By Jeremy Worthington, Director of Vehicle Security
In September 2010, BMW launched the “My BMW Remote” iPhone application, an extension to the capability of their Connected Drive platform for Europe, that allows communication and control of the driver’s car(s) via the Connected Drive server centre from anywhere with a wireless network or mobile network data connection.
The application allows the vehicle’s location to be plotted on a Google map and when the customer is closer to the vehicle, they can flash the lights or sound the horn to find it. The app gives the customer additional convenience by allowing them to lock or unlock their vehicle and to activate the climate control system via their smart phone (although BMW have suggested that climate control activation is not yet functional).
Mercedes-Benz (via their mBrace system) and Chevrolet (via OnStar on their VOLT electric vehicle) have already launched similar applications in the USA, but the BMW app is a first for European-specification vehicles. The mBrace application is also available for the Blackberry and was first launched in November 2009, whilst the OnStar VOLT “Mobile Experience” system has been available (only as an Apple app) since January 2010 even though actual cars are not scheduled for sale until later this year (from October 2010).
All three applications use an operating centre to communicate between the user interface on the smart phone and the vehicle, and the user interface does not control the vehicle directly. However, bringing that level of user control directly to the driver’s phone shows a clear trend in enhanced vehicle control.
The move towards smartphone applications was forecast as the latest development for user operation in our recent report, Enhanced Key Fobs – The User Interface Outside the Vehicle. Direct control of the climate control system is one of the predictions we make in report, The Market for Remote Engine Start, as manufacturers develop systems that work independently of the engine.
To obtain either of these reports contact Juanita Appleby by emailing jappleby@sbd.co.uk and for strategic support in the development of next generation driver interfaces contact our Vehicle Security research team on security@sbd.co.uk