Touchpad iDrive Controller Technology Preview - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Jason · 05-29-2012, 06:01 PM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Touchpad iDrive Controller Technology Preview

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COMMENTS

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.

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BMW iDrive Touch Controller Demo Video

zivyn · 05-29-2012, 07:05 PM

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 · 05-29-2012, 07:09 PM

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

antzcrashing · 05-29-2012, 07:20 PM

great, something more distracting than idrive

numba1guju · 05-29-2012, 07:22 PM

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 · 05-29-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

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.

BMW_Boy7 · 05-29-2012, 07:55 PM

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

Cuz5150 · 05-29-2012, 07:57 PM

Quote:

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 · 05-29-2012, 08:22 PM

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

reprod · 05-29-2012, 08:23 PM

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 · 05-29-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

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 · 05-29-2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

great, something more distracting than idrive

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

Shane550X · 05-29-2012, 09:00 PM

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 · 05-29-2012, 09:08 PM

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 · 05-29-2012, 09:09 PM

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 · 05-29-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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 · 05-29-2012, 09:14 PM

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 · 05-29-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

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 · 05-29-2012, 09:50 PM

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

Imola.ZHP · 05-29-2012, 10:00 PM

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

positiveions · 05-29-2012, 10:24 PM

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

vase330 · 05-29-2012, 10:33 PM

Hmmmmm, no likieeee!!!

Leave the mobile device gadgetry off automobiles. Overdone.

05-29-2012, 06:01 PM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 14,252 iTrader: (0)	Touchpad iDrive Controller Technology Preview BIMMERPOST NEWS Touchpad iDrive Controller Technology Preview 40 COMMENTS Tweet 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. Share this story OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE BMW iDrive Touch Controller Demo Video
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05-29-2012, 07:09 PM	#3
aajami Brigadier General Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA Posts: 3,339 iTrader: (4)	Mercedes is introducing a touchpad for the W205 C-class... __________________ Current: '09 E92 M3 \| Space Gray, Black Novillo, Carbon Leather \| ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL \| link 1 / link 2 Mods: M Performance exhaust \| ZCP suspension retrofit \| Euro airbox \| LCI Euro taillights \| Style 359M wheels \| CRT lip \| BMW Performance CF Mk. II spoiler \| BMW Performance CF mirror caps \| BMW Performance front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem \| Factory alarm retrofit \| Space Gray bumper plugs Gone: '01 "AP2" Honda S2000, '97 Ford Probe GT

05-29-2012, 07:20 PM	#4
antzcrashing ... can I get a 1M Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami FL Posts: 933 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [5.00]	great, something more distracting than idrive __________________

05-29-2012, 07:22 PM	#5
numba1guju Lieutenant Drives: 2002 325i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 473 iTrader: (0)	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 __________________ Current: 2013 328i Mineral Gray ZMM/ZLP/Heated Seats SOLD: 2002 325i Jet Black ZPP

05-29-2012, 08:23 PM	#10
reprod Major Drives: 335xi Coupe (SG) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,265 iTrader: (6)	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. __________________ '08 Sparkling Graph. E92 335xi (ZSP w/ 18s \| Saddle Br. w/ Grey Poplar \| Nav \| PDC \| Cold Weather) (Returned) '11 Space Grey E92 335i x-Drive M-Sport (KWv1 Coils \| Saddle Brown \| Bamboo \| NAV \| PDC \| Premium)

05-29-2012, 07:05 PM	#2
zivyn Second Lieutenant Drives: 2009 e90 335i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Detroit Posts: 227 iTrader: (10)	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?

05-29-2012, 07:55 PM	#7
BMW_Boy7 Private First Class Drives: 2008 Sebring Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Westland Posts: 103 iTrader: (0)	This vid does no justice at all, worthless especially with that music. Rather wait to they show the X5 in use with it...

05-29-2012, 08:22 PM	#9
Noobish New Member Drives: E39 / E60 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Central America Posts: 11 iTrader: (0)	I would prefer to use the current iDrive. This takes too much attention/concentration to use it.

05-29-2012, 09:00 PM	#13
Shane550X Private First Class Drives: '13 X5 50i '12 550 MS XDrive Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 134 iTrader: (0)	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.

05-29-2012, 09:09 PM	#15
shoptb Captain Drives: 13 328i MSport EBII 8A Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 614 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________________ Delivered! '13 F30 328i, 8SA, Estoril Blue II w/ Black Lthr. ZMM, ZPP, ZTP, ZLP, ZDA, ZCW, ZDH

05-29-2012, 09:14 PM	#17
boarchicken Enlisted Member Drives: currently g35 2008 sedan Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Glendale Posts: 49 iTrader: (0)	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.

05-29-2012, 09:50 PM	#19
ferrari6891 the original brown guy Drives: 08 E92 M3, 11 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: tenafly, nj/ boston, ma Posts: 959 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011.75 E90 M3 [3.83]	I felt like I was in a time machine through the entire video __________________ 2011 E90 ///M3 AW/FR ACM Exhaust with CF tips, CF splitters, CF mirror caps, OEM Performance CF trunk Spoiler, gloss black side markers and hood vents, AW painted reflectors, matte black kidney grills, OSS-ACM Headlights, ZCP/GTS matte black wheels Future: tints, RD sport springs, turner test pipes, CF roof vinyl

05-29-2012, 10:00 PM	#20
Imola.ZHP 100% PAID FOR! Drives: 2003 BMW 330i ZHP Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mud Island, TN Posts: 1,808 iTrader: (0)	Interesting, the 80's music was cracking me up though, I was picturing this in a Delorean... __________________ -- '03 330i ZHP -- Marcus

05-29-2012, 10:24 PM	#21
positiveions Major General Drives: 09 MKV JETTA 2.5 & E90 M3 :) Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 9,032 iTrader: (1)	next: touchpad to shift gears, turn the ignition on, etc... I predicted that. My friend disagreed with me. __________________

05-29-2012, 10:33 PM	#22
vase330 Colonel Drives: E92 335i ; 08 Toyota RAV4 V6 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Arlington, Va Posts: 2,643 iTrader: (1)	Hmmmmm, no likieeee!!! Leave the mobile device gadgetry off automobiles. Overdone. __________________ E92 335 \| Space Gray \| Saddle Brown Dakota \| Dark Burl Trim \| ZPP \| ZSP \| AT \| Idrive \| 6FL \| FBO \| Dinan CAI \| Quaife LSD \| STG3 PROCede.

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