BMW dumping idrive?
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BMW dumping idrive????
Here is an article talking about a new idrive system, that could show up as early as the next 7-series. Clearly just rumors right now.
http://www.autospies.com/news/WORLD-EXCLUS...7-Series-24513/
Here is an article talking about a new idrive system, that could show up as early as the next 7-series. Clearly just rumors right now.
http://www.autospies.com/news/WORLD-EXCLUS...7-Series-24513/
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I don't buy it. Clearly the photoshopped steering wheel is just a gimmick for the story.
I think you'll find that iDrive refinements will come with future software versions but the basic iDrive controller is not a mistake at all. If anything, I think they made some great progress just with the LCI "popup" screens that make it much easier to get to the screens you need to get to.
M-B, Audi, etc. have already copied the wheel interface because it's one of the simplest ways to do many things while driving. The iPod dial is already something Apple is phasing out now that they've gone to the multi-touch interface but to me, those technologies work better for devices that you can hold in your hand and can spend time looking at it. In the car, you need to be able to glance at the screen for shorter periods of time while "feeling" the clicks, etc. of the controller...
I think you'll find that iDrive refinements will come with future software versions but the basic iDrive controller is not a mistake at all. If anything, I think they made some great progress just with the LCI "popup" screens that make it much easier to get to the screens you need to get to.
M-B, Audi, etc. have already copied the wheel interface because it's one of the simplest ways to do many things while driving. The iPod dial is already something Apple is phasing out now that they've gone to the multi-touch interface but to me, those technologies work better for devices that you can hold in your hand and can spend time looking at it. In the car, you need to be able to glance at the screen for shorter periods of time while "feeling" the clicks, etc. of the controller...
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Parts of the new design of the upcoming 7 series iDrive has already been shown. I happen to see it in a magazine where BMW proudly presented the new "widescreen" navigation for the new 7-series, and to the left the icons were visable. New design on the icons (yes, in a way more Apple-ish) but otherwise the same structure.
As said before in this thread; what BMW probably will enhance is the menu structure, shortcuts and "favorites".
As said before in this thread; what BMW probably will enhance is the menu structure, shortcuts and "favorites".
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I needed a laugh like that. The first BMW made by Apple? Who the heck thinks this stuff up?
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Originally Posted by nickolas_g' post='508493' date='Dec 19 2007, 10:20 AM
I needed a laugh like that. The first BMW made by Apple? Who the heck thinks this stuff up?
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Originally Posted by Rudy' post='508336' date='Dec 18 2007, 11:50 PM
I don't buy it. Clearly the photoshopped steering wheel is just a gimmick for the story.
I think you'll find that iDrive refinements will come with future software versions but the basic iDrive controller is not a mistake at all. If anything, I think they made some great progress just with the LCI "popup" screens that make it much easier to get to the screens you need to get to.
M-B, Audi, etc. have already copied the wheel interface because it's one of the simplest ways to do many things while driving. The iPod dial is already something Apple is phasing out now that they've gone to the multi-touch interface but to me, those technologies work better for devices that you can hold in your hand and can spend time looking at it. In the car, you need to be able to glance at the screen for shorter periods of time while "feeling" the clicks, etc. of the controller...
I think you'll find that iDrive refinements will come with future software versions but the basic iDrive controller is not a mistake at all. If anything, I think they made some great progress just with the LCI "popup" screens that make it much easier to get to the screens you need to get to.
M-B, Audi, etc. have already copied the wheel interface because it's one of the simplest ways to do many things while driving. The iPod dial is already something Apple is phasing out now that they've gone to the multi-touch interface but to me, those technologies work better for devices that you can hold in your hand and can spend time looking at it. In the car, you need to be able to glance at the screen for shorter periods of time while "feeling" the clicks, etc. of the controller...
While the idea in the article is dumb, I agree that the iDrive wheel is like the iPod. That's how I actually address questions from strangers about the system... the "how do you like iDrive?". I just tell them it's like using an iPod - you spin a wheel...
For probably 2.5 years - way before Apple released the iPod touch and iPhone, I have been suggesting that the wheel should be replaced by a small touchpad that would accept the same kinds of gestures and chords available on the newest iPods. I even specifically mentioned the company Apple bought to get the technology... Fingerworks.
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='508498' date='Dec 19 2007, 10:37 AM
It's been rumored for a while. There has been noise about Apple working with a number of auto manufacturers on interfaces etc, BMW is one of the companies that gets mentioned from time to time along with Jaguar.
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Originally Posted by UUronL' post='508606' date='Dec 19 2007, 07:00 PM
While the idea in the article is dumb, I agree that the iDrive wheel is like the iPod. That's how I actually address questions from strangers about the system... the "how do you like iDrive?". I just tell them it's like using an iPod - you spin a wheel...
For probably 2.5 years - way before Apple released the iPod touch and iPhone, I have been suggesting that the wheel should be replaced by a small touchpad that would accept the same kinds of gestures and chords available on the newest iPods. I even specifically mentioned the company Apple bought to get the technology... Fingerworks.
For probably 2.5 years - way before Apple released the iPod touch and iPhone, I have been suggesting that the wheel should be replaced by a small touchpad that would accept the same kinds of gestures and chords available on the newest iPods. I even specifically mentioned the company Apple bought to get the technology... Fingerworks.
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People complain about iDrive since day one. I agree it is not the easiest thing to use and needs improvement. To me it is not that difficult to use. Just give yourself a couple of hours to go through each setting and sub-settings so you know where to find them next time you need them.