BMW Announces GoPro Camera Integration

BMW and GoPro have announced the first-ever, mass-produced integration of a GoPro camera with an automobile’s on board infotainment system.

BMW and GoPro

BMW and GoPro have announced the first-ever, mass-produced integration of a GoPro camera with an automobile’s on board infotainment system. In BMW vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, a GoPro camera may now be configured and controlled using BMW’s iDrive controller and high-resolution screen.
GoPro

Starting in July 2014, the integration will be functional on all model year 2012 and later BMW or MINI vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, when used with a Wi-Fi-equipped GoPro camera.

Related: 2015 VW GTI: Deliveries Officially Start, Free GoPro Cameras Given in June

“Working with GoPro to design this integration was remarkable,” said Phil Johnston, Head of BMW Group AppCenter USA. “‘Creative’ and ‘insightful’ just begin to describe the experience. GoPro is a natural fit for BMW enthusiast drivers. The power and flexibility of the BMW Group App Integration Platform coupled with GoPro’s advanced camera technology brings new, safe, and engaging experiences to the enthusiasts that were previously not possible. When the camera is connected to the car, it allows GoPro’s app to present context-appropriate presets that allow the enthusiast to capture the perfect shot.”

BMW and GoPro

How does it work? First, the user’s BMW or MINI vehicle must be equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option. Next, the user’s Wi-Fi-equipped GoPro camera (HERO3+ and later) communicates with the GoPro App installed on the driver’s iPhone 4 or later, which must be connected to the vehicle either through the iPhone USB cable or the BMW Accessory snap-in adaptor for iPhone. The driver will access the App through the BMW ConnectedDrive or MINI Connected menu, which is displayed on the large, trans-reflective central screen. Menu choices appear to the left of the screen, and the camera’s actual field of view is displayed in near real-time while the vehicle is stationary.

GoPro hasn’t announced if any other automakers will soon offer the same integration, but it’s probably going to happen.

Source: BMW