Apple to Revamp BMW's iDrive with iPod-like Interface

BMW steering wheel with iPod scroll wheels

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Herr.Bugno

I must say that BMW is truely one of the most innovative companies that exist! I hope they bring this to the market so I can smile some more!

December 19, 2007 8:07 am

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autoque

BMW just couldn't come up with a decent control system on their own? Sounds more like a marketing strategy rather than a real desperate need for Apple's help.

December 19, 2007 9:37 am

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Marsman

You HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!! TWO SCROLL WHEELS????

December 19, 2007 9:45 am

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dammm this would be mad as ipod scrolls on a steering wheel niceee why didn't they make both guages white -.- would of looked way better but still nice job =]

December 19, 2007 9:49 am

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Roger

The iPhone already works on the new A4 so how could BMW have been the first? Think you've got some facts wrong there. This is an awesome deal for BMW though!

December 19, 2007 9:54 am

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2-FAST

If true, the apple clickwheel will likely be the least BMW will implement. The iDrive never suffered from its button-like wheel interface but from its messy menu structure and the lack of direct access buttons. And I doubt that apple can provide much help in this regard. Finally, why implement the clickwheel now that apple is moving to touchscreen on its own products (iPhone and iPod touch)

December 19, 2007 10:19 am

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Sharpie

I belive the picture is a just a rendering of what it could look like, but if you ask me I think Apple will be helping them with there menu stucture and the will keep there wheel control on the center console like the current 7-series. The two click wheels in the picture would be worthless...why would you need two play buttons? I also think it has a lot to do with marketing..Apple has a strong name these days.

December 19, 2007 11:40 am

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foose1397

Its marketing and help for BMW all at the same time. iDrive is absolutely rubbish so a reorganization by one of the most organized and user friendly companies is perfect plus it is another thing for apple now that ford has sync with microsoft....oh, this is just a picture people there won't be two dumb scroll wheels

December 19, 2007 12:44 pm

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jsb

I think its a sad time when instrument design is influenced by computer software companies rather than F1/motorsport development. What happened to focused driver tools and skills experience? Marketing departments are selling living rooms on wheels nowadays.

December 19, 2007 12:53 pm

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rydamee

this is another reason why audi should sue bmw. they don't make the ultimate driving machine. they make fair weather friends, vehicles you wouldn't dare drive hard in the wet. can you see the m3 or m5 being thrashed on a wet course? now how 'bout the rs4 and rs6? the press and public really are fed up with idrive, haven't heard many complaints 'bout mmi. bimmer should stop wasting time with law suites over the freakin' letter m and sue the idrive designer. kick chris bangle in the ass while they're at it.

December 19, 2007 2:59 pm

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Drag

lol... junk

December 19, 2007 6:32 pm

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michelin901

true. bmw wud never do this.

December 19, 2007 6:48 pm

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german-cars-lover

That's really not safe idea . Why BMW do it ?

December 19, 2007 7:56 pm

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andy

you know what i really hate apple,they produce crappy products and sell it like its on top of the world,look at the iphone,its actually from LG Prada design,and people just got crazy about it like it was the first computer in 1970 or something,now they try to step into car industrial.

December 19, 2007 8:10 pm

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stillthewhizz

Andy - I don't know if you've used the iPhone or the Prada Phone but the two simply do not compare. The iPhone is by far more intuitive? This has to be a joke though. I praise BMW for setting the stone with the iDrivel; it does need tweaking but I honestly can't see two scroll wheels happening. Anyone trying to operate an iPod whilst driving will tell you that.

December 19, 2007 10:17 pm

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out4ride

Could one of the wheel control IPod and the other IDrive? Or is this a new universal remote control design by BMW with Apple? Hehehe

December 19, 2007 10:30 pm

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BMLOVER

this obviously is a photoshopped photo of a BMW steering wheel. if BMW would work with apple having scrollers as the control would be insane, it would be an iPod on 4 wheels and an amazing engine. ULTIMATE LISTING MACHINE!

December 19, 2007 11:09 pm

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BMLOVER

ULTIMATE LISTENING MACHINE!*

December 19, 2007 11:13 pm

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vecna

This all bould down to reference, to which there are none at the moment. Tactite controls are coming and they seem to work beyond expectations. When I got 6-series I was not that impressed with (updated) iDrive and SMG/DSG untill I got Audi R8, which is a cool car in some other aspects. I'd say BMW is way ahead of many competitors in electronics integration and once you combine iDrive with iPod controls it could work ...really. This coming from a UI designer for big(gest) mobile phone manufacturer. Mercedes and Lexus also have some good ideas, but they just make butt-ugly cars.

December 20, 2007 4:43 pm

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DieselDog

One of the worst photo-chops I have seen to date. Discussions of automotive innovation are news. Distracting and horribly done photochops are very much beneath World Car Fans and Black Falcon Media Group.

December 21, 2007 3:25 pm

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Blaconque

well....i have to say thats its not boring.....but making new things is more exciting:)

December 23, 2007 8:31 am

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