BMW teaser unveils enigmatic do-it-all device

BMW's fairly well known for its nifty in-car implementation of technology, and although certain aspects have received their fair share of criticism, the firm has something brewing that could cause quite a stir -- of course, that would require us to actually know what it is. A snazzy flash website unveils a sleek, continually morphing device that touts the ability to play MP3s, DVDs and CDs, has USB and Bluetooth connectivity options, can recognize voice commands, and has a 65,000 color LCD to boot; but in the end, we're still left to wonder how it relates to the company's vehicles (if at all). Sure, we've seen BMW-branded watches and the like, but it's not exactly usual to see an automaker producing multifaceted consumer electronics, and while it may end up just another technological aspect of a car, it looks like something you just might tote around. Thankfully, we shouldn't have to wait too awfully long until the veil is removed, as it should get official in just a few weeks, but until then, be sure to click on through for a few more glamor shots.

[Via Autoblog]

[Storm9 @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:47AM]

Its not a iPod killer.
All of those features are found in BMW's. Like their Navi and stuff.
I think what this is talking about is the upcomming USB interface that will be standered in all BMW's.
Therefore you can hook up your video iPod and you an take it with you everywhere and in the car.

Or it could be a totally new Apple device(macworld is also in mid Jan).

[TheCount @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:57AM]

I think it's may be the next generation of iDrive myself, I highly doubt BMW would throw themselves into the portable music market just for the sake of it.

[Storm9 @ Jan 2nd 2007 1:22AM]

Possible, but I don't see anything wrong with the current iDrive system that every other automaker is copying.

[Ferrari @ Jan 2nd 2007 1:05AM]

It has to be the launch of the 1 series in the USA.

[Paul @ Jan 2nd 2007 2:03AM]

First piece - New shift system, 1-6 are pushbutton shifting, black piece might go on the door or up the side molding by radio, finally last piece is the in dash stereo. Looks like a radically new setup

[Paul @ Jan 2nd 2007 2:03AM]

It looks like these 3 different pieces will all be in the car. Maybe they are all part of the whole as the new iDrive. The first being the replacement for the shifter (1-6 will be pushbutton shifting) then the black piece maybe goes down the molding that goes up towards the side of the radio or on the door, and the final piece is the radio itself. If so its a radical new setup.

[kevin @ Jan 2nd 2007 2:41AM]

If you look at the 3 pictures, they all have a few things in common. two of them have play/pause and stop buttons and two of them have selector knobs. I think that these are all concept designs for the actual product. My guess is that it will be an mp3 player made exclusively for BMW. the flash says it recharges itself and has low energy consumption, so I think it either has an oled screen built in or it is designed to interact with the idrive screen in the car. It may even be a way to disable the radio in the car, much like how you can remove the faceplates from replacement car stereos.

[Alain @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:36AM]

it says it has a 65thousand color lcd screen so i guess the oled theory is out.

and if BMW is making an MP3 player then I don't think I ever want to drive one let alone buy one again.

[Perttu @ Jan 2nd 2007 4:47AM]

Thanks for the site,
but now I need to correct a bit. If you talk about BMW going to consumer electronics and link to te BMW mainpage there's at least one link more you need to see:

http://www.designworksusa.com/
-> Experience our design

BR,
http://pajaratorio.blogspot.com

[djfred @ Jan 2nd 2007 9:19AM]

None of these look particularly sleek or cutting edge to me, especially the first one. People aren't copying the idrive as much as using it as an example of what not to do. I can't think of a single automaker whose implementation of an idrive like interface hasn't blown BMW's out of the water. They deserve props for being first out of the gate, but so far it's been the zune to everyone else's ipod. Hopefully, whatever this is will work better.
I can't really picture BMW drivers pushing buttons to shift gears though.....

[sxt173 @ Jan 2nd 2007 10:23AM]

"push-button" shifting?? That's just not logical or safe. Why would BMW wants it's drivers looking for 6 tiny buttons to shift while going 70-80 MPH down a highway?

I do like the other ideas, except for the push-button shifting ughhh..

[Matt Stevie @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:24AM]

it's a portable hard drive. you remove it when you get home and plug it into your computer so you can upload all your songs and videos onto it, the next time you go in the car you have your entire library of music and videos at your fingertips.

[Kon @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:26AM]

1-6 are not shifter controls. A standard feature of premium sound systems in BMWs is a *6-disc CD changer*.

These all look like new design prototypes for iDrive controllers with enhancements for music control. That's the biggest problem I have with the current iDrive controller - having to reach to the dash for some functions.

[Jesse S @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:44AM]

Carputer?

[tundraboy @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:45AM]

You know you're a geek. . . if you think push button gear selectors are cool.

[Sam @ Jan 2nd 2007 12:40PM]

Quote
tundraboy @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:41AM
You know you're a geek. . . if you think push button gear selectors are cool.


Then whats a paddle shifter?

[Tony Coconate @ Jan 2nd 2007 5:08PM]

1-6 push buttons doesn't make any sense as a shift replacement. You can't change from 6th to 2nd gear. At least, you wouldn't want to in a BMW. I see it more as a iDrive replacement, since, it really sucked. Too much scroll action for such trivial simple in-car tasks.

[Sean Cahill @ Jan 3rd 2007 7:37PM]

i bet these are components to the interior and NOT a new fandangled device.

[ramesh @ Jan 3rd 2007 8:50PM]

It is not cool looking at all. I expect BMW to really drive design innovation. Are they taking a page from Sirius and other XM providers to have a removable/detachable personal (navigation system). Maybe you can use your care like a radio controlled toy..who knows...
BTW, engadget rocks...