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I see it as a no-brainer. To phrase it differently, what exactly is the added value BMW can provide over a Google/Apple infotainment system? They need to focus

I see it as a no-brainer. To phrase it differently, what exactly is the added value BMW can provide over a Google/Apple infotainment system? They need to focus on transitioning to EVs, there's no point in wasting energy on building and maintaining an infotainment system when a good out of the box option exists. Later once they pulled off the EV transition if they want they can fork android and go from there.

hedora 4y ago
Have you driven a BMW that came out in the last 5-10 years? In addition to having been selling EVs for years, their UIs are amazing. They're far ahead of the junky android auto (and first party) implementations I've seen from other manufacturers: - No touchscreen; just a jog wheel - Bluetooth "browse" works great. I can tune podcasts, global radio stations and my music collection by feel. - The map's eco mode routes based on the power train consumption profile of your car. - "Send map address from phone to car" just works. - "Idiot light" stuff is intuitive (e.g., resetting the TPM after filling the tires; knowing when service / inspection is due, etc, etc.) - Did I mention no touch screen? This is important if you plan to drive the car while the computer is turned on. On top of all that, it does a great job of getting out of the way and letting you focus on the road.
- mupuff1234 4y ago
  Can't say I have, but I am guessing most new buyers are looking for that "techy" big touchscreen experience (even if it does provide a worse UX) so I'm not sure BMW has much of a choice (but I have read zero market research) Also, it's confusing but Android Automotive != Android Auto, it's actually a different system and one which seems to be getting good reviews (but ymmv)
- danans 4y ago
  > - No touchscreen; just a jog wheel Navigating any more than 3 in screen elements is dangerous with jog wheels, IMO. It requires switching visual attention from the road several times. It's even worse with hierarchical navigation. For those a touch screen is much more direct and requires less hand/eye coordination and focus. > - The map's eco mode routes based on the power train consumption profile of your car.. I'm skeptical that the power train type of a car would make one route significantly more efficient than another. The biggest factor in route efficiency is route length and the speed it is driven at, not the power train.
  - awiesenhofer 4y ago
    > switching visual attention from the road Not really. If its a rental and your first BMW sure, get familiar with the system. But once you are familiar you can use most of it blind - without taking your eyes of the road. Just turn the wheel 3 steps to the right, press, two steps left etc.pp. Its way more intuitive and safer than a touchscreen.

hedora 4y ago

Have you driven a BMW that came out in the last 5-10 years? In addition to having been selling EVs for years, their UIs are amazing. They're far ahead of the junky android auto (and first party) implementations I've seen from other manufacturers: - No touchscreen; just a jog wheel - Bluetooth "browse" works great. I can tune podcasts, global radio stations and my music collection by feel. - The map's eco mode routes based on the power train consumption profile of your car. - "Send map address from phone to car" just works. - "Idiot light" stuff is intuitive (e.g., resetting the TPM after filling the tires; knowing when service / inspection is due, etc, etc.) - Did I mention no touch screen? This is important if you plan to drive the car while the computer is turned on. On top of all that, it does a great job of getting out of the way and letting you focus on the road.

mupuff1234 4y ago
Can't say I have, but I am guessing most new buyers are looking for that "techy" big touchscreen experience (even if it does provide a worse UX) so I'm not sure BMW has much of a choice (but I have read zero market research) Also, it's confusing but Android Automotive != Android Auto, it's actually a different system and one which seems to be getting good reviews (but ymmv)
danans 4y ago
> - No touchscreen; just a jog wheel Navigating any more than 3 in screen elements is dangerous with jog wheels, IMO. It requires switching visual attention from the road several times. It's even worse with hierarchical navigation. For those a touch screen is much more direct and requires less hand/eye coordination and focus. > - The map's eco mode routes based on the power train consumption profile of your car.. I'm skeptical that the power train type of a car would make one route significantly more efficient than another. The biggest factor in route efficiency is route length and the speed it is driven at, not the power train.
- awiesenhofer 4y ago
  > switching visual attention from the road Not really. If its a rental and your first BMW sure, get familiar with the system. But once you are familiar you can use most of it blind - without taking your eyes of the road. Just turn the wheel 3 steps to the right, press, two steps left etc.pp. Its way more intuitive and safer than a touchscreen.