MINI Connected, which will first show its face in the all-new Countryman later this year, is a unique technology that will allow MINI owners web access and seemingly limitless data exchange capabilities. All future MINI models will eventually have this technology as an option, but it will debut on the Countryman.
MINI Connected stands to be the world’s first in-car entertainment solution, allowing in-car web radio, a huge range of infotainment, navigation and communications functions to be used on board in tandem with your smart phone. All operations are controlled via the built-in MINI operating system, allowing you to quickly and safely navigate your preferred functions.
The way it works is simple: You plug in your iPhone (currently the only supported smart phone, but more will likely be added later) into the armrest. This not only charges the iPhone, but it also provides a connection to the roof antenna and a hard-wire for your data. The BlueTooth capabilities of your smart phone pair with the MINI operating system so all the typical wireless functions are supported. Not only will web radio be supported, but a host of other functions, as well, including Google send-to-car, Google’s own mapping feature that allows you to send a business listing directly to your car for in-car navigation and hands-free calling. That means no more having to write down an important address or phone number only to enter it later into your car’s navigation or calling system. Additionally, it is speculated that the traditional web communications should all make the scene in one way or another, including SMS, email, Twitter and web browsing itself. There is even talk of an official “MINI App Store” with downloads and perhaps even third party app development.
Streaming audio and web content in your car is an incredible thing, and one that seemed lifetimes away only a few short years ago. The MINI Connect should prove to be a tantalizing feature for those of us that are technophiles. It is good to see cutting edge automakers like MINI embrace the idea of a network-connected world.
