With the BMW ConnectedDrive system, BMW is the first automobile manufacturer to enable email messages to be received inside the vehicle by way of a Bluetooth connection. From autumn 2010 owners of the latest BlackBerry smartphones will be able to access their phone’s email functionality via BMW’s iDrive operating system.

 

This is made possible by a new Bluetooth interface which integrates the BlackBerry device into the vehicle and enables emails to be received, displayed and even read out loud by means of an optional voice output function.

 

The new email integration system has been developed to tie in directly to BMW ConnectedDrive’s office functions launched at the start of the year. These allow contact lists, calendar entries, text messages, tasks and memos to be transferred from compatible smartphones to the vehicle via Bluetooth. The relevant information can then be accessed from within the car via the iDrive’s controller and will be shown on the Control Display.

 

The first smartphone to support this new functionality is the new BlackBerry Pearl 3G. The new email function is available on all BMW models fitted with the navigation system Professional including mobile phone preparation.

 

It will be offered in Europe and North America from autumn 2010 with no word yet on when we’ll be able to see it in South Africa.