I've always dreamed of a car that would be a source of support and advice. This fantasy was inspired by the 1980s television series Knight Rider, which starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a high-tech crime fighter who was aided by "K.I.T.T." – a customized 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. A trustworthy ally as well as an awesome ride, K.I.T.T. would offer helpful advice and say things such as, "My sensors indicate you're somewhat disturbed, Michael."
For decades, the car as butler/buddy remained only a dream. Today, however, it looks as if that dream is finally becoming a reality. BMW has launched the BMW Connected North America app, which acts like a personal assistant. It's available in the United States for iOS users, as part of BMW's ConnectedDrive app and infotainment ecosystem. It will be available in Canada in early 2017.
According to BMW's press material (which reads as if it were found in Kafka's waste bin), "This cross-platform mobility concept is based on an extremely flexible technical infrastructure known as the Open Mobility Cloud. This newly created architecture builds on the highly flexible, integrated tools and services of Microsoft Azure. The intelligent system processes data and information from all sorts of different sources, thereby providing the basis for personalization and context orientation of the services."
Or, in other words, BMW Connected North America can analyze a driver's daily routes and then let him or her know via iPhone or iWatch when is the best time to leave and warn him or her about bad traffic. It's conceivable that a driver using BMW Connected North America might never be late again. Though I possess an iPhone 6, I've never owned a BMW. This new app really tilts the scales. I'm very ready to join the Bimmer army.
Here's how I see an app-based personal assistant working out for me in the future.
8:15 a.m.: "Traffic congested. Commuting route delayed. You know, you probably have time for another coffee."
9:20 a.m.: "Traffic's a little better but there was a fender-bender on the highway so one lane is blocked. That's an extra 25-minute delay. If you fast-forward through the commercials you can probably watch the episode of Baskets that you saved. You'll get to work around the same time. Maybe even another coffee?"
11:25 a.m.: "Traffic is clear. Optimum commute conditions. You will arrive at work at 11:50, which is technically almost time for lunch. Why don't you just eat a healthy early lunch at home and then drive in and work straight through? Amounts to the same thing."
12:42 p.m.: "Traffic clear. Maximum optimal commuting conditions. You will never have a quicker trip. However, full disclosure: NFL Top Ten Cornerback Tandems is on at 1 p.m. and they never play that one."
2:11 p.m.: "First, the good news. If you leave now you will be going against the traffic. Now the bad news, you will arrive at work around 3:02 p.m. Your call."
3:43 p.m.: "I told you it was okay to drink coffee in the afternoon. By the way, if you leave for work now, you'll beat the lines at the grocery store and you can stop off at the liquor store and be home before anyone else."
3:44 p.m.: "Or you could go to a spin class, but the traffic looks pretty bad. Maybe skip it. Just use a basket instead of a cart at the grocery store – that's like doing aerobics and weights at the same time."
Of course, BMW Connected North America might operate a little differently. Either way, I'm excited for the future and my new four-wheeled personal assistant.
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Andrew Clark