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Found 48 results

  1. Chasethebase
    Apple releases iOS 17.1.1 to fix issues with BMW wireless charging by Steve Bennett Today, Apple has released iOS 17.1.1 over the air to eligible iPhones and iPads which fixes numerous bugs, but most notably, fixes the issue that would render iPhone 15 devices unable to make use of their NFC chips after wirelessly charging in BMW cars. The issue, which would affect Apple Pay as well as other NFC functionality, most commonly affected users of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max devices. Users reported that they managed to get their devices replaced by Apple when the issue first became known in early October, as the devices would go into recovery mode and lock users out of services. The update also fixes the Weather Lock Screen widget, which had a bug that would not display the snowy weather condition correctly as well as other un-reported bug fixes included in the update, which is available for the following devices: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max iPhone Xr iPhone SE (2nd generation, 3rd generation) Additionally, Apple is currently beta testing iOS 17.2 which includes multiple new features that were announced back at WWDC, such as the Journal app and Collaborative Playlists within Apple Music. Journal can be viewed on the App Store already however it has a compatibility flag only allowing it to be installed on devices running iOS 17.2 or above. Apple has also rolled out the watchOS 10.1.1 update today, which fixes the battery drain bug on certain Apple Watch models, which began after the launch of watchOS 10.1 and Apple later confirmed would be fixed in a future software release. It has also updated iPadOS to version 17.1.1, macOS Ventura to version 13.6.2 and macOS Sonoma to version 14.1.1.
  2. Aditya Tiwari
    iPhone 15's NFC chip reportedly breaking down after charging via BMW cars by Aditya Tiwari iPhone 15's overheating problem is yet to cool down and another issue has started making rounds on social media platforms. Multiple users reported that the NFC chip stopped working on their brand new iPhone 15 units after charging the devices with the wireless charging pad on their BMW cars (via MacRumors). As per reports, a "Could Not Set Up Apple Pay" error message appears in the Wallet app on the affected devices due to the issue, whose exact cause is yet to be determined. For the uninitiated, the NFC (Near-field Communication) chip on iPhones powers various features like Apple Pay and digital car keys. MacRumors notes that a majority of complaints related to the issue are from iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max owners. But there is a chance the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus could be prone to the issue. It's not known which BMW models are affected due to the issue. Some users managed to get a replacement. However, there is a chance the problem might resurface on the replaced unit. As per user reports, affected devices would go into recovery mode for varying amounts of time and may lock users out of services like Apple Cash, Apple Card, digital key, etc. "I received a replacement. Same thing happened again and the phone kept randomly going into restore mode for, each time for 90+ minutes. I returned the 15 pro today and am back to my 14 pro, which doesn’t have any of the issues despite being used with the same wireless chargers, cars, and similar phone case," a user wrote. Apple launched the iPhone 15 series last month and the devices have been in the news for various reasons ever since. There have been reports about discoloration on iPhone 15 Pro's titanium alloy frame which was followed by the overheating issue that Apple will fix in an upcoming software update.
  3. Usama Jawad96
    Here are all the new features now available in Android Auto by Usama Jawad Android Auto is an experience that Google unveiled for cars back in 2014. In a nutshell, it allows you to connect your phone with your car's display. Given the company's notoriety for killing off products in their nascent stage, it seems like Android Auto has been a successful piece of innovation for it so far - even though the Android Auto experience for phone screens was axed with Android 12. Now, the firm has unveiled a set of new features now available for Android Auto customers. The design for the Android Auto experience has been revamped with increased focus on improved navigation, communication, and playing audio content. This is done by relocating Maps closer to the driver's seat, a Material You-based media card to show album art, a quick launcher to start recent apps, and split screen layouts that are compatible with different screen sizes. In terms of new features, we have smart suggestions from Google Assistant about missed call reminders, faster access to music, and quick arrival time sharing. Additionally, you can leverage shortcuts to quickly call your favorite contacts and respond to messages. And it's surprising that this has not been supported since launch, but Android Auto finally has a seekable progress bar for skipping parts of music and podcasts. Owners of the latest Pixel and Samsung phones will also be pleased to know that they can make WhatsApp calls, with the capability slated to arrive for more devices in the future. Moreover, digital key sharing is coming to Samsung and Xiaomi handsets and more car brands soon. Right now, they are only supported on BMWs across Pixel and iPhone devices. Google also talked about some improvements from its partner ecosystem, summarized below: High-quality maps and navigation The Waze app is now available on select Renault vehicles and is headed to more cars with Google built-in. Google’s new HD map is now available in select new cars with Google built-in, starting with the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. The HD map delivers precise road details like lane markers, signs and road barriers to support automakers' assisted and autonomous driving technology for safer, more hands-free driving on select roadways. More entertainment While you’re waiting for curbside pickup or charging your EV, the car screen is a great place to catch up on shows or movies. With Tubi and MGM+ already available on Google Play, we’ll soon be offering YouTube and more. Expanded choices With the recently announced 2023 Accord Touring model, Honda joins a growing list of brands offering cars with Google built-in that includes Volvo Cars, Polestar, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Renault. Expect even more choices from brands like Ford and Lincoln later in 2023 as well. All of the aforementioned features have started rolling out today, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.
  4. zikalify
    Amazon helps disrupt counterfeit networks that infringed on BMW, Hugo Boss, and more by Paul Hill Amazon has helped to disrupt three counterfeit networks that were selling fake luxury products, sports apparel, and automotive accessories. The retail giant said that brands that were infringed upon included BMW, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, and Under Armour. Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU) provided China’s local Public Security Bureaus (PSBs) with information about the three operation which led to the seizure of 240,000 counterfeit items in the Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces. Now the products have been seized, they will not make it onto Amazon or other online stores. Commenting on the matter, Kebharu Smith, associate general counsel and director of the Amazon Counterfeit Crime Unit, said: “Our efforts to identify and dismantle counterfeit organizations are working. We appreciate law enforcement acting on our referrals and thoroughly pursuing these cases. These outcomes protect Amazon customers, disrupt the counterfeit supply chain, and halt their illicit proceeds.” Amazon’s CCU provided authorities with information such as warehouse locations and manufacturing facilities. This led to the successful identification of these operations as well as their upstream suppliers. The ring leaders of the operations have been detained by the PSBs to be investigated further. With this, Amazon has now helped to seize 3 million counterfeit products in total.
  5. Fiza Ali
    Seoul Robotics converts non-autonomous cars into self-driving vehicles by Fiza Ali A South Korean Software company, Seoul Robotics, is employing NVIDIA technology to convert non-autonomous cars into self-driving vehicles. Rather than positioning its Level 5 Control Tower, dubbed LV5 CTRL TWR, which is a mesh network of sensors and computers, on individual cars, the system is placed on infrastructures around a facility like buildings or light poles to get a holistic view of the environment. Seoul Robotics' Vice President of Product and Solutions, Jerone Floor, commented on the autonomy through infrastructure approach, stating: Instead of outfitting the vehicles themselves with sensors, we’re outfitting the surrounding infrastructure with sensors. No matter how smart a vehicle is, if another car is coming from around a corner, for example, it won’t be able to see it. LV5 CTRL TWR provides vehicles with the last bits of information gathered from having a holistic view of the environment, so they’re never ‘blind.’ By directing the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, Seoul Robotics' LV5 CTRL TWR platform, which is in early commercial deployment at a BMW manufacturing facility in Munich, allows the cars to move autonomously. The V2X technology aids in enhancing road safety, traffic efficiency, and energy savings. Currently, the company is focusing on first- and last-mile logistics such as parking. LV5 CTRL TWR accumulates 3D data from the environment with the help of cameras and lidar. The accumulated data is then analyzed by computer vision, and deep learning-based AI to determine efficient and safe paths for vehicles within the range. Afterward, to move the car from one place to another, it uses V2X technology to control its existing features including adaptive-cruise-control, lane-keeping, and brake-assist functions. The LV5 CTRL TWR platform has been developed using NVIDIA CUDA libraries for producing GPU-accelerated applications, along with the Jetson AGX Orin module for high-performance at the edge. For global fleet path planning, NVIDIA GPUs are employed in the cloud.
  6. Jay Bonggolto
    Apple hires former CEO and co-founder of an electric vehicle company by Jay Bonggolto Image via Canoo Reports about Apple developing an electric vehicle to compete with Tesla and other EV manufacturers popped up in 2015 after CEO Tim Cook reportedly gave his go-signal a year prior. The tech giant went on to hire top talent to fill positions for its EV project codenamed Titan and poached key people from other firms, including Doug Betts, who was quality lead at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The project was later discontinued. Now, Apple may be reviving its EV ambitions. The company confirmed that it has recruited Ulrich Kranz, formerly the senior executive at BMW AG’s electric car division. He was also the co-founder and CEO of Canoo, an EV company based in Torrance, California. Citing sources privy to the matter, Bloomberg reports that Kranz will help oversee Apple's EV project. Kranz joined Apple approximately a month after he left Canoo. Prior to his role at Canoo, Kranz served as a Senior Vice President at BMW, where he worked for three decades, as per his LinkedIn profile. He developed some of the firm's vehicles, including the BMW i3 and the i8. In 2016, Kranz left BMW to provide consultation services for an investment firm and EV startups. Apple's move to hire someone with decades of automotive experience marks the company's growing EV push. Kranz will report directly to Doug Field, a former Tesla executive who now leads Apple’s car project. That said, it might take a couple of years before we see an actual Apple vehicle on the road, seeing as the effort is still in its infancy. Source: Bloomberg
  7. Abhay V
    Android Auto now available for eligible BMW vehicles by Abhay Venkatesh Google unveiled Android Auto back in 2014, and ever since, vehicle manufacturers have been integrating support for the technology in their cars. The offering itself has evolved in the years, with support for wireless connections – albeit for a limited number of devices – arriving in 2018. However, one major carmaker that held out on adding support for Google’s offering was BMW. That changed in December last year, as the company announced that it will be adding support for Android Auto in July 2020. With July almost coming to an end, BMW customers with cars running BMW Operating System 7.0 have begun receiving the update. Android Police reports that their car had to be updated from a service center. It is not clear if only select models need a visit to authorized service centers. As announced last year, support for Android Auto comes only in the wireless form, and users cannot use the functionality via a wired connection. The service integrates with the entire digital cockpit, which means that apps such as Google Maps will be able to display information on the digital drivers’ display and the heads-up display. While the addition of Android Auto is a welcome addition for customers of one of the world’s largest carmakers, there are a few downsides. Firstly, the omission of support for wired connections means that only a handful of devices from Samsung and Google can be used with the system. Additionally, the experience is reportedly buggy. The Android Police report adds that the phone lost connection frequently and there was a noticeable lag in switching between songs on Spotify. Eligible cars include all models that are running the BMW Operating System 7.0 or newer. It is possible that some 2020 models – such as the new 5-series – could have shipped with support built-in. You can head to the Remote Software Upgrade menu in the car to search for upgrades - in case it is being made available via an over-the-air upgrade. However, if you do not see an update, you might have to get the upgrade installed from a service center. BMW has not provided the specifics of how the update is supposed to be distributed.
  8. indospot
    Android Auto is coming to BMW vehicles in 2020, but only wirelessly by João Carrasqueira Android Auto has been around for a few years now and expanded to a few brands of car manufacturers over time. One notable omission so far, though, has been BMW, one of the largest carmakers in the world. That's set to change soon, though, as BMW USA has announced it will be adding support for Google's connected car technology in mid-2020. Not only will Android Auto provide the typical experience you'd expect from it, the feature will also integrate seamlessly with BMW's "fully digital cockpit". That means you don't just get information shown in the central display of the car, but also in the instruments panel above the steering wheel, and even the heads-up display that's projected towards the bottom of the windshield. This should help minimize distractions. A possible downside to this is that the feature will only work wirelessly, so there's no support for Android Auto in wired mode, something that's strongly suggested by BMW's press release and confirmed by Android Police. This limits you to a handful of phones that support Android Auto in wireless mode, including the Galaxy S8 and Note8 series and later, or Google's own Pixel devices, plus the Nexus 5X and 6P. Interestingly, the Pixel 4 isn't mentioned on the list of compatible devices, though this could be an oversight. Support for Android Auto will be available for all BMW vehicles that have the BMW Operating System 7.0. You'll be able to see it in action at CES early next year.
  9. Jim K
    Full article at TheDrive tl:dr ... Instead of charging $300 for AirPlay, BMW is thinking about an annual subscription of $80 (first year free). (sarcasm to follow) Next up, subscriptions to use anti-lock brakes and seat belts. Using the AC requires a cruise control subscription.
  10. Stergios Georgopoulos
    BMW teams up with Tencent to build computing center in China for autonomous vehicles by Stergios Georgopoulos By law, foreign companies doing business in China are forbidden from hosting Chinese-origin data without local partnerships. To that end, German luxury car manufacturer BMW has joined forces with Chinese tech conglomerate Tencent to build a computing center in China that will support the development of self-driving cars for the world’s largest automotive market. The partnership will not involve Tencent’s own self-driving technology, as BMW uses equipment from Intel-owned Mobileye for its autonomous vehicles. Instead, the pair will build a computing center in the eastern city of Tianjin that will be responsible for handling all the data produced by the myriad of sensors that self-driving vehicles depend on. The new center will leverage Tencent’s cloud computing capabilities and provide the German automaker with vast amounts of computing power to analyze real-time road and traffic conditions. The center will also enable the company to “develop autonomous driving solutions that fit better with the specific driving conditions in China,” Jochen Goller, head of BMW’s China operations, said in a statement. The Chinese computing center is expected to come online by the end of the year and follows the launch of a similar computing center in Munich, where the automaker is headquartered, which began operations earlier this year. The two companies did not disclose any financial details about the deal. Source and Image: Reuters
  11. zikalify
    Microsoft and BMW launch the Open Manufacturing Platform to drive innovation by Paul Hill Microsoft and BMW have today, announced the Open Manufacturing Platform (OMP) in order to speed up innovation in the manufacturing sector, specifically with a focus on industrial IoT. The two firms hope that the move can break down the barriers between complex, proprietary systems used in manufacturing. OMP is built atop the Microsoft Azure industrial IoT cloud platform, it will be used as a reference architecture to help firms work together to drive developments. Right now, only Microsoft and BMW are involved but by the end of the year the goal is to have four to six partners in place with 15 use cases rolled out into “select production environments.” Discussing OMP, Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, Microsoft Cloud + AI Group, said: “Microsoft is joining forces with the BMW Group to transform digital production efficiency across the industry. Our commitment to building an open community will create new opportunities for collaboration across the entire manufacturing value chain.” Speaking for BMW, Oliver Zipse, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said: “Mastering the complex task of producing individualized premium products requires innovative IT and software solutions. The interconnection of production sites and systems as well as the secure integration of partners and suppliers are particularly important. We have been relying on the cloud since 2016 and are consistently developing new approaches. With the Open Manufacturing Platform as the next step, we want to make our solutions available to other companies and jointly leverage potential in order to secure our strong position in the market in the long term.” Some concrete issues that OMP will address include machine connectivity and on-premises systems integration. Partners will be able to reuse software solutions allowing them to cut down on costs and speed up their development. As mentioned earlier, Microsoft and BMW want several additional partners by the end of the year and have now begun the process of seeking them out.
  12. zikalify
    Apple looking to buy cobalt direct from miners by Paul Hill Apple is believed to be in talks to buy long-term supplies of cobalt directly from miners. The company is said to be making the move in order to guarantee that it will have enough of the key battery component. There are fears that battery-material supplies will become scarce as the number of electric vehicles increases. According to Darton Commodities, cobalt use in electric vehicles and other lithium-ion battery applications was at 48,900 tonnes in 2016, and raised to 55,400 tonnes in 2017. The figure is expected to skyrocket to 159,900 tonnes in 2025 and to 324,300 tonnes in 2030. By securing a deal directly with miners, Apple can ensure that it can continue the steady production of iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. A confidential source, speaking to Bloomberg, claimed that Apple is seeking to establish contracts to secure several thousand metric tonnes of cobalt per year for the next five years or more. The talks began over a year ago but it’s not certain that Apple will take a deal in the end. On it’s part, Apple declined to comment on the issue. Apple is competing with the likes of BMW AG, Volkswagen AG, and Samsung SDI Co. to sign multi-year contracts with cobalt miners. South Korea’s top oil refiner, SK Innovation Co., agreed to a deal this week of $3.9 billion with Australian Mines Ltd. BMW is also close to securing a 10-year supply deal. In 2016, Apple and Samsung came under fire from Amnesty International after it alleged that the two phone makers were buying cobalt from mines that use child labour. As a response, Apple said that it would not use cobalt from small-scale mines in Congo until it could verify that “appropriate protections” were in place. Source: Bloomberg
  13. Oscar S
    BMW wants to build an AI managed Hyperloop for e-bikes by Richard Tyr Blewitt BMW has paired up with Tongji University in a plan for the future called Vision E3 Way, a futuristic AI-managed elevated electric bike pathway system designed for congested cities. It might not be suitable for North American cities that rely largely on cars for transport, but might work best in somewhere like Shanghai where lots of people already use bikes. The concept envisions a network of elevated tunnels that traverse a city and avoid their busy roadways. These elevated tunnels will obviously offer e-cyclists a less traffic-congested way to get across town that also isn't affected by weather. The tunnels will not get too hot or cold as they will use captured rainwater for a climate control system throughout. Even if there is a buildup of other e-cyclists within the tunnels, an AI management system will regulate the network by raising or lowering barriers at the entry points. To ensure everything goes smoothly, there will also be a 15.5 mph speed limit and normal bikes will not be allowed. The designers want this to be the fastest form of travel for distances of around 15 km in a city center, so assumedly normal bikes won't be allowed because they might clog up the path if a normal cyclist is slower than the electric bikes and scooters. Potential e-cyclists will not be able to use this for free though, as there will be a distance-based fee that will be linked to users' phones. Alternatively, e-cyclists might also not own the e-bikes they use in the system and they could rent them as many people already do with the Boris bikes of London. Some of the designers quite boldly describe this as their version of the Hyperloop. Overall it seems like an e-bike alternative to a subway because users have to access the system from set points and can't exit at just any point on the route. The concept isn't that complicated. It's really just a raised bike path, but building elevated tunnels that stretch across whole swathes of the city is surely going to be the biggest challenge. However, BMW and the university insist that they will be able to get around this challenge by prefabricating the tunnel segments. The coming of autonomous electric cars is inevitable and the fact that a major car maker like BMW is behind this e-bike initiative certainly adds to the notion that transportation as we know it is going to be substantially different in the future. Source: Automotive News Europe |Image via Wired
  14. nunesgh
    Fiat Chrysler will join BMW, Intel and Mobileye to develop autonomous driving platform by Gabriel Nunes Late last week, Intel announced the completion of its $15.3 billion all-cash bid for Mobileye, a company which develops technology for autonomous vehicles. Following that announcement, Intel also disclosed its plans to build a fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles for testing in the United States, Israel, and Europe, which will be built by Mobileye. Intel's uttermost goal with the acquisition is to deliver a complete “car-to-cloud” system. In order to do so, Intel and Mobileye first joined forces with BMW back in July 2016 in a partnership with the goal of "bringing fully autonomous driving to streets by 2021". On August 16, Intel announced Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will also be joining the partnership, bringing with it "engineering and other technical resources and expertise to the cooperation, as well as its significant sales volumes, geographic reach and longtime experience in North America". As stated by Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG: With FCA as our new partner, we reinforce our path to successfully create the most relevant state-of-the-art, cross-OEM Level 3-5 solution on a global scale. The cooperation, since its beginning back in 2016, aims at developing solutions for highly automated driving (Level 3) and fully automated driving (Level 4/5) for production by 2021. Furthermore, the deployment by the partnership of 40 autonomous test vehicles on the road by the end of 2017 is also on-track, a fleet apart from that announced by Intel last week. Source and image: Intel
  15. gcaw
    Microsoft and BMW are bringing Skype for Business to 5 Series cars by Andy Weir Earlier this year, German automotive giant BMW showcased its connected car vision, with Microsoft's digital assistant Cortana at the heart of the experience. Today, the two companies have announced an expansion of their collaboration. BMW already uses Microsoft's Azure cloud technologies to power its BMW Connected companion through a jointly developed platform called Open Mobility. BMW's latest 5 Series cars, which launched in December, were among the first to integrate Office 365 services through Microsoft Exchange, for "drivers who already rely on Office 365 at work and want to extend the services to their car." At BMW's annual Innovation Days event in Chicago today, it announced that it's expanding on that existing offering with the addition of Skype for Business, "making Skype meetings available in car." Skype for Business will be built into BMW's iDrive system, and will launch initially in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, "with other markets coming soon." Microsoft explained today: At Microsoft, we believe that cars should be more than just a ride, and also be a personal office on wheels, helping people be productive and giving them time back to enjoy their lives. Our partners at BMW share that philosophy and have positioned the company for a future where the nature of work is more mobile. BMW isn't the only automaker to be working closely with Microsoft. In December, Volvo announced plans to bring Skype for Business to its 90 Series cars; and in January, Renault-Nissan embraced Microsoft's Connected Vehicle Platform. Source: Microsoft
  16. nunesgh
    More automakers choose Microsoft as their connected car partner by Gabriel Nunes At CES 2017, Microsoft made significant progress in developing its automotive vision, revealing numerous partnerships across the car industry. The week started with hints from Nissan about exciting news to be announced regarding Microsoft's Cortana digital assistant, and has finished with detailed news about the company's Connected Vehicle Platform. The Connected Vehicle Platform is an Azure-powered service developed by Microsoft to help automakers deal with this era of always-connected customers. As explained by the company in a press release: "The infrastructure and scale required to build a connected car is incredibly complicated, expensive and resource intensive. At its core, it’s a software challenge, and a chief obstacle for these brands is integrating the complex cloud technology required to deliver next-generation driving experiences." The Azure platform, a $15 billion investment in 38 regions and with more than 200 services available worldwide, is Microsoft's powerful cloud solution and one of its biggest bets for the future. It's in the core of the current company's motto: "Cloud first, Mobile first." So it's no surprise that Microsoft wants to encourage every possible industry to harness its power, and the multi-billion dollar auto industry is no exception. So, what is the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform? According to the company, it offers an open, flexible and consistent approach for automakers. OEMs are free to use the hardware and software they choose, and the platform is designed to evolve, and incorporate the latest technologies as they develop. Microsoft also gave some sample scenarios in which those technologies might be able to simplify customers' lives. For example, the vehicle would be able to collect battery usage data over time and send it to the cloud. That data would then be processed by machine learning analysis and provide a predictive service recommendation to the user through their smartphone and in-car infotainment system. Such technology could, for example, help the user to avoid "suffering through a dead battery in the dead of winter." Automakers are already showcasing their connected car visions making use of Microsoft's Connected Vehicle Platform. Both BMW and Nissan have used CES 2017 to showcase their latest automotive products using Microsoft's technologies. Source & Images: Microsoft Blog
  17. gcaw
    BMW showcases Microsoft's Cortana digital assistant at the heart of its connected car vision by Andy Weir Last week, Volvo announced that it is integrating Skype for Business into its 90 Series cars, as well as working with Microsoft on the possibility of bringing its Cortana digital assistant to its vehicles. Nissan is also collaborating with Microsoft on a project involving Cortana. Indeed, Microsoft has been very busy in the automotive sector lately, as it's also been working with BMW. The German manufacturer has presented an "intelligent connectivity" vision that shows how the assistant could be built into its cars in the future, along with various other technologies. "At CES 2017," BMW said that it would be "showcasing digital services that will allow drivers of future automated vehicles to optimise the way they plan their daily lives." This includes 'Augmented Gesture Control', through which - for example - a driver might simply be able to point to a building as they pass by, in order to get information on it, while the car does all the driving for them. BMW added that its "connected driving experience will also be enhanced by intelligent voice control", powered by a "personal digital assistant that customers are familiar with in other areas of their daily lives." It continued: The system being presented at CES 2017 is the in-car application of Microsoft’s Cortana. This means that the voice-controlled capabilities already offered by Microsoft Cortana on a home PC could or smartphone in future also be available on board a BMW. For example, BMW Connected can provide a reminder en-route of an upcoming appointment for which no location has yet been fixed. And Cortana can be used to make a suitable restaurant recommendation and reserve a table. BMW is also showcasing further examples of how third-party software and technologies might be used to enhance the in-car experience, including Amazon Prime Now: Another service possible with future versions of BMW Connected is delivery of tens of thousands of goods while the customer is on the road. Amazon Prime Now, which is integrated into all the user’s devices (both in and outside the vehicle) via the Open Mobility Cloud, enables goods to be ordered through the app while drivers are on the way to their next destination. Amazon Prime Now could also be used as part of BMW's Passenger Mode for self-driving vehicles. When in autonomous drive, the car would know if the driver would have time to watch a movie or TV show before arriving at their destination. As the company explained: "In Passenger Mode, the vehicle can then adapt to the passengers’ needs in different situations. For instance, when rear-seat passengers start playing a video, the interior lighting is immediately dimmed and the sunblinds closed." Source: BMW
  18. Usama Jawad96
    Some iPhone 7 owners are facing Bluetooth issues with their BMWs by Usama Jawad Apple revealed the water-resistant iPhone 7 and 7 Plus handsets last month. And while the two smartphones have been generally well-received, several users have reported issues such as hissing noises, non-functional EarPods, bugs and even exploding units. Now, another issue has recently cropped up that reportedly results in Bluetooth audio issues between the latest iPhones and BMWs. MacRumors reports that the issue ranges from disturbance in the audio to connectivity issues. Users claimed to being able to stream music for 5-10 seconds before the ConnectedDrive system freezes. A reboot of the handset usually fixed the system temporarily but it re-appears when the connection is established again. These claims are mostly coming from BMW owners but there have also been isolated cases reported by Hyundai and Kia owners. Fortunately, BMW has already acknowledged the issue stating that: We are aware of the concerns you speak of and we are currently working directly with Apple to ensure iPhone 7 compatibility in our vehicles. At this time, the Apple iPhone 7 is not an approved device for our vehicles until testing has completed. We do not currently have an estimated time frame regarding the completion of iPhone 7 testing. Please continue to look for an update from Apple for a new iOS and our update website to help resolve your concerns: www.bmw.com/update. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Apparently, Apple has also been telling affected customers that the problem will be fixed in an upcoming software update. On the other hand, BMW has asked customers to upgrade to the latest version of ConnectedDrive as a preparative measure. BMW cars which are equipped with CarPlay are reportedly unaffected by this issue. Source: MacRumors | Image via Apple
  19. Roger H.
    Ok, figured some of you guys/gals have one or know someone that does and as such I want to hear all the negative stories you've had to deal with or heard about. Finding the "good" info is always easy (PR team does a good job of that). Im thinking about getting a older model (pre-LCI or facelift). I know about the engine (N63) in the 550 issues and thats not where im going so not worries about that too much. I also know that some people tend to want to stay away from earlier years because of bugs in production that gets ironed out later on in life (mentioned to get later than Sept 2010 build years for this reason). Also getting stuck between Diesel and Gas (im in Europe now so got those nice options ). Seems Diesel is the clear winner but i guess there are other costs that i may not be aware of. Eg. Did you know Taxes on Diesel is higher in Germany? This is your yearly tax paid for having a vehicle. Diesel however gets better mileage and has more torque ! So what else is there to stay away from and options that are worth it to consider in normal driving or with family driving. Eg. Power Lift gate and comfort access is handy when you have the kid in hand and want to open the trunk to put in the buggy/stroller.
  20. Hum
    Seven people, including a suspected gunman, died in drive-by shootings Friday night in a small Southern California college town, a rampage that authorities believe to be "premeditated," Santa Barbara County sheriff's deputies said Saturday. The shootings occurred in Isla Vista near the University of California-Santa Barbara. Seven people also were being treated in a hospital for gunshot wounds or traumatic injuries, including at least one who was in surgery, said sheriff's office spokeswoman Kelly Hoover. "The sheriff's office has obtained and is currently analyzing written and video evidence that suggests this was a premeditated mass murder," Hoover said. The violence began and ended within minutes, from 9:27 p.m. when shots were reported to around 10 minutes later when police discovered the body of the suspected gunman. KEYT reported that "witnesses described seeing a black BMW speeding through the streets, spraying bullets at people and various targets." Six minutes after the first emergency call, the suspected gunman traded fire with sheriff's deputies, and the vehicle plowed into a parked vehicle, Hoover said. The suspected gunman was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound, she said, adding that it wasn't clear whether the death was self-inflicted or whether deputies killed the suspected gunman. A semiautomatic handgun was recovered, she said. more
  21. Mirumir

    2015 BMW X4 revealed

    +Mirumir posted a topic in The Neobahn

    2015 BMW X4 revealed U.S. pricing starts at $45,625 BMW has officially unveiled their new X4 crossover. Previewed by the X4 concept, the production model is based on the X3 and adopts sporty styling inspired by the X6. Staring up front, there's an aggressive front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by twin headlights and distinctive fog lights. Moving further back, there's a swooping roofline that mimics a "classical sporting coupe." The model also has L-shaped LED taillights and a faux rear diffuser. Overall, the crossover measures 14mm longer and 36mm lower than the X3. The cabin echoes the X3 and comes nicely equipped with aluminum trim, electroplated accents and gloss black control panel surrounds. There's also a 40:20:40 split rear seat which folds down to expand the cargo capacity to 1,400 liters (49.4 cubic feet). Under the hood, six different engines will be available including: A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel with 190 HP (140 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque A 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel with 258 HP (190 kW) and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque A 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel with 313 HP (230 kW) and 630 Nm (464 lb-ft) of torque A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol with 184 HP (135 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol with 245 HP (180 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque A 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol with 306 HP (225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque The BMW X4 will go into production this spring and U.S. pricing starts at $45,625 (including a destination and handling fee).
  22. Mirumir
    BMW 2-Series Active Tourer officially unveiled A harbinger of things to come BMW has officially unveiled the 2-Series Active Tourer ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Previewed by the Concept Active Tourer, the production model is a front-wheel drive hatchback that will have the purists howling. Despite their disapproval, the Active Tourer is instantly recognizable as a BMW as it features a forward-slanting kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the familiar Hofmeister kink. Overview, it measures 4,342mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,555mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,670mm. The styling won't win everyone over but the Sport Line package has high-gloss black accents, special air intakes and exclusive 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels. There's also sport seats, high-gloss black trim and contrast stitching. The Luxury Line adds high-gloss chrome grille and special 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels. The model also has a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, special seat upholstery and chrome accents. If that isn't sporty enough, the M Sport package adds an aerodynamic body kit, a high-gloss black grille, a sport-tuned suspension (which reduces the ride height by 10mm) and 17- or 18-inch light alloy wheels. The package also includes an M leather steering wheel, specially upholstered sports seats, an anthracite roof liner and M-branded door sill plates. Speaking of the interior, it has a driver-centric design with a ?semi-command? seating position that "provides a better overview in complex driving situations." The cabin also has a folding front passenger seat, "electroplated-look" accents and a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat. The model can also be equipped with a head up display and BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps. At launch, the Active Tourer will be available with three different engines. The entry-level 218i has a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 136 HP (100 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque - 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) with overboost. The performance isn't too impressive as the model runs from 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and tops out at 200 km/h (124 mph). On the bright side owners can expect to average 4.9 L/100km (57.6 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km. Moving up the 225i rewards buyers with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 231 HP (170 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds before hitting a top speed 235 km/h (146 mph). Lastly, the 218d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 150 HP (110 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph). BMW will eventually offer several other variants - including a 216d, 220d and 220i - and xDrive versions of the 220d and 225i.
  23. tsupersonic

    2015 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

    tsupersonic posted a topic in The Neobahn

    A few days ago BMW announced the 4 Series Gran Coupe Source for more pictures. What do you all think of it? I think it's very similar to the 3GT - this version does have a roof line that's more restricted at the back for taller passengers. I think it's a nice looking car with plenty of practicality, given the hatch. I would definitely choose this over a 3 series - I would get rid of my car for a M4 GC.
  24. Mirumir
    2014 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer caught undisguised Formerly known as the 1-Series GT, the 2014 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer has been spied without any camouflage during a video shooting. Back in September 2012 we saw in Paris the BMW Active Tourer concept which served as a preview for this car, the 2-Series Active Tourer. It will be the first front-wheel model in BMW's lineup and will be launched in 2014 not only as a five-seater but also with a seven-seat layout. The design of the car clearly echoes the concept and should make it a worthy adversary for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Riding on the front-wheel drive UKL platform, the 2-Series Active Tourer will reportedly get 3-cylinder, 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo gasoline and diesel engines also available in the new MINI. The gasoline engines have outputs ranging from 122 HP (90 kW) to 224 HP (165 kW), while the diesels start at 82 HP (60 kW) and reach 184 HP (135 kW). Chances are BMW plans to show the 2-Series Active Tourer next March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
  25. Mirumir
    2014 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe officially unleashed Public debut in January at NAIAS The highly anticipated 2014 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe have finally been revealed online, ahead of their public debut scheduled for next month at NAIAS in Detroit. At their heart is an inline-six high-revving TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter engine delivering 431 HP (317 kW) and a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft (550 Nm). Compared to the outgoing generation, the new M3 is approximately 25 percent more fuel efficient and is around 80 kg (176 lbs) lighter. The CFRP roof brings weight savings of 5 kg (11 lbs) for the sedan and more than 6 kg (13 lbs) for the coupe. BMW says the cars will do 26.7 mpg US (32.1 mpg UK or 8.8 liters / 100 km) in the combined cycle with the manual and 28.3 mpg US (34 mpg UK or 8.3 liters / 100 km) with the DCT. BMW's engineers reworked the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components which have reduced unsprung masses and increased rigidity at the same time. The M3 and M4 ride as standard of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in 255/40 front and 275/40 rear tires, while optionally available are larger 19-inch rims. Both cars will do 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds when fitted the optional 7-speed M DCT or 4.3s with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Top speed will be electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) but for more money the limiter can be raised at 174 mph (280 km/h) once the client orders the M Driver's Package. The aforementioned seven-speed M DCT comes with launch control and a "smokey burnout" mode that allows a certain degree of wheel spin at low speeds, a similar feature which will allegedly be available for the new Ford Mustang as well. Stopping power will be provided by standard compound brakes or optional lighter BMW M carbon ceramic brakes. The new BMW M3 Sedan will be manufactured in Regensburg while the M4 Coupe is going to be assembled in Munich. Both cars will get their first public outing next month at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.