MINI Connected Debuts for Android
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.
While the Android platform support is new, MINI Connected continues to offer significant smartphone integration in the car. The system piggy-backs your smartphone’s data connection, allowing the use of online services for infotainment, communication and aids to the driver experience. These services are provided via apps with functional diversity that is being continuously expanded. In future, both the MINI Connected App and the so-called MINI Connected “ready” Apps supplied by third-party providers will be available for both Android and iOS.
<p>Unfortunately “Connected” is an overall poor experience.
The UI is generally cumbersome and often times contradictory.
The “Connected Apps” actually switch out of the MINI Connected application, resetting the state when you return.
The switching between apps is quite slow.
The features that <em>launched</em> with Connected are still bug ridden (Mission Control, I’m looking at you)
In fact, I would argue that the entire Visual Boost UI is depressingly bad and should be replaced it it’s entirety. Take for example the Radio feature.
Something as simple as displaying the RDS info for a particular station requires navigating in to sub menus, it doesn’t retain it’s state after the car is turned off, and the RDS information often fails to update or display all the information.</p>
<p>And no, this isn’t a by-product of a poor quality signal or misconfigured RDS transmission, I had an R53 with H/K, a new Ford Taurus with Sync and a 2012 Countryman with Connected/Boost. The R53 and Ford both displayed the information correctly (and easily), whereas the Countryman kept defaulting to the station ID.
And don’t even get me started on BMW and their apathy towards Snap-In adapters.</p>
<p>Finally the German overlords wake up and accept Android!</p>
<p>This was actually one reason I never really wanted to upgrade to a newer 2nd Gen. I love my NAV in my earlier 2nd Gen MINI but was going to be upset to not have all the features work with my Android devices in a newer one.</p>
<p>Do you know if this applies to previous gen Mini Connected? We have two that we can’t use…</p>
<p>No, it won’t apply. The F56 has a new system with new hardware and software.</p>
<p>This article from 2011 is still accurate: <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/12/12/android-apps-not-coming-soon-to-minis/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/12/12/android-apps-not-coming-soon-to-minis/</a></p>
<p>Really Honestly I have the new Mini, I got it with the Mini Connected package
and not the Connected XL package, seeing that even the salesman thought
that I could just use my phones gps and mirror/send to my Mini
Connected… so now you sit with apps Like Glympse, Foursquare, etc that
is totally useless because you don’t have the built in GPS, why can the
Journey Mate, Glypse etc apps pre-load the routes and maps when it is
not connected to my mini but as soon as you connect it to the car is
says you need the Connected XL package. I understand that the integrated
GPS is far moresuperior to that of my iPhone, but why not just give the
option of a basic (“watered down”) functionality for those who wish to
use their phones….it’s seriously ridiculous. The Renault Cleo, and
Vauxhall/Opel Adam and various other not so premium less pricey less
stylish, and less trendy vehicles allow you to mirror your phone…
It’s ridiculous and just plain stupid !!</p>