February 13th, 2009 9:57 AM | by Christen da Costa
Samsung and BMW broke new ground this week by integrating a wireless cell phone charger into a 7-series BMW. Unfortunately, and yes don’t get too excited, it’s currently only compatible with the Samsung T*Omnia. Is it me, or does this setup look as good as a ‘dock’, which leads me to question where the wireless part is. It isn’t clear if Samsung has licensed the tech from Powermat or some other company, but if Apple ever comes out with a similar solution (hint) we know it will show up in BMW vehicles given their past history, right?
BMW is stepping into the future, the future of almost two years ago. The car company plans on implementing Microsoft’s Surface in show rooms, which will allow car buyers the ability to customize their vehicle through the interactive display. I know, I was expecting it to available as on ‘add-on’ product for the car.
As you’ll see in the video, they’ve got a palette of color bricks that the shopper can choose from and by tossing one of them onto the Surface it will add it accordingly to the car’s exterior or interior. It’s hard to tell how dynamic the system is, but apprently the changes and selections will be further reflected on an additional ‘vertical’ screen, which may or may not reflect the user’s choices in videos.
Apparently, BMW dreams of a world where cold hard cash is no longer, and their keys are the currency of choice. Afterall, BMWs have long been the choice of those trying to obtain social currency. What the hell am I talking about? BMW is set to introduce a car key which includes a contactless payment system. The whole idea sounds a bit luni and will require a major paradigm shift in how we purchase products. But when you look at Korea’s use of NFC in cell phones, it’s not that far off. I suppose it could be ideal when passing through a toll, although BMW’s drive and ride (a train) is a bit of stretch.
BMW plans to show of the tech at this year’s CARTES & IDentification show in Paris from 4th to 6th November 2008.
The days of electric vehicles are finally upon us. Come next year BMW plans to put 500 electric Minis on US roads. The limited production number is a bit annoying, but in such a nascent market it’s probably financially warranted. The all electric Mini, called the Mini E, will achieve a 150 mile range, an 8.5s 0-60 MPH, and a top speed of 95MPH. To make room for the Mini E’s batteries the widely known 4 seater will be converted to a two seater. Charging the vehicle will be as simple as plugging it to a regular outlet, although BMW will provide a rapid recharge box.
The Mini E is slated to arrive sometime in 2009 in California, New York and New Jersey for a 1 year test.
