Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 12, 2014 11:30AM EDT / 8:30AM PDT . . . The BMW Group Technology Office and GoPro have announced the first-ever, mass-produced integration of a GoPro camera with an automobile’s on board infotainment system. In BMW Group vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, a GoPro camera may now be configured and controlled using BMW’s state-of-the-art iDrive controller and high-resolution screen. Starting in July 2014, the integration will be functional on all model year 2012 and later BMW Group vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, when used with a Wi-Fi-equipped GoPro camera. The updated GoPro App is now available for free in the iTunes Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gopro-app/id561350520).
“Working with GoPro to design this integration was remarkable,” said Phil Johnston, Head of BMW Group AppCenter USA. “’Creative’ and ‘insightful’ just begin to describe the experience. GoPro is a natural fit for BMW enthusiast drivers. The power and flexibility of the BMW Group App Integration Platform coupled with GoPro’s advanced camera technology brings new, safe, and engaging experiences to the enthusiasts that were previously not possible. When the camera is connected to the car, it allows GoPro’s app to present context-appropriate presets that allow the enthusiast to capture the perfect shot.”
“GoPro has deep roots in motorsports and is passionate about enabling drivers to capture their road or track experience,” said Adam Silver, GoPro Director of Strategic Product Opportunities. “The GoPro and BMW collaboration sets a new standard in the category and is an important first step in a partnership designed to deliver next-level integration between camera and car.”
This groundbreaking integration is designed specifically to reduce driver distraction and enhance the capabilities for which “The Ultimate Driving Machine®” and GoPro, one of the world’s most versatile cameras, are famous. In addition to aiming the camera using BMW’s large central screen, users may quickly choose between six pre-set camera modes: Leisure Drive Facing Out, Night Driving, Sport Drive Facing Out, Drive Camera Facing In, Winding Road Time-lapse, and Straight Road Time-lapse. The camera’s RECORD function may be started and stopped by the driver at will, and vital camera status indicators are displayed, including recording elapsed time, battery life, and Wi-Fi signal strength. The user may also toggle the camera’s SLEEP mode to prolong battery life between shots.
How it works.
First, the user’s BMW or MINI vehicle must be equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, respectively. Next, the user’s Wi-Fi-equipped GoPro camera (HERO3+ and later) communicates with the GoPro App installed on the driver’s iPhone 4 or later, which must be connected to the vehicle either through the iPhone USB cable or the BMW Accessory snap-in adaptor for iPhone. The driver will access the App through the BMW ConnectedDrive or MINI Connected menu, which is displayed on the large, trans-reflective central screen (up to 10.2 inches, depending on model).
The BMW Group Technology Office and GoPro designed the on-board operating menu to streamline the camera’s operation and take full advantage of the integrated environment. Menu choices appear to the left of the screen, and the camera’s actual field of view is displayed in near real-time while the vehicle is stationary.
About GoPro
GoPro’s versatile cameras and accessories enable people to self-capture immersive and engaging footage of themselves enjoying their favorite activities. From extreme to mainstream, GoPro’s HERO® line of wearable and gear-mountable capture devices are transforming the way consumers, professional athletes, and video production professionals capture, manage and share meaningful photo and video content. Based in San Mateo, California, GoPro’s products are sold through more than 25,000 stores in over 100 countries worldwide and direct via GoPro.com. GoPro branded content is shared and enjoyed by millions of people on popular media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo and YouTube.
GOPRO® and HERO® are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! NEW MINI CONNECTED APP ALLOWS GOPRO CAMERAS TO BE CONTROLLED FROM YOUR DASHBOARD
World first for a car brand: Control GoPro cameras via MINI operating system- Cameras can be controlled through free-to-download App
- Available in Apple App Store from June
The MINI has never exactly been camera-shy, but now the brand’s latest models can get themselves on camera easier than ever before.
A new MINI Connected ready App enables GoPro cameras to be controlled via the dashboard – meaning shooting a movie is now as easy as changing a song or altering the air conditioning. MINI is the first car brand whose operating system can be used to control GoPro cameras.
This makes it possible to start shooting video with a camera mounted on or inside the car while travelling. The functionality is intuitive, convenient and, most important of all, safe. Apple iPhone owners can download the new MINI Connected App free of charge from the Apple App Store from June 2014.
GoPro cameras are specially designed for taking photographs and shooting videos during adventure sports and leisure activities, and are even used by racing enthusiasts to document their driving skills. With the new App, MINI drivers will be able to concentrate on finding the ideal line while having fun on the race track.
Thanks to the new GoPro MINI Connected ready App, camera functions can be operated via the high-resolution colour display on the central area of the dashboard and the MINI Joystick or MINI Touch Controller in the centre console, requiring minimum distraction.
The car must be fitted with the MINI Visual Boost Radio and MINI Connected or the MINI Connected XL package. The integration of the App inside the vehicle’s operating system is handled through the customer’s Apple iPhone, while a WLAN connection is maintained between the GoPro camera and iPhone.
There is a choice of video and single-image shots as well as a photo series mode with short or long interval options. Special modes are also available to optimise image quality in various driving situations such as night time or cornering. The camera can also be switched on and off using the MINI’s centre console, and the charge state of the camera battery and remaining recording capacity can also be displayed on screen. When the car is not moving, a preview image can be displayed which shows the camera’s perspective.
This new MINI Connected ready App once again demonstrates the limitless capabilities of the unique MINI infotainment system. With Apps developed by third-party providers and designed especially for use in the MINI, the range of Apps available is continually expanding.
Apps available now include a wide spectrum of services such as Glympse, AUPEO!, Stitcher, Deezer, Audible, Napster, TuneIn and the Amazon Cloud Player. Then there are the services built into the MINI Connected system such as a web radio and RSS news feeds as well as social media including Facebook, Twitter and foursquare. Online search and functions exclusive to MINI such as Driving Excitement, Mission Control, Dynamic Music and MINIMALISM are also available, as well as the new MINI Connected XL Journey Mate for interactive travel planning and support for Real Time Traffic Radar.
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