A Step Too Far Automakers are constantly pushing the boundaries; it’s part of their nature to always think about the overall driving experience and try to “revolutionize” it for the driver. One trend that has dominated the modern car world is minimalist interiors, removing as many buttons as possible, to the point where every single setting has to be accessed through these massive infotainment screens or worse… gesture controls. Another thing brands have been doing is outlawing certain features that once made the driving experience more convenient. Apple CarPlay or any screen mirroring feature is an essential part of the everyday drive, but a lot of major car brands have done away with third-party software, citing different reasons, mainly privacy. No CarPlay Ultra, Yes to Buttons BMW is one of the few automakers that isn’t afraid to innovate, and as such has taken a lot of directions when it comes to drivers’ experiences. In a report by Australia’s carsales, the German automaker has gone on record about its future plans when it comes to convenience. Specifically, BMW has no plans to introduce the updated and more intuitive Apple CarPlay Ultra system into its cars. The report says BMW refused to include the expanded CarPlay Ultra, which lets you mirror not just to the infotainment screen but to all screens, because of privacy concerns. However, they are considering reworking the heavily minimalistic layout and design of the Neue Klasse cars, according to Claudia Maier, BMW manager of digital. Maier said that they are evaluating customer feedback constantly, which could see the return of physical buttons in future models, which is something everyone is clamoring for. It’s also important to note that while BMW isn’t bringing in CarPlay Ultra, it’ll still keep the regular CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities in its infotainment systems. Slow Adaptation Maier added that CarPlay Ultra doesn’t fit into BMW’s plans or philosophy; the automaker wants to keep all of its data in-house and secure. Currently, CarPlay Ultra isn’t gaining as much traction in the industry as expected. So far, only Aston Martin has launched and integrated it into its cars, but Kia, Hyundai, Genesis, and Porsche have committed to eventually launching Ultra versions. While no confirmation was given on whether physical buttons will return, strong customer feedback might change BMW’s mind. Maier said they still believe drivers and owners will eventually get accustomed to the Panoramic iDrive layout, which uses voice commands.
Liked by Nicole Côté, Gabriel White
Liked by Nicole Côté, Gabriel White
Liked by Nicole Côté, Gabriel White
