NVIDIA has been shuffling its priorities as of late, especially with rumors of certain large computer manufacturers moving away from NVIDIA hardware. Regardless, the company has been beefing up its automotive portfolio, their products already power the Navigation system in Audis but as of todays annoucement, NVIDIA will also be offering up its services to the entire BMW range (including MINI).
Having a dedicated NVIDIA graphics processor will certainly boost the speed and rendering capabilities in the I-Drive nav system, especially in creating faster and more detailed landscape renderings. Most importantly, their hardware will allow for full 1280x600 in all upcoming BMW systems. BMW also promises a visually rich next generation system.
To mark the event, BMW and NVIDIA will have a demonstrator 5 series available at the CES show all week.
If you are interested in NVIDIAs automotive products, make sure to check out the new Tesla Model S, which uses NVIDIAS Tegra platform to power an eye popping 17" Infotainment/control cluster!
Source:
Engadget
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NVIDIA GPUs to Be the Infotainment Centerpiece Across BMW's Next-Generation of Cars
From the 7 Series to the Mini Cooper, NVIDIA Powers BMW State-of-the-Art Graphics, Enabling Focus on Safer, More Enjoyable Driving
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwire) -- 01/04/2011 -- CES 2011 -- BMW of North America and NVIDIA today announced a partnership that puts NVIDIAŽ GPUs in navigation and vehicle-information systems across all next-generation BMW cars worldwide.
NVIDIA GPUs will power BMW's in-car navigation systems to deliver vivid graphics with detailed terrain models, landmarks and a stunning new interface. NVIDIA processors will be found throughout BMW's range of models, including the 7-Series, 5-Series, 3-Series, Mini Cooper line and X-Series of sports activity vehicles.
BMW's iDrive will feature high resolution visuals, real-time traffic reporting and navigation information. iDrive is the intelligent control concept that makes it intuitively simple to use a BMW's in-car features. Its ability to clearly show the most relevant details and make anticipatory decisions to assist the driver will allow BMW owners to drive more safely and focus on the joy of driving.
Highlights / Key Facts:
* Powered by NVIDIA GPUs, the BMW iDrive system provides:
o Visually rich, next-generation user interface
o Advanced state-of-the-art graphics for navigation and vehicle-information systems
o High resolution display (1280x600)
o Fast user-interface response time
* At CES 2011, see a sneak preview of the BMW 5-Series, showcasing the very latest graphics technologies at NVIDIA's outdoor exhibit -- Central Plaza booth # CP7.
Quotes:
"A year ago we had a vision to deliver the most advanced intuitive state-of-the-art navigation system. In our quest for superior graphics performance, no one came close to what NVIDIA brings to the table. Our partnership represents the beginning of an exciting new phase for BMW drivers."
- Elmar Frickenstein, Executive Vice President Electrics/Electronics and Driving Experience Environment at BMW
"BMW has built their reputation on creating the ultimate driving experience. They are taking that to an entirely new level with NVIDIA GPUs."
- Dan Vivoli, Senior Vice President at NVIDIA
NVIDIA 17" screen from Tesla model