Initially released as MINI Connected on the BMW Group ‘s entry level brand, BMW apps serve to create a platform for in-car infotainment via the mobile device. The first device supported of course are Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and technically iPod Touch) however we expect support for other platforms in the future. But why is BMW Apps so different from what came before it. The idea is simple. De-couple technology from the model update cycle and you have the ability to be much more nimble when it comes to new technology. A great example of this is the recent addition to Pandora in with BMW Apps and MINI Connected.

We ‘ve detailed the apps functionality here and MotoringFile since last summer in MINI Connected form. But now that the BMW version is out we wanted to give you a look at how it all works and looks in a BMW. So with that we turn to our friend and Senior Engineer at BMW Technology Group Rob Passaro to give you the full run-through.

Apps is an extra option to most Navigation equipped BMWs produced after March 2011.