Quote:
Originally Posted by F87source
Quote:
Originally Posted by rkmjr
Does anyone have information regarding the newly announced Digital Key/NFC and if there will be any backwards compatibility for iDrive 6? I am having difficulty finding specific information online and checking with BMW themselves, nobody seems to really know. I get a little frustrated with BMW's technology where they appear incapable of developing, implementing and maintaining technology with regard to their iDrive systems in a coherent manner that benefits their current customers. It doesn't seem they can ever create new capabilities that can be used in previous technology like Apple iOS and Android can.
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Likely it won't be backwards compatible because it'll require additional hardware, which in turn will require new software updates. It is not as easy as you think where it is some simple software tweaks and then done. This is logically not worth it for bmw to do on a older model, and it is a selling point to buy a newer bmw. Hence it is likely to never come to an older bmw. |
Yes, that figures! Like I said, BMW (actually most auto manufacturers) do not build in for capabilities which are in their development pipeline with software like the phone companies. You can't tell me BMW was not fully aware that digital keys were "just down the road" and provide for those future capabilities in their hardware. I understand the concept of providing incentive to upgrade their car, but cars are a much bigger item and few people will be able to afford to upgrade their car for a technology software upgrade. To me, to have happy satisfied customers, at least for those who have purchased a car recently as the immediate version (in this case, iDrive 6) would benefit them in the long run MORE than banking on the expectation someone like me can afford to trade their 2018 iDrive 6 vehicle to get the new capability. Not all their BMW faithful customers are that affluent. AND, like I said in previous post, car companies are terrible with regard to technology that is not directly related to performance. IMHO.