BMW Launches New App To Help People Be On Time

BMW announced on Wednesday (Aug. 10) the launch of BMW Connected, a new app that melds the car with a user’s digital device, whether it’s an iPhone or an Apple Watch.

In a press release, the car manufacturer said the app uses a flexible platform called the Open Mobility Cloud to deliver services to users. Open Mobility Cloud is a platform that builds on Microsoft Azure and processes data and information from a slew of different sources. It has machine-learning and data analysis capabilities built in that provide the ability to personalize the connected services offered by BMW.

According to the company, the first version of BMW Connected is focusing on journey management for the vehicle, providing digital products and services that are geared around making it easy to plan driving routes and to get to appointments. The idea is to get the user to their destination on time and without stress.

In order for BMW Connected to work, the user has to set up a ConnectedDrive account and complete what the company says is a short registration process, including creating a customer profile. From there, BMW Connected will scan for any mobility-related information, like addresses, arrival times and calendar entries, and alert the driver of the best time to depart to arrive on time based on real-time traffic information. The app is only available for Apple users at the current time. In addition to scanning mobile devices, the app ensures drivers arrive on time by providing users with “time to leave” notifications that are sent to a user’s smartphone or Apple Watch.

“BMW has been connecting driver and vehicle for more than 40 years, lately under the name ConnectedDrive. Now, with the launch of BMW Connected, BMW is bringing out an all-encompassing app that provides a seamless services experience covering all aspects of personal mobility,” the company said in its press release.

BMW isn’t stopping there when it comes to it’s BMW Connected app. Later in 2016 BMW users will be able to access to app via an Alexa skill for Amazon Echo. That means users will be able to get statuses on their vehicles and also execute remote commands to do things like lock the car doors.