BMW i Remote App a winner in the CES Innovation Awards 2015

Ahead of the 2015 CES in Las Vegas, New York City hosted the CES Innovation Awards ceremony where 20 product categories announced their winners.

This year, in the “Software and Mobile Apps” category, the BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear smartwatch took the top prize. Selecting the winning submissions are teams of judges made up of independent industrial designers, engineers and media representatives. The “Software and Mobile Apps” category is guided by criteria such as functionality, aesthetic appeal, user-friendliness and innovative edge.

The BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S smartwatch is an application which seamlessly connects BMW i drivers to their vehicle via their wristwatch. The app was developed to allow direct access to important information in real time. The app displays all key information at a glance on the smartwatch’s home screen: in the case of the BMW i3, for example, it shows not only the time but also the electric range available, the battery charge level and – during the charge process – the estimated charge time remaining.

Using the touch display to click on the data sent to the Gear S by the BMW i Remote App opens a submenu with more detailed information presented in the typically classy colours and style of BMW i. A further submenu informs the user of the vehicle’s current status, i.e. whether any of the doors, windows or the boot are open.

Advance regulation of the onboard climate, which can likewise be controlled by the Samsung Gear S, is an important factor in extending the car’s range. In this way, the interior can be conveniently preheated while the vehicle is still connected to the power supply. This does not affect the charging process.

Next on the table for BMW is the integration of BMW i apps with Apple’s upcoming smartwatches. A preview was offered by Tim Cook back in September.

By: Unknown On 18:00

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Apple Watch distracting to drivers

While technology has improved many areas of our lives, there is one part of day-to-day life where the advance of wearable technology poses many dangers: driving.

Ever since mobile phones started to become widely used there have been attempts to stop people from chatting, texting and browsing while in the car. Sadly accidents caused by such activities remain commonplace, as Traffic Cops will attest.

Now, another problem looms: smartwatches. With numerous devices popping up that can sit on the wrist and ping notifications and messages to the wearer, those behind the wheel face even greater likelihood of being distracted.

This is exactly what the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) fears, as it warns those embracing wearables, especially the new Apple Watch, to remember the law of the land.

Neil Greig, IAM director of Policy and Research, said: “An iWatch [sic] has the potential to be just as distracting as any other smartphone device. Indeed more so if you have to take your hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road to interact with it.

“Enforcement will be difficult for the police, but powers exist to seize and interrogate devices in the event of a serious crash. The very device that distracted you also has the power to convict you.”

Underlining the risk such distractions pose, the IAM said that data from its simulator study on smartphone use between 2006 and 2010 found distraction from a mobile phone was a factor contributing to 1,960 road accidents where people were injured; this figure includes 110 fatal accidents.

Wearables could make this situation worse, the IAM added. “Constant alerts will require motorists’ regular attention. As opposed to using a legal hands-free piece of equipment the iWatch [sic] will require drivers to use two hands to operate the device – impacting speed, lane position and time spent looking at the road," it said.

The IAM noted that the Department for Transport has already confirmed that the Apple Watch will be treated the same as a mobile phone. As such, the penalty for using it behind the wheel is three licence penalty points and a £100 fine.

However, if the Watch causes death by dangerous driving a prison sentence of at least two years is enforced. Clearly, this is far too big a price to pay just to learn that someone on Twitter liked your picture of a cat. Watch the road, not your wrist.

By: Unknown On 13:00

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