How appropriate that BMW & MINI are talking about its reliance on apps today. Even more that BMW & MINI are announcing that they’re opening the door for 3rd party development of apps within MINI Connected and BMW Apps. It’s a bold move that enhances the infotainment abilities of these cars even further beyond anything else out there. But ultimately it revolves around safety and taking phones out of people’s hands and putting the content in an automotive grade (ie safer) interface. Official Release: With the introduction of MINI Connected in 2010, the BMW Group became the world’s first carmaker to allow the application-based and extensive integration of the Apple iPhone into its models. Available as an option, MINI Connected links up with a simple USB connection and the MINI Connected App to turn the smartphone into a central interface for infotainment inside, and relating to every aspect of, the car. This technology has provided the launch pad for an all-new in- car infotainment experience. In spring 2011 this interface and app were also made available for BMW vehicles in the form of BMW Apps and BMW Connected. Added to which, the BMW Group has since expanded the app concept to include the internet-based services from BMW Online (available since 2001) and, this summer, also BMW Live. Other compatible apps – and therefore services – from third-party providers can also be integrated into the concept and used in BMW and MINI vehicles. More...