Automotive

BMW integrates GoPro action cam into its infotainment systems

BMW integrates GoPro action cam into its infotainment systems
The driver controls the camera with BMW's infotainment system
The driver controls the camera with BMW's infotainment system
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Drivers can turn recording on and off from the comfort of the cockpit, no matter where the camera is mounted
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Drivers can turn recording on and off from the comfort of the cockpit, no matter where the camera is mounted
Action filming just got easier for BMW/Mini drivers
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Action filming just got easier for BMW/Mini drivers
BMW plans to update Mini Connected and BMW App systems with compatibility next month
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BMW plans to update Mini Connected and BMW App systems with compatibility next month
Action filming just got easier for BMW/Mini drivers
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Action filming just got easier for BMW/Mini drivers
The app includes a selection of video and photo modes
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The app includes a selection of video and photo modes
The app has six driving specific shooting modes
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The app has six driving specific shooting modes
The driver controls the camera with BMW's infotainment system
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The driver controls the camera with BMW's infotainment system
The GoPro integration makes it easier to control the camera, no matter where it's mounted
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The GoPro integration makes it easier to control the camera, no matter where it's mounted
The new app will be available this month
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The new app will be available this month
Action filming just got easier for BMW/Minidrivers
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Action filming just got easier for BMW/Minidrivers
The new app pulls control off the camera/iPhone and puts it into the BMW's display and controller
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The new app pulls control off the camera/iPhone and puts it into the BMW's display and controller
View gallery - 11 images

Twisty roads through wooded forests, speed-optimized track laps, leisurely drives along the breezy coast – whatever your daily or weekend commute looks like, it might be the perfect subject for an HD video. BMW is making it easier to use the popular GoPro action camera to capture such driving moments. It has worked with GoPro to integrate camera control into its infotainment architecture.

In a move that it calls a "first ever," BMW is integrating GoPro control into its BMW Apps and Mini Connected systems by way of the GoPro iPhone app. The app pulls basic control from the GoPro hardware to the car's color display and iDrive controller. Drivers can mount a GoPro anywhere on the car, inside or out, and enjoy more intuitive control.

"GoPro is a natural fit for BMW enthusiast drivers," says Phil Johnston, head of BMW Group AppCenter USA. "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."

The app has six driving specific shooting modes
The app has six driving specific shooting modes

The driver can turn the camera on and off, start and stop recording, switch between video and photo modes, and select from six drive-specific camera modes: leisure driving facing out, night driving, sport driving facing out, drive camera facing in, winding road time lapse and straight road time lapse. The car's display shows the camera's battery life, remaining storage space and strength of its Wi-Fi connection. When the car is stopped, the screen displays a preview image, which the driver can use to reposition the camera for the best view.

Starting in July, BMW will be adding GoPro app compatibility to all 2012 and newer models with BMW Apps or Mini Connected. The app is designed for iPhone 4 and later and GoPro cameras equipped with Wi-Fi (Hero3+ and later). The iPhone, which is connected to the BMW by USB cable or snap-in adaptor, bridges the wirelessly connected GoPro and car's infotainment system. The updated GoPro app is available in the iTunes Store now.

Source: BMW

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1 comment
1 comment
Mel Tisdale
With the growing 'sport' of faking accidents in order to claim on the insurance I would like to have a built in, i.e. not nickable, wide angle cameras mounted front and rear with the usual save instruction that keeps the previous few minutes in the event of someone throwing themselves at the car. (Watch YouTube videos for examples). This save function could even be automatic on detection of a significant lateral 'g' input into the vehicle, indicating a collision of some sort.
Such a system could also act to some extent as a 'black box' by recording speed etc. for use in court. I imagine that would reduce insurance premiums quite a bit. Whilst these BMW/GoPro cameras could record events, they have to be set up each time you start, unless you leave them stuck on the windscreen and like having to replace your door glass - and them - on a regular and frequent basis.