Feb 24th, 2014
If you want to know what technology BMW is about to release in production form, BMW’s Innovation Days is your answer. It’s an annual program where the brand opens its doors and discusses what it’s working on and what we will likely see on the showroom floors in the coming years from both BMW and MINI. This year, as you might expect, it was all about BMWi and technology associated with it. As always we’ll have more on the topics in the coming months as they move from the lab to production.
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Feb 23rd, 2014
It’s been well known that BMW was dabbling in carbon fiber wheels and that we’d eventually see them on cars such as the i8. What we didn’t know was when we’d see them across the model range. Auto Express had a chance to speak with a few folks at BMW who shed light on the companies plans.
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Nov 26th, 2013
Official Release: The latest music app to launch on MINI Connected offers Amazon customers a convenient way of accessing their audio files on the online store’s Cloud server, using their smartphone in conjunction with the MINI hub. It can be downloaded for free from the App Store and installed in the vehicle via the customer’s Apple iPhone.
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Nov 18th, 2013
Good news for Android users. With the launch of the F56, MINI has finally integrated Android support into its MINI Connected infotainment system. On the F56, the MINI Connected option will be available in conjunction with the “Visual Boost Radio” and the MINI navigation system.
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Jul 31st, 2013
Since the advent of the iPhone 5, MINI owners with MINI Connected have had one consistent question for us here at MotoringFile: when will MINI update the center armrest dock to fit the taller iPhone 5? Well we finally have an answer. We’d heard unofficially that “late summer” would see a new dock adapter available for the MINI. We’ve now received confirmation that the planned release date is in late August of this year. Your local MINI dealer parts desk should be able to order in the parts even now. Let us know how your install goes.
Jun 3rd, 2013
[UPDATE: We've received official confirmation from MINI USA that the Cooper ALL4 version of the Paceman and Countryman will not be coming to the US Market at present.]
Previously, MINI’s exceptional all-wheel-drive system, ALL4, has only been available as an option on the Cooper S, and (where available) diesel versions of the Countryman and Paceman. It comes standard on the JCW version of both cars. That’s changing, however. Starting in July, the Cooper versions of both the Countryman and the Paceman will also be available with optional ALL4, extending this popular option to a new place in the model range. On the one hand, this provides a more affordable, more fuel-efficient AWD option in the MINI lineup — maximizing traction for people who feel the need for extra grip.
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Apr 1st, 2013
April 1st 2013, Munich. Official Release: Now for something a little more romantic. The latest version of the MINI Connected App is playing cupid to make MINI fans’ dreams of finding the perfect partner come true. Connect Us is like nothing else out there on planet dating – and can only be used in a MINI. This is not just the world’s speediest dating service, it is also the most reliable. Here, at last, is a matchmaker that goes beyond personal interests, favourite activities and how you like to spend your free time – and gets down to the nitty-gritty: driving style. Connect Us compares how drivers like to treat their accelerator, steering wheel and brakes (as deduced by the MINI Driving Excitement Analyser) in the search for a compatible co-driver on the journey of love. Only if it detects a meeting of minds on the matter of driving fun will the app oil the wheels of romance between MINI fans. The Driving Excitement Analyser function of the MINI Connected App has been available for several weeks as a free download from the Apple App Store. But make sure you don’t take your eyes off the road just when things are getting interesting; the Connect Us, ahem, “update” can be downloaded on one day only: 1 April 2013. continued →
