Now that we've all had a good hearty laugh over the space-age technologies that won't be making their way into our lineup, it's time that we here at BMW of Southampton got back to business. Because if you haven't heard, the doors recently closed on the 2013 New York Auto Show, and if what we saw is to be believed, our new and used cars may never be the same.
First up, there was the announcement that BMW's current iOS apps would be getting a whole slew of upgrades. In due time, drivers will be able to synch up their smartphones to their BMW with a USB to Lightning cable and have the ability to access apps such as Audible, Glympse, Rhapsody and TuneIn Radio. The integration will also provide battery power to the smartphone and prevent distracted driving by turning off the vehicle's infotainment screen. From there, drivers will be able to navigate the apps using BMW's iDrive controls.
Very exciting in its own right, but the biggest head-turner of the day was undoubtedly the announcement that future BMW models will come with a portable LTE router. The way it works is that when a driver's smartphone is outfitted with an LTE SIM card, the LTE router will synch up with the vehicle's antenna to give you and your passengers one awfully strong WiFi hotspot. Not only that, but since the LTE router is "portable," that means it also works when you're outside the car.
Not too shabby, BMW. Not too shabby at all.
Still waiting for an official word on when these upgrades will find their way into our showroom, but until then, feel free to swing by our car parts department to learn more about the technologies in our models here at 759 County Road 39A in Southampton, NY 11968-4122. It's the future today, folks.