The BMW Cockpit has been radically revised and modernised for the
launch of new product highlights like the BMW X5, BMW 8 Series, BMW Z4
and BMW 3 Series, which celebrate their premiere at the Mondial de
l’Automobile 2018 in Paris. With content that can be customised and
personalised, the new, fully digital BMW Operating System 7.0 display
and control concept is focused more than ever on the driver.
Interaction with the vehicle through the various operating options has
been further improved, especially in the area of voice recognition and
gesture control. For the first time, drivers and passengers will be
joined by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an adaptive digital
character that makes the vehicle even smarter and responds to the
prompt “Hey BMW”.
With clearly presented content adapted
according to context, and seamless integration of new functions and
services, the driver enjoys optimal support at all times. The new
Remote Software Upgrade function allows customers to conveniently
perform over-the-air upgrades to ensure their vehicle is always
up-to-date. In future they will also be able to download additional
vehicle functions and services at a later date. With the new BMW
Cockpit, the brand is creating an even more personal, intelligent and
consistent overall experience for its customers.
BMW Live Cockpit and BMW Operating System
7.0.
The introduction of the BMW iDrive Controller in
2001 marked a ground-breaking development in vehicle operation. With
its award-winning ID6, BMW set a new standard for in-car display and
control concepts. The fundamental enhancement inherent in BMW
Operating System 7.0 is also reflected in the nomenclature and new way
in which options are structured. BMW Live Cockpit (as well as BMW Live
Cockpit Plus and BMW Live Cockpit Professional) refers to the three
levels of hardware and basic functionality, such as the installed
display cluster, navigation and entertainment system, available
interfaces and technical requirements for operating options, like
voice and gesture control. The features at each level of the BMW Live
Cockpit are adapted for models in the corresponding vehicle classes.
BMW Operating System 7.0 refers to the software package and
functionality of the new and fully digital display and control
concept, which relies on the digital-only display cluster of BMW Live
Cockpit Professional. Version numbering already hints at regular
enhancements through remote software upgrades.
Digital design and optimal attention
management.
The user interface leverages the
possibilities of digital design to create an emotional, purist layout,
with intuitive structure and operation, as well as close interaction
between the Info Display in the driver’s field of vision and the
Control Display in the centre console. New display customisation
options are also available. The digital design, which combines 2D and
3D graphics with animation, is perfectly tailored to the user’s needs.
The aim is to focus the driver’s attention according to the driving
situation, and to always provide the relevant information.
The
Info Display no longer replicates analogue circular gauges. These have
been replaced by arced design elements that open towards the centre.
Their shape and arrangement bring BMW’s typical “four-eyed” face from
the front end into the interior. The new design opens up space in the
centre of the Info Display for navigation content, with an orientation
map showing the vehicle’s current position and relevant situational
information for the rest of the journey. Information on driver
assistance systems is grouped together within the left-hand
speedometer arc. In Comfort and Sport driving modes, the right-hand
arc shows the engine speed; in ECO Pro mode, current fuel consumption
and average speed are displayed instead. Additional entertainment
content can also be integrated into the right-hand arc. With a larger
BMW Head-Up Display on the windscreen, all relevant content for the
current driving situation is shown within the driver’s direct view of
the road.
The design and graphic presentation of the entire
display cluster, comprising Info and Control Display, as well as
Rear-Seat Entertainment screens, is synchronised for a consistent look
across all displays. For example, if the driving mode is changed from
ECO Pro to Sport, the accent colour is switched from blue to red on
all displays.
Individualisation of menu structure and
content.
Content at the highest menu level of the
Control Display can be freely configured by customers according to
taste. Up to ten pages in the main menu can be individually
configured. Page layouts with two, three or four pads (tiles) can be
selected, with the content of the pads displayed in real time. The
customer can choose between communications, media/radio, clock,
navigation, sports displays, route preview, traffic, position or
driving information as content for the pads. The driver can use the
selection button on the steering wheel to add additional content to
the arc to the right of the Info Display as needed, including
entertainment, fuel consumption and sports options, as well as a
G-meter that displays the g-forces in effect along dynamic and winding routes.
Personalised content.
In the BMW Operating
System 7.0, content and displays are adapted to the context and can be
personalised by the customer. For example, users can choose from 20
images for their personal profile. When the driver unlocks the car, he
or she is greeted by name and with a 3D graphic representation of
their vehicle, showing the exact model with its equipment package and
base colour. This personalised vehicle view also appears in the
“My car” menu. The welcome scenario includes suggested
content in the Control Display, such as recent callers, calendar
entries, task reminders or routes to destinations sent to the car via
BMW Connected. These options are immediately available for selection
by the driver.
Multimodal operability and fast access.
The BMW
Operating System 7.0 further optimises multimodal interaction between
driver and vehicle. The Control Display is primarily designed for
intuitive touch operation, although customers still have the choice
between various operating options: iDrive Controller, touch control,
voice or gesture control. Displays are adjusted to suit the method of
operation selected. Entering navigation destinations in the Control
Display by touch uses a digital keyboard, for example, while the
display switches to the circular “speller” if the customer uses the
iDrive Controller. Voice control with natural language understanding
has been further improved and the range of functions available for BMW
Gesture Control has also been expanded to include two additional
gestures, bringing the total to seven.
Access to vehicle settings
and functions is much easier and faster with a new and flatter menu
structure. The combination of vertical lists and horizontal bars
allows submenus to be accessed with fewer steps. Functions frequently
used by the customer are clustered in the quick access toolbar.
Regardless of where in the menu customers may find themselves, a
single interaction at the top of the Control Display will show the
main menu, previous destinations, recent calls, notifications, help,
display settings, change user or screen switch-off functions.
Another special feature of the BMW Operating System 7.0 is its
ability to show additional information in the form of thematic maps to
address the driver’s particular needs in that situation. For example,
when the vehicle is approaching its destination, the Control Display
automatically opens up the parking map, which indicates parking
options close by and can activate route guidance to them.
BMWs acquire a smart digital personality.
The
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant learns routines and habits, so it
can apply them in the appropriate context in the future. It helps the
driver, learns their preferences and becomes familiar with their
preferred settings – such as seat heating or destinations they
frequently navigate to (“Take me home”). One unique feature is that
drivers can give their digital assistant a name (for example,
“Charlie” or “Joy”) for even greater individuality and personality.
Not only does the Intelligent Personal Assistant await the driver’s
every command, it is always there to assist them and even provide
casual conversation. It is familiar with the vehicle’s functions and
able to operate them as required. Saying “Hey BMW, I’m cold” will
prompt the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to adjust the
temperature inside the car accordingly. The assistant will benefit
from continuous technical upgrades and learn more preferences and
preferred settings as time goes by. The assistant improves with every
command given, every question asked and every setting adjusted.
Always up-to-date with Remote Software
Upgrade.
Remote Software Upgrade provides customers with
an easy way to keep vehicles up-to-date. An upgrade may include
different content and updates, depending on the vehicle model. This
allows the quality and security of the vehicle to be continuously
improved. Upgrades may also include improvements to voice control or
parking functions, for example. In the course of next year Remote
Software Upgrade will also enable customers to book functions or
services customised for their vehicle retroactively. The upgrade
process is as easy as updating a smartphone. The BMW Connected app
notifies the user when an upgrade is available. The download takes
place directly in the app – for example, over home Wi-Fi. As soon as
the smartphone is connected to the vehicle after download, the
installation data begins transferring to the vehicle. The data
required can also be downloaded directly via the vehicle’s built-in
SIM card. The vehicle will indicate that installation is ready in the
Control Display when the car is parked, but the installation process
does not begin until confirmed by the customer. The customer is
alerted that they will not be able to use their vehicle during the
brief time it takes for installation, usually only about 20 minutes.
During this time, the vehicle must be parked safely and securely.
Important or safety/security-relevant vehicle upgrades are
automatically uploaded by the vehicle, but must always be confirmed
and initiated by the user. In the future, customers will therefore be
able to install software updates themselves conveniently at home. With
Remote Software Upgrade, the entire vehicle is always up-to-date;
functions are continuously improved and, like services, can be added later.