for idrive 4.0, bmw brings back a few buttons - touch screen radio

By JOHN R. QUAINOCT.
For 23 years, it's hard to recall a car feature that has been mercilessly criticized as iDrive, a central control system for many BMW.
"Dazzling", "obstruction" and "knotting" are some of the more friendly words used to describe the confusing computerized interface for operating navigation, communication and entertainment systems.
But it is also ruthless that BMW has been sticking to iDrive after seven years of adjustment, upgrade and adjustment.
Now, in some of the cars that went public this month, the company is offering a new system with an easy-to-use revised interface and may be prepared to abandon its image as a symbol of poor technical performance.
The IDrive system was originally designed to be a simple example.
BMW's engineers say they think more and more mysterious buttons on the dashboard are confusing.
So they eliminated many buttons and knobs and used iDrive's in-
Rotating, sliding, switching knobs on the dashboard LCD display and the center console allow the driver to choose from a variety of controls and settings.
But as engineers do sometimes, they go too far.
IDrive can (and still can)
Control everything from temperature setting and air speed
Air conditioning fan for radio, navigation system and mobile phone.
The problem is that its complexity is frustrating.
For example, in one version of the system, in order to turn on the air, one has to browse multiple screensconditioning;
It takes up to five rotations and clicks on the knob to store the preferred station. And the on-
Screen menu, starting with eight
Point the compass screen and use esoteric initials like "BC (
The motherboard computer used to access functions such as distance-to-
Air and fuel economy)and “PDC pic” (
Parking distance control, helpful for parking).
It seems that all of this is not bad enough for advertising, and earlier iDrives reacted so slowly that it is better to change any settings while parking.
Advertising, but over the years, BMW has made restrictions on iDrive, first adding buttons for climate control and then a row of programmable buttons so drivers can use the features they choose directly.
Later, eight
The point compass menu was cut to four.
Now, with the official release of BMW's fourth edition of iDrive, the company has abandoned the compass menu for traditional vertical lists and branches --tree structure.
The IDrive control knob is still in front of the central armrest, but it is surrounded by a set of seven buttons.
The speech recognition system is adjusted with faster computer processors and 80 gb of hard drives, enabling iDrive to switch between functions and controls faster. This great-
IDrive's grandson made his debut this month in the revised 2009 3 Series and 1 Series models for about $2,000 (
Depending on the model).
Starting in spring, it will be the standard for 7 Series models.
Sitting behind the due date steering wheel at 2009 335d, I immediately felt more comfortable with the new iDrive. The crisp 8. 8-
Inch display still does not use touch screen (
The company does not want the driver to change the settings forward tilt)
In favor of the control knob, the work of the knob is more consistent and simple --screen menus.
You rotate the knob, go down to the menu list, press it to select an item, or push left and go back to the previous menu. (
So difficult? )
As a result, you can jump to the feature you want faster.
And a big round-
The screen icon changes depending on the area you highlight.
For example, a note graphic pops up with a CD/Multimedia selection.
It makes it easier for me to know where I am at a glance.
The seven buttons around the IDrive knob also make it easier to switch between functions.
In addition to the always useful "back" buttons, they allow you direct access to the CD, main menu, phone, radio, navigation, and options screen.
The buttons have different shapes, so it's easy to learn them by feeling.
By the way, for those of you who must always be tied to the iPod, there is a connector for the music player on the armrest, iDrive will show the track of the iPod, album and artist information on screen.
You can also tear the disc directly to the system hard drive or copy digital music files from any device connected to the USS. B.
The port in the glove box.
The copy function will continue even if switched to radio or navigation.
Planning and tracking routes on the new iDrive is also easier.
The screen can be split to display different views side by side, just like a large overview map of the area close to it
From your position.
Thankfully, it can now also be set to display a simple view across the screen.
To enter the address, instead of displaying the standard QWERTY keyboard layout, the alphanumeric characters expand around the rotating dial on the screen, which corresponds to the rotation of the iDrive controller. (
Audi has been using similar methods for several years. )
I found it faster and easier to master than usual. Screen keyboard.
The navigation system provides drivers with three route choices: the fastest, the shortest and the most fuelefficient.
Real-time traffic reports are available free of charge through Clear Channel's FM service.
IDrive includes improved voice if the rotary knob and Button are not for you-command system.
Unlike previous versions, after pressing the voice control button, you no longer need to wait for the beep to start talking.
In addition to switching between features, you can also name the city and street to draw the route, or name the contact person who dials Bluetooth
Connect the phone.
BMW owners can also learn more about iDrive.
For example, they can change procedures that were previously adjusted only by dealers, such as automatic doors.
Lock settings and check information such as tire pressure.
Versions that will appear in the new 7 series will also be available
Screen owner's manual with teaching video (
Only when the car stops).
BMW's accumulated driver data has helped improve iDrive, including having about 600 people adjust this version of the system using a driving simulator.
Overall, I did find that the new personalised and custom features allow me to customize the interface to suit my preferences based on the buttons, spin knobs, or voice commands I like.
This system may be easier to use, but does BMW eventually eliminate the problem of driver distraction? Absolutely not. The voice-
Recognition software-
Like all the projects in the market.
Far from perfect.
In addition, there will always be drivers who insist on drawing new routes or browsing the iPod playlist while walking on Merritt Avenue. (
In fact, BMW will provide full Internet access and live TV in the European market, but not in the United States, which shows how much they trust our technology. )
However, until some advanced voice
There is no hesitation in understanding the arrival of the control system for each syllable, which may be the best BMW can do.
A version of this article appears on the New York version of the AU2 page with the title: iDrive 4.
BMW decided to bring a few buttons back.
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