Mar 4th, 2013
The MINI Connected system is old news to MINI fans and MotoringFile readers, but for the tech world at large, people are just starting to realize what MINI is up to in this regard. Criticism abound, like they do for any tech system, but at its foundation MINI Connected is a particularly innovative system in the automotive infotainment world. Specifically, that it’s scalable and extensible with new apps and updates delivered right through your iPhone. Has MINI gotten every detail right? Of course not, but the fact that the system can be updated in a matter of months, rather than years, is a huge leap forward in automotive tech.
Online tech magazine Engadget was on hand for the Paceman launch a few weeks ago, but in their review they chose to focus on the technological aspects of MINI’s new two door:
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Mar 1st, 2013
Official News from MINI: MINI provides the perfect stage for show-stealing driving fun, but it is down to the driver to deliver the perfect performance. And now the Driving Excitement Analyser from MINI Connected is on hand to highlight just how skilfully and safely drivers are exploiting the potential of their new MINI. This innovative and globally unique function assesses how safely drivers can accelerate and steer the car, and how well planned their gear changes and braking can be. The results are displayed on the onboard monitor, with Experience Points (XP) awarded for sporty but safe driving. The Driving Excitement Analyser is another addition to the existing Driving Excitement suite of features and therefore included in the MINI Connected App update, which drivers can access in their MINI via their iPhone. The free update will be available from March 2013 from the Apple App Store and can be uploaded into the car via an iPhone.
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Oct 17th, 2012
A topic of discussion under the White Roof lately has been whether or not the iPhone 5 works with MINI Connected. We discussed it at length over the past few shows. Finally, with some testing done, it can be reported that MINI Connected does work with the iPhone 5 as we discussed during Woofcast 441.
We originally heard that the iPhone 5 wouldn’t be supported at this time. Apple isn’t making the connector available to OEMs until November. Once it is available, testing and further development can begin and it’s being reported that a final solution will not be available until mid 2013. We are not sure what those updates will entail.
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Sep 15th, 2012
BMW and MINI have both diversified their smartphone integration that started with iOS to include the Android platform. Yet the iPhone and iOS remain the most important mobile platform for either brand. So it only makes sense for us (and many of you) to take note when Apple releases a completely new iPhone. Especially one that includes a new connector. So what does it mean for current an future MINI owners? Read on to find out.
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Aug 24th, 2012
A new update to MINI Connected is available for download through iTunes. Existing users should see the update as available on their iPhones as well. Enhancements include updates to Foursquare functionality, access to your iPhone calendar and new features in the MINIMALISM Analyser. Full update description after the jump.
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Aug 6th, 2012
Beginning today, owners of BMW models equipped with the Apps option and MINI models equipped with MINI Connected can enjoy a fully integrated Stitcher SmartRadio™ app experience in their vehicle. Stitcher SmartRadio is the mobile leader in on?demand news, entertainment, sports and talk radio, delivering over 10,000 radio shows and live stations to customers around the globe. continued →
Jul 10th, 2012
It’s been two years since MINI and BMW released the first automotive app-based integration of the iPhone. The system allows apps on the iPhone to be fully integrated into the car’s display complete with automotive-grade usability and functionality. Today BMW is opening up that platform and allowing third-party developers to introduce their own applications. And based on the systems being identical, we expect MINI to do the same.
Apps extend the range of in-car services using the smartphone, making it possible to use features such as web radio, GoogleTM Local Search or Facebook safely and easily in the vehicle. But that’s just the start, as the application-based concept is designed to allow the use of “external” apps, paving the way for third-party services to be integrated into BMW and MINI models. With these third-party apps, the range of functions can basically be expanded at will: updating the app or installing another compatible app simply adds new functions, without having to make any modifications to the vehicle itself. continued →
