BMW Introduces In-Car Internet

While the aftermarket has been supplying in-car computers with wireless internet access for a few years now, it's not a step auto manufacturers have been keen to take. The combination of such paid services as OnStar combined with various locale-specific hurdles has long provided manufacturers with ample reason to avoid investment in that technology. But it would appear no one told the folks from Bavaria that, since they've just taken the wrapper off their new ConnectedDrive system that allows anywhere access to the world wide web.

Utilizing the same cellular band as the world famous (and as yet unavailable in Canada) iPhone, the BMW system's broad-scale access trades the faster 3G cellular network's speed for the broad-scale network's wider coverage. It uses the brand's hit-and-miss iDrive controller to enter URLs, check email, and even conduct online banking transactions, and will disallow internet access when the vehicle is moving, with only rear-seat entertainment system equipped cars allowing truly mobile surfing. Sadly, it will debut in Europe before appearing on our shores, but serves as a very good indicator of the things to come.