Geneva Auto Show: Mini Connected

This week at the Geneva auto show, where the new Mini Countryman crossover made its auto-show debut, Mini also introduced a new electronic infotainment system, called Mini Connected — as if there weren’t enough going on inside the pie-plate speedometer of a Mini.

Mini Connected is designed to integrate — among other things — streaming Internet radio into the car. the system can also be customized to function as a navigation aide and to receive the usual navigation features, like GPS tracking, traffic data and weather information. and in keeping with the Mini’s not-your-average-dashboard look, the system’s circular high-resolution display panel will be in the middle of the speedometer. Mini Connected is controlled by a joystick on the center console.

But Mini Connected will need some help to operate, according to Mini’s parent company, BMW — mainly, an Apple iPhone. the iPhone will interface with the in-car system via a USB connector. the iPhone’s data service will provide the link to the Internet, according to BMW. It’s not clear whether other smartphones will be able to “talk” to Mini Connected, but it is likely the system will eventually migrate to other models in the Mini line, like the Clubman and hatchback.

Finally, Mini Connected will also come with the somewhat controversial Mission Control feature that was introduced last year in a couple of special models, the Mayfair and the Camden. Mission Control is a vocal nudge — some might call it a nag — that will ask the driver to mind fuel levels and the air temperature, as well as comment on the driving. Fortunately, the “voice” can be silenced with a switch.

Geneva Auto Show: Mini Connected

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Tagged with: electronic infotainment • geneva auto • iphone • traffic data

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