MotoringFile Most liked posts in thread: MINI USA Demonstrates MINI Connected

I'm getting 404 error. :crazy:

I think if I had one of those talking cars I'd buy a gun & shoot its mouth off. ut:

 

It's one of those RSS feeds that goes out when they get the article ready, but they don't to post it yet. I am almost sure they will link to this video:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDWKLIn8iJ4"]YouTube - MINI Connected Demonstration[/ame]

The concept of MINI Connected is simple but powerful: give the smartphone the capability to display stuff on the screen and interact with the car's button controls. They've been playing up silly stuff like Twitter and Facebook but I see good things coming out of it if they open it to 3rd party developers. For example you can have all the gauges you'd ever want displayed on the screen, without mounting dials all over your dash.

 

I'm not understanding when a lot of these features are going to be used. To read news and Tweet, etc you can't be driving. If you're not driving do you really want (or need) to be doing these things in your MINI, rather than at home. Maybe I live in the dark ages but I'm not connecting with MINI Connect

 

I'm with you on this Rixter....
When I'm driving my MINI, I find that I'm really paying attention to what's around me outside the vehicle. I don't have time for texting on my iPhone, I can't imagine Twittering while driving. Especially when I'm generally the smaller vehicle on the road.
It's probably something that's not really needed. Just give me an oil pressure gauge instead. My iPhone can handle the Tweets.

 

:idea: MINI connect should be a temp & oil pressure gauge to keep you connected to what is going on under the bonnet.

 

:yesnod:

Mark

 

It's spelled C-R-A-P.

 

Sorry I most be getting old; when did tweeting become part of a great driving experience?

 

When Infotainment became a word

 

I guess I'm the only one who wants it. No question that I would choose it if I were buying a new MINI. Actually, I'd be even happy with the Visual Boost option (the same screen interface but without MINI Connected). It isn't offered in the US but some got through during early 2011 production: MotoringFile » Archive » Production Snafu Creates Limited Edition MINI

 

Motorwerks in MSP has several '11s in stock that are so configured. Several of the MAs still don't have a clue how the displays got there as a zero-cost option. If I'd have been vigilant enough to catch the original MF post on this I would have been far less confused.

As with rkw I love the speedo digital screen interface infinitely more than the stock pizza pan. I'd have to justify it based on the improved look and the Nav functionality (even at the additional $$). The MINI Connected would come along with the package but for me it is not the main attraction.