BMW gets serious with OTA software updates
The update includes new services for navigation, connected parking, location-based automatic switching from PHEVs to electric drive, connected charging, digital car key, infotainment, and a new Intelligent Personal Assistant. All vehicles produced from July and equipped with the current BMW Operating System 7 will receive the update ex works. For the models already delivered, the update will take place over-the-air starting in September – but only if they are already equipped with OS7.
Already today, according to BMW, appropriately equipped vehicles from this manufacturer can digitally retrofit or extend certain functions. These include a high-beam assistant, the Active Cruise Control (ACC) driver assistance system with Stop & Go function and the BMW Driver Recorder. In the future, the manufacturer also intends to make greater use of this option as a sales channel in order to offer additional services after the vehicle has been delivered to the customer. BMW also intends to increasingly digitalise communication with the customer in the future: In-car communication will become increasingly important as a channel, i.e. the aim is to offer customers situation-specific, tailor-made services directly in the vehicle.
The new navigation system, which is downloaded via OTA, now uses cloud-based route guidance. This makes navigation more agile because it can continuously respond to the current traffic situation. BMW has also changed the algorithm used to calculate routes – the system now combines real-time traffic information with forecast models. The system also draws on the swarm intelligence of the installed BMW base of 14 million vehicles. The basic map material is now also continuously updated from the cloud.
With Android Auto, BMW is adding another service to its range of seamless networking in the vehicle. Android Auto helps users to use smartphone functions such as music, media or messaging apps while driving. With the help of the Google Assistant, customers can interact with their smartphone and the actions performed are shown on the vehicle’s info display.
The BMW Intelligent Assistant has been visually redesigned and is designed to offer improved voice input. The functionality has been expanded – the Intelligent Personal Assistant functions as a voice-controlled expert system that can answer user questions on a wide range of topics. In addition, various comfort functions of the car can be controlled by voice command.
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