Munich. The launch of the new generation of MINI
Connected takes the intelligent link-up of the vehicle, driver and
outside world into a new dimension. The introduction of the upgraded
technology sees MINI Connected start a new journey beyond the familiar
in-car infotainment functions to include a personal mobility assistant
which can also help with personal mobility planning outside the car as
part of an integrated concept. Based on a flexible platform – the Open
Mobility Cloud – MINI Connected weaves the car smoothly into the MINI
driver’s digital life via the Apple iPhone, as well as Android-based
smartphones in the future.
At the heart of MINI Connected, which has been available as a free
download from the Apple App Store since 3 November 2016, is innovative
journey management. This uses a seamless connection between a
customer’s MINI and their iPhone to enable personal mobility planning.
MINI Connected therefore acts as a personal mobility assistant that
facilitates the everyday planning of appointments and sharing of
destinations with the vehicle, and in so doing makes it even easier
and more convenient to enjoy stress-free driving fun and on-time arrival.
The first version of MINI Connected, which has been launched as an
app alongside the presentation of the new MINI Countryman, sees the
personal mobility assistant performing a host of different tasks.
Accessing the user’s calendar and appointment reminders, searching for
new or recent destinations and determining the ideal time to leave for
a trip are all taken care of by MINI Connected’s journey management
technology. As with BMW Connected, the personalised mobility assistant
is underpinned by a flexible platform (the Open Mobility Cloud) which
can incorporate not only the car itself but also the driver’s
touchpoint devices, depending on chosen options and MINI generation –
via Bluetooth or a USB connection.
MINI Connected knows your appointments, destinations and
expected journey time.
The new functions of MINI Connected take into account that mobility
starts far in advance of entering the car and that driving is always
most enjoyable when stress, traffic jams and onerous searches for the
correct route can be avoided. Addresses and appointments which drivers
have stored in their calendars serve as the basis for personal
planning and MINI Connected automatically brings them on board. MINI
Connected takes the current location and pre-set destination, and
factors in real-time information on the traffic situation to determine
the ideal time to leave – and sends users a timely alert in the form
of a notification on their smartphone.
MINI Connected launches the navigation system and shows the
way ahead.
As soon as the connection between the car and the user’s device has
been established, calendar entries are automatically synced and the
navigation system starts. Route guidance can therefore begin
straightaway and without having to enter the destination all over
again. And MINI Connected also offers the option of carrying over
places and points of interest from other apps in order to transfer
them to the car as destinations for the navigation system, together
with the desired arrival time.
MINI Connected is a good learner.
MINI Connected can store locations the user has driven to
several times as favourite destinations and recognise trips made
regularly – such as the daily route between home and work – so that
it can keep the driver informed in advance regarding unusual traffic
hold-ups along the route. And information on the vehicle status also
assists personal mobility planning. For example, the driver can use
MINI Connected on their device to check the amount of fuel in their
MINI’s tank and the estimated driving range based in this result,
allowing them to plan any necessary fuel stops. For the MINI
Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, a hybrid-specific function is added to
the service which, in addition to the battery charge and fuel tank
level, also displays the range available on electric power alone and
the overall range of the car.
As of now MINI Connected has been available as a free download
from the Apple App Store in the following countries: USA, Germany,
Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg,
Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland,
Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand,
South Africa, Brazil and Singapore. Regular updates will add even
more features over time that improve the mobility experience of MINI customers.
In case of queries please contact:
Corporate Communications
Nadja Horn, Spokesperson Digitalization / Connectivity Digital
Services BMW Group Innovation and Design Communications Telephone:
+49-89-382-57185 Email: nadja.horn@bmwgroup.com
Cypselus von Frankenberg Head of BMW Group Innovation and Design
Communication Tel.: +49-89-382-30641 Email: presse@bmw.de Pressroom: www.press.bmwgroup.com