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BMW to unveil the ConnectDrive technology at Geneva
By Yoann Besnard on 25 February 2008 | 
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BMW has announced that it will launch the new ConnectedDrive technology at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The new technology will enable BMW owners to access the Internet from the iDrive system.
The ConnectedDrive service will be provided by EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which is the same service that Apple uses to connect its iPhone to the internet. The connection will be slower than what's known as a 3G connection and the interface will be controlled via the iDrive button.
In using the internet, the BMW iDrive Controller acts in the same way as a conventional computer mouse. The display presents internet sites in high resolution, an additional function serving to enlarge specific sections on the display by a factor of 1.5 or 2.
The presentation of internet sites on the display is only possible for safety reasons with the car at a standstill. As with the configuration of TV and/or DVD functions available as an option on cars with BMW iDrive, the internet site disappears as soon as the vehicle exceeds a speed of 3mph. But on models equipped with an optional DVD system in the rear, the internet function might also be added, allowing passengers on the rear seats to surf the net also when driving at higher speeds above 3mph.
The ConnectedDrive technology is only available in Europe at first but will likely be launched in other countries in the upcoming years.