BMW is collaborating more with its partner Microsoft to bring efficiency to its automobiles. After including Office 365 communications features to its BMW 5 series late in 2016, it’s now likewise bringing Skype for Business to its infotainment functions, making it possible for users to get in touch through Skype conferences in the car.
The automaker isn’t the very first to do this. Volvo revealed this functionality months earlier.
The Skype integration is going to be incorporated into BMW’s iDrive system, and will enable users to join online meetings directly, along with receiving notifications about upcoming meetings, get alerts when meetings are changed, and begin meetings immediately without requiring a motorist to do any manual dialing in. Exchange customers will likewise be able to integrate their calendars, to-do list and contacts with vehicle voice and navigation services, Microsoft stated.
To start with, the services are going to be presented in Germany, France and the U.K., and BMW will then want to expand it to other markets. It’s a major example of the delicate balance automakers and connected service providers have to tread when pleasing consumer need for more smart automobile functions, but also concentrating on keeping distractions to a minimum.
This collaboration also prepares for long-term partnership on in-car experiences that might become much more significant when autonomous cars become commonplace. Audi currently announced it would be bringing Level 3 autonomy to production automobiles next year, which indicates they’ll be times during driving when a motorist can concentrate on other tasks– including productivity.
Expect more collaborations to emerge like this one that prepared for deeper combinations in a self-driving future.
