BMW Connected app launched in Singapore

Based on a flexible online platform known as the Open Mobility Cloud, BMW Connected, which is only available in Singapore, integrates the vehicle into the driver's digital life by leveraging on communications-based gadgets (principally with Apple products such as the iPhone or Apple Watch) that he or she is using. With such integration, BMW Connected can now simplify the rigours that arise from everyday driving.

With a focus on journey management, BMW Connected is designed to draw up the best driving route, thereby ensuring that the driver gets to the desired destination on time. And stress-free.

Dieter May, who helms the BMW Group's Digital Services and Business Models as the Senior Vice President, explained the rationale behind the conceptualisation of BMW Connected: “Over the coming years, digitalisation is set to have a substantial impact on how we use our cars: digital services will emerge that connect us fully with our personal world, no matter whether we’re out on the road or at home. The car will be transformed into a smart device – intelligently connected, seamlessly integrated and perfectly tuned to the individual needs of each and every user. This is precisely what the first version of BMW Connected aspires to achieve,”

With the implementation of BMW Connected, empowerment and mobility intertwined. Taking the form of an app, BMW Connected hosts a suite of functions that empowers the driver with day-to-day mobility requirements. Upon creation of a ConnectedDrive account, the driver will be taken through a short online registration process, where they will create their BMW Connected customer profile. Leveraging on some unique intelligence software, BMW Connected will commence a scan of the user's gadget for all kinds of mobility-related information, such as the addresses and arrival times contained in the gadget's calendar entries. Using real-time traffic information, the app will then notify the driver of the ideal departure time in order to arrive at their destination punctually.

BMW Connected can also source for information on specified places of interests from other apps that are installed in the driver's gadget and then transfer them to the vehicle's in-car navigation systems. In the case of hybrid and BMW i models, relevant data such as the remaining driving range or battery life can be retrieved remotely by the driver and factored into his or her journey planning. BMW Connected can also search for the locations of charging stations and convey the information directly to the in-car navigation systems.

BMW Connected is designed to send out “time to leave” notifications. These notifications will be pushed to the user’s smartphone or Apple Watch to let them know the time that they have to set off in order to arrive on time. BMW Connected is able to accurately predict the driving duration by obtaining real-time updates on the prevailing traffic situation. Any change to the traffic situation will be highlighted in colour in the app.

The “Personal Learned Destinations” function is another selling point of BMW Connected. This feature works by recognising the places that are frequented by the driver and then automatically storing them as "favourite destinations". The function is augmented by the ability of BMW Connected to recognise personal mobility patterns and habits, such as the driver's day-to-day travelling to the workplace. If abnormal traffic conditions arise, BMW Connected will alert the driver, and at the same time, put up suggestions. All in, these functions make commuting easier and more convenient.

It is no longer necessary for the driver to manually enter the destination addresses in the in-car navigation system. With BMW Connected, the vehicle's navigation system will be updated with the desired destination and arrival time once the driver climbs aboard. At the start of the journey, a pre-worded SMS message containing the current arrival time can be sent straight from the vehicle to selected contacts, such as the people attending a meeting. These configurations can be easily performed from the iDrive Controller.

In addition to what have been mentioned, BMW Connected is built with the ever-popular and familiar BMW Remote Services. This means that the driver can have access to a myriad of functionality controls. Adjusting the temperature of the car's interior, locking and unlocking the doors or operating the horn and headlight flasher, can now be controlled remotely from a smartphone via BMW Connected.

BMW is constantly refining its products and services, and it is still looking at how BMW Connected can be further refined to achieve total customer satisfaction. The customer experience of every aspect of mobility is also being continuously expanded and improved, including smart home monitoring and control and integration into other relevant digital ecosystems.

BMW will be presenting the next update of BMW Connected in the autumn at the world premiere of the next generation BMW 5 Series.

BMW Connected is now available in the Apple App Store as a free download. It can be used in BMW vehicles with the optional extra “ConnectedDrive Services” activated.

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