc so imagine doing this at very slow connection. You will be sitting on the side of the road waiting for your address to download. I'm better off using my UMTS connection on my 3G phone using Google maps, look up an address in seconds and punch it into the nav. All without an extra charge.

[mtech8]

Originally Posted by golfer4life

EDGE is slow. UMTS is available. We're already moving to LTE capable of 100mbps downloads. EDGE will be obsolete pretty soon.

We're talking downloading directions, maps etc so imagine doing this at very slow connection. You will be sitting on the side of the road waiting for your address to download. I'm better off using my UMTS connection on my 3G phone using Google maps, look up an address in seconds and punch it into the nav. All without an extra charge.

Thanxs for the info.

Now I don't feel so bad on pulling the trigger on a 2008 model. Full on-board internet access sounds good. But not a MUST have. Though, an updated iDrive control's extra buttons might be. I think a "back" button is really important.

[golfer4life]

Originally Posted by mtech8

Thanxs for the info.

Now I don't feel so bad on pulling the trigger on a 2008 model. Full on-board internet access sounds good. But not a MUST have. Though, an updated iDrive control's extra buttons might be. I think a "back" button is really important.

The idea was good but using old technology is stupid. If they use UTMS connection and upgrade the Idrive/Nav with touch screen and qwerty keyboard, then, having on-board internet access will attract more customers.

[Texas5]

The issue is that EDGE is available just about everywhere (at least here in the U.S.) and 3G/UTMS is only available in metro areas. (Different is Europe?)

What would really be nice is if they could make the i-drive screen usable as an internet browser connected via bluetooth to a mobile phone.

[LeMansX5]

http://www.xoutpost.com/lounge/44427-...connecteddrive