Volume 17 Issue 1 » 97
BMW iX iDrive Infotainment and 5G Network
Revealed in concert with BMW ’ s upcoming zero-emissions luxury sports activity vehicle ( SAV ) is the new iDrive 8 infotainment system . The iX is the first model in its class to feature 5G network compatibility , allowing seamless HDstreaming whenever compatible mobile devices are connected to the Wi-Fi hotspot offered onboard . Aided by four exterior antennas , the blazingly fast data transmission speeds will benefit automated driving and road safety functions as well .
If updates are required , Remote Software Upgrade eliminates the need to make a trip to the dealership . Files are downloaded over-the-air , not unlike a smartphone or laptop , and installed once the SAV is securely parked . Alternatively , scheduling an installation to take place at a pre-set time is possible , say overnight .
Honourable Mention : Volkswagen ID . 4 Discover Pro Max Navigation and Infotainment
The ID . 4 represents a couple of Volkswagen firsts , being both the first all-electric SUV and global EV . The futuristic-looking crossover is equally as forwardthinking on the inside , anchored by a large optional 12-inch Discover Pro Max infotainment display . Users have different methods of manoeuvring through menus and accessing apps instead of just physically touching the screen — gesture control programmed to recognize hand movements is an example , or natural voice recognition that is primed to accept commands after hearing the phrase , “ Hello ID .”
Similar to smart speakers like the Amazon Alexa , a glowing LED strip beneath the windshield pulses to show the computer is listening . The multipurpose light also acts as a status indicator for the phone , brake , driver-assistance and other systems . Speaking of Alexa , with a VW Car- Net subscription and corresponding skill enabled , service owners at home may request her to perform remote tasks including starting or stopping vehicle charging .
Taking ambient lighting to the next level , one of thirty colours is selectable manually via an onscreen slider bar , or automatically chosen as part of a number of pre-set “ mood ” packages .