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BMW is ready to claim that they are the first car manufacturer to offer fully, unrestricted, built-in access to the Internet. BMW is calling this new technology “ConnectedDrive”, which could connect you to the EDGE Internet. EDGE is used by many, and most notably Apple’s iPhone. However, EDGE, as you may or may not know, is not necessarily the fastest means of accessing the Internet, as 3G would be a more appropriate way of connecting to the Internet. 

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BMW and Garmin, have joined forces to include the Garmin Nuvi 360 in select models of BMW cars. The models that will feature the Nuvi 360 will be the BMW Series 1 and Series 3. These GPS units will come with special custom logos, integrated BMW database, and a unique dock on the dashboard for to you place the GPS. That is a good idea which means it will be located always in a convenient spot.

“Includes a customized mounting bracket that allows owners to mount the nüvi directly to the interior trim on the instrument panel, rather than to the windshield via a suction cup mount like traditional Garmin portable navigation systems… The special bracket is powered by BMW’s onboard network and eliminates the need for exposed power cables. The mount charges the nüvi’s built-in battery so that the device may also be used outside of the car when navigating a city as a pedestrian.”

Furthermore, the Nuvi 360 sports Bluetooth connectivity, pronounces street names, and acts like a MP3 player as it plays MP3’s. As of now, it sells for $322.

Via [NaviGadget]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it appears that the AutoSpies rumor of iPhone integration into the new BMW 7-series is a hoax - well the image is anyways.  Knowing that I could find the source image on Google Images, I searched for “BMW navigation” and it came up on the 9th page.  Looks like all they did was do a bit of Photoshop (as expected) to fool everyone (see original below).

I’m not saying that a deal between Apple and BMW is not possible, but all we have to go on at this point is a tip and an image, and the image is indeed a fake.  Here’s an excerpt from the AutoSpies post:

Reliable sources tell us there are rumors that BMW will be the first to announce full integration of the iPhone features into the next 7-Series.

BMW will offer factory-installed digital HD Radio receiver with FM multicasting capability as an option in the new 3 Series Hardtop Convertible.

In case you don’t know, HD Radio multicasting feature allows FM stations to broadcast multiple channels of digital programming simultaneously on a single frequency. Of the more than 1,000 stations across the country broadcasting with HD Radio technology, more than 500 FM stations are offering a second (HD2) and, in many cases, a third (HD3) multicast channel. For example, WAMU in Washington, DC, offers three channels: 88.5-1, a simulcast of its news/talk analog channel; 88.5-2, a simulcast of an innovative Baltimore music station not available in DC; and 88.5-3, bluegrass music the key for HD radio to succeed—targeted music channels like satellite. These channels are free but can only be found on HD Radio receivers (which will cost you around $200 for a bookshelf unit or $500 as an in-car option). Unlike satellite radio there are no subscription fees or additional costs associated.

In August 2005, the company announced the first OEM availability of HD Radio technology in its 2006 7 Series models. BMW then followed up in November 2005 by extending the HD Radio option to drivers of its 2006 6 Series vehicles. This past June, the company announced that HD Radio would be offered in its 2007 5 Series models. The HD Radio option on the all-new 2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible will have a Suggested Retail Price of $500.

So what do you choose AM/FM, satellite radio (XM/Sirius), or HD radio?

Read [AutoSpies] Read [HDRadio]

BMW has announced the start of production of the new BMW Hydrogen 7, the first hydrogen-powered luxury car. The BMW Hydrogen 7 comes equipped with an internal combustion dual power 260hp 12-cylinder engine, capable of running on liquid hydrogen which switches to conventional gasoline when needed. When on Hydrogen mode, the car emits nothing more than water vapor. The BMW Hydrogen 7 will be sold beginning in 2007 in limited numbers (100 cars as of now) for a premium over the current model. 

It will be unveiled on November 28 at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

Read [Wired] Via [TreeHugger]

The BMW 3 Series Convertible, to be introduced at the Detroit Auto Show on 7th January 2007, is BMW’s first open-top four-seater with a three-piece electronically operated retractable hard-top. The vehicle also features industry innovations such as the Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery, which keeps the leather interior cool in the sun, rear seat backrests which can be folded flat to provide additional storage space, a through-load luggage storage which can still be used when the folding metal roof is lowered and a brace of all-new powerplants. Of course this is in addition to Bluetooth, heads-up displays, an iPod interface, the iDrive system…

Damm, I love tech in my ride.

Read [BMW]

Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network has signed a multi-year agreement with automaker BMW to provide traffic data to navigation systems offered in select 2007 BMW models, including the X5, M5, M6 and the 3, 5 and 6 Series models. BMW’s navigation system, equipped with Clear Channel’s traffic service, will become available as early as mid-September, and Total Traffic Network’s data will be included with no monthly fees. This makes BMW of North America the first U.S. auto manufacturer to offer real-time traffic as a standard service on navigation-equipped vehicles.

“This is a significant milestone for Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network as BMW is the first to supply its automotive customers with lifetime traffic information, potentially setting a new standard for terms of service with other auto manufacturers down the road,” said Jeff Littlejohn, EVP of Distribution Development for Clear Channel Radio. “We consider this agreement with BMW, the leader in automotive quality and innovation, to be the biggest endorsement of our traffic network to date.”

Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network uses its own network of reporters, traffic cameras, helicopters and airplanes to provide traffic updates to more than 125 metropolitan areas in three countries, including the U.S., Mexico and New Zealand.

Read [FMQB]

What The Future Holds, a column written by Adam Berger, that introduces tomorrow’s technology and trends today, is published on Thursdays.

Heads-up displays or HUDs are a great feature for drivers, especially as the electronics in cars increase exponentially. While many car manufacturers have begun to add full function LCD screens in the center of the dashboard as opposed to having the drive look over to the center console LCD screen (found in BMWs, Audi’s, Mercedes Benz’s and more), there still a safer option.

When introduced by General Motors over 20 years ago, heads-up displays did not take off. Heads-up displays, project information such as speed, turn by turn directions, radio station navigation, and warning lights onto the windshield above the steering wheel; allowing drivers to always look straight ahead. GM started the trend by putting HUDs on Corvettes and a few Buicks. HUDs are easier on older eyes. Safer, too: It takes half as long to shift your focus from the road to an HUD as to look at the instrument panel.

Today GM and other automakers, like BMW, are pushing HUDs even more. You can get multicolored HUDs made by German supplier Siemens, right now in 5- and 6-series Beamers. German supplier Bosch will get its first HUD on the road in 2008. Japanese supplier Denso sells HUDs that give navigation instructions in Japan and is working on a system that creates three-dimensional images. They expect sales to boom to 2 million a year by 2010.

There really is not reason why heads-up displays should not take off, besides cost and the more they sell the less they will cost. Personally I think that car companies can start making more money if they offer less individual ala-cart options and more major all-in-one packages like Acura does. You can get a basic, basic plus leather, or leather plus tech. Easy options, easy to compare prices, and it will reduce their cost...and we also may all end up with fighter-jet like displays!
Read [Freep]
Via [Gizmos For Geeks]

Don’t you hate it when you are getting close to your garage, the door is open and you see chairs sticking out on one side, the wall in front of you, and the bicycles or another car on the other side. All you can think to yourself is why must parking my car be such an obstacles. Well BMW doesn’t want to make anymore money off of knocked-off side mirrors (the fold up side mirrors are not a new feature but fall in line with people getting them knocked off). Watch this video and see a future beamer innovation, self garage parking, and don’t worry there is no one to tip when it is done.

Read [Wired]