BMW USA and GoPro this summer will modify the BMW M laptimer app by adding the ability to control a GoPro camera on iOS devices. When launching the M Laptimer app in the iDrive system, a GoPro tab will appear on the menu. Clicking the tab will make GoPro functions available on the iDrive screen.
Displayed will be: the name of the connected camera, to ensure the right camera is being controlled; a live preview image, to adjust the angle of the controlled camera when parked; WiFi signal strength and battery charge level; access to the camera power button to increase battery life when not in use.
“This allows us to provide BMW drivers the ability to safely capture and share their track experience,” said Christian Schmid, senior development engineer at the BMW Group Technology Office USA.
The optional BMW M Laptimer App records data from a vehicle’s on-board computer network and GPS receiver to create comparative track sessions. It generates track maps with essential driving data – including top speed, number of laps, best lap time and ambient temperature. Information is then presented on a “scorecard” screen when the vehicle is parked. In addition to the video stored on the GoPro camera, a low-res version is saved on the phone so that it can be played back next to the map view on the M Laptimer app.
In addition to framing the shot using a central instrument panel screen, users can 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. Vital camera status indicators are displayed, including recording elapsed time, battery life, and Wi-Fi signal strength. The driver may also toggle the camera’s “sleep” mode to prolong battery life between shots.
“The GoPro and BMW collaboration set a new standard in the category when it launched in 2014,” claims Adam Silver, GoPro director of strategic product partnerships. “Since then, BMW has continued to innovate, demonstrating a passion for creating a cutting-edge user experience to enable drivers to capture and share their driving experience.”
