by Brian August 31, 2007 7:01 PM
Filed Under: BMW, General, German
BMW has announced today they are the first to offer Google local search service through their in-car navigation system for the German market. After performing a search, the results can be transferred to the navigation system by pressing a button. The system then calculates the location of the vehicle and intended destination and displays the matching results in the vicinity. For example, Google local search can provide addresses, phone numbers to the closest dry cleaners, hotel, bank or restaurant to name a few.
Google local search service is the latest time saving tool in the arsenal of features encapsulated in BMW's online and telematic services concept known as ConnectedDrive. Also included for some time now is Google Maps service which sends driving directions to your car's navigation system which automatically integrates the information.
Depending on the navigation system ordered, ConnectedDrive services can be obtained free of charge for up to three years.
BMW is the only automobile manufacturer to offer the Google local search in the car – available now. For the first time, you can use this search function to look for local information everywhere in Germany with the world’s most famous online search engine. When you find what you want, the details are transferred to the navigation system and car phone at the touch of a button. The system identifies the location and destination of the vehicle automatically and displays the results in the vicinity with details of address, phone number and distance. For example, you can look for Yellow Pages information like names and addresses of restaurants and hotels and locate service stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas and public bodies. In a nutshell: The automobile Google local search service saves time and stops your nerves getting frayed.
Google local search in the vehicle is a logical development of the intelligent link between automobile and Internet. Google and BMW have been offering the function “Send to Car” for transferring search results from the Google Maps website directly to the car for some time. Google local search now gives access to the Internet from the car. This is another building block in BMW “ConnectedDrive” which combines all individual online, assistance and service systems in the car. Apart from BMW Online, this includes BMW Assist, which offers the emergency call function, as well as an information and breakdown service and the latest traffic information. Depending on the navigation system selected, all services from BMW ConnectedDrive can be procured and used free of charge for up to three years.
BMW ConnectedDrive
BMW combines individual online, assistance and service systems in the vehicle under the overall concept of ConnectedDrive. These are services that can be directly accessed using the navigation system or phone and they make a significant contribution to the enhancement of comfort and safety. For example, BMW Assist accesses the latest traffic information and provides a personal information service, alongside the emergency call function. Any data requested on restaurants, cinemas or hotels can be incorporated directly in the BMW navigation system as a destination. Internet-based services such as calling up share prices, weather reports and free parking spaces come under BMW Online. The vehicle uses BMW TeleServices to contact a BMW Service Partner automatically when it needs a service. Further information and the latest commercial on "Google local search" in a BMW can be called up on the internet at www.bmwconnecteddrive.com.
