OpenRoad Driver Volume 12 Issue 1 | Page 42

40 » OpenRoad Driver BMW ConnectedDrive BMW’s infotainment infrastructure revolves around the ConnectedDrive suite, a series of in-car services and apps allowing access to a concierge, real-time traffic updates, online entertainment and more. Everything is displayed on a centre-mounted highresolution screen and controlled using the iDrive Controller, a rotary knob that has a touch-sensitive surface on top similar to a trackpad on a laptop. Lots of brands now offer the ability for your car to interact with your phone, but not usually the other way around. For instance, on BMW’s electric-powered i3, there is an iRemote App compatible with both Android and iOS mobile software. The app pairs with the i3 so that you can lock and unlock your car from afar, honk the horn when looking for the car in a crowded parking lot, or turn on the heat or air conditioning so the temperature is just right when you get inside. It can even populate a map to calculate the maximum distance the battery-powered hatchback can travel in any given direction based on current charge and road conditions. HondaLinkTM Honda and Apple owners co-exist in perfect harmony with the “next-generation” HondaLinkTM system. Available on most new models including the Accord, Civic, Fit, Odyssey and CR-V packaged with the Display Audio touchscreen, anyone with an iPhone 5 or 6 can access on-demand radio stations (Aha app) or weather, vehicle health and roadside assistance (Connect app). For those who don’t opt for GPS, the $69 Navigation app mirrors turnby-turn directions onto the in-dash screen, and is controllable with the steering wheel buttons. To take advantage of HondaLinkTM, users simply download the Launcher app from the App Store and connect an iPhone using an HDMI cable, Lightning USB cable and Lightning AV Adapter cable, found at any Apple retailer. Don’t want to mess with wires? Siri Eyes Free runs off Bluetooth and is activated by holding the TALK button on the steering wheel for two to three seconds. Siri’s familiar voice then comes through the speakers and you can ask her to make a calendar appointment, post an update to Twitter, or check stock market conditions.