[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Touchpad iDrive Controller Technology Preview

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Preh GmbH, an automotive supplier to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, of climate controls, driver controls, sensor systems, ECUs, and instruments panels, has released a clip which previews some of the uses and functions which a touchpad iDrive controller could incorporate and facilitate.

A prototype touchpad iDrive controller system has already been spied on the 2014 BMW X5 (F15) test mule, so we can expect it to begin appearing on BMW models by the end of 2013 / early 2014 with the release of the 2014 X5.

Some of the features shown in the video (such as blackpanel surfaces) are not relevant to our discussion, as it was part of a new center console design concept presented by Preh as the 2007 IAA, but what's interesting is seeing the use of an iDrive like controller knob with an integrated touchpad. You can see some of the potential uses for it, such as handwriting detection and multi-touch type gestures such as flicking and scrolling through lists.

Exactly how BMW actually implements the technology remains to be seen, but the potential for some innovative uses is certainly there. Whatever it is, hopefully it won't involve dramatic 80's electronic music.

Spy shot of the touchpad iDrive controller from next generation X5 (F15) prototype.

[zivyn]

flick to scroll is nice on phones, but seems silly when you have the knob for more precise control.

also, why is that video 80's themed?

[aajami]

Mercedes is introducing a touchpad for the W205 C-class...

[antzcrashing]

great, something more distracting than idrive

[numba1guju]

hopefully cars available without the distraction and extra sensitive electronics...breaking this should cost a handful to fix if its not under warranty hahahaha...pretty fancy though, definitely like it

[danblank]

Originally Posted by Jason

Exactly how BMW actually implements the technology remains to be seen, but the potential for some innovative uses is certainly there. Whatever it is, hopefully it won't involve dramatic 80's electronic music.

Man. It's German. I would be disappointed not the hear the 80's soundtrack. I'm surprised the Hoff didn't start singing at some point.

[CurbBender'90]

This vid does no justice at all, worthless especially with that music. Rather wait to they show the X5 in use with it...

[Cuz5150]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

great, something more distracting than idrive

thinking along the same lines.......
Im guessing they have to offer it, due to Audi

[Noobish]

I would prefer to use the current iDrive. This takes too much attention/concentration to use it.

[reprod]

This seems more setup for Audi than BMW based on that video. I don think I need any of that in my life at the moment. The knob would have to be extremely large to make that realistic.

[Z4-VILLA]

Originally Posted by zivyn

flick to scroll is nice on phones, but seems silly when you have the knob for more precise control.

also, why is that video 80's themed?

because the technology has been out since for ever...lol

[jtuds]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

great, something more distracting than idrive

yeah...i hope they don't do this. It's unnecessary and gimmicky

[Shane550X]

Why would anyone want this. The standard center stack is perfect the way it is, and In the video the software looked a bit jumpy and reaction time was super slow at points.

[OdomPHD]

I despise cheap touch screens....and that looks like a cheap touch screen. If you aren't gonna go big, go home BMW.

Stick with what you do best, sports cars. Not electronics. Gizmos are fun but I have ZERO problem with the way things are in the cabin now. Some people bi*ch about this and that, but I never even notice and nor do my passengers. Would they notice the massive screens everywhere? sure. Points for being "cool,"? Sure. Points on your license for fuhking with the iDrive touch screen in a school zone doing 55mph... Whoops.

[shoptb]

I love new technology and seeing how it can improve the user's interactions. This, however, doesn't really seem to improve anything...in fact, I would see it as ~more intrusive/distracting~ than the current iDrive. I hope BMW doesn't jump on this ... technology for technology's sake.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Shane550X

Why would anyone want this. The standard center stack is perfect the way it is, and In the video the software looked a bit jumpy and reaction time was super slow at points.

Originally Posted by OdomPHD

I despise cheap touch screens....and that looks like a cheap touch screen. If you aren't gonna go big, go home BMW.

Relax folks.

As the post says, this is just a concept that was brought out by this automotive supplier company for demo purposes at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show. This doesn't show what BMW's implementation, software, interface, nor performance will be like. It was posted just to show what kind of use a touchpad idrive knob could be used for.

[boarchicken]

for the love of german engineering please make it stop!!! damn, annoying ass music. they should make their interface more like infiniti. imo they made it perfect, touchscreen + a knob.

[OdomPHD]

Originally Posted by Jason

Relax folks.

As the post says, this is just a concept that was brought out by this automotive supplier company for demo purposes at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show. This doesn't show what BMW's implementation, software, interface, nor performance will be like. It was posted just to show what kind of use a touchpad idrive knob could be used for.

As an investor (many of us at BimmerPost are BMW AG affiliated), the point you make about suppliers rings true, Jason.

Suppliers pitch their products just like any other company and BMW's suppliers do the same. But, as many US auto companys will attest to, can the supplier supply a product which won't drag down the interior quality of the car with cheap/hard to use technology that merely distracts the driver as opposed to assissting him? Technology for technology's sake is bad. But, if BMW can find a way to implement it with a minimal learning curve and (iPhone) familiar touch screen technology I don't see anything wrong with my favorite Bavarians ushering in the "next best thing" in car interiors. Hell, afterall....I own Bavarian Motor Werken stock. I invested in their carbon fiber aquisition and I will continue to follow BMW on their upward trend. In fact, I've already paid for my next F32 (4)335i with my foresight in BMW.

[ferrari6891]

I felt like I was in a time machine through the entire video

[Imola.ZHP]

Interesting, the 80's music was cracking me up though, I was picturing this in a Delorean...

[positiveions]

next: touchpad to shift gears, turn the ignition on, etc...
I predicted that. My friend disagreed with me.

[vase330]

Hmmmmm, no likieeee!!!

Leave the mobile device gadgetry off automobiles. Overdone.