BMW is getting into the digital assistant game with a new app that aims to help drivers more efficiently get from point A to B.
Unveiled this week at Microsoft's Build developer conference, the app is powered by Redmond's Azure platform and "marks the inception of BMW's vision of an intelligent, highly personalized world of digital services" that "seamlessly" integrate your car into your life, the automaker said. Like Waze and the recently updated Inrix Traffic App, BMW Connected will tell you when to leave the house to get to a planned destination on time, based on current traffic conditions.
The app will also learn and store your frequent and recent destinations for quick future access, and notify you when your daily commute will take longer than usual. Another handy feature: It syncs with your calendar and automatically imports events with addresses, to simplify your daily planning.
When you hit the road, you can quickly send your friends an ETA via pre-formatted text messages auto-populated with your arrival time. The app also offers one-click access to parking locations, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, and authorized BMW centers, should you need to make a detour along your route.
Once you reach your destination, the app will offer walking directions from your parking spot to the door. You can also remotely lock your car doors, flash the lights, sound the horn, and start the air conditioning or heat right from the app.
BMW Connected is available now in the App Store for iOS devices.