There are other ways to receive radar and fixed traffic camera warnings while driving, but the most well-known is arguably the Google-owned Waze navigation software.
BMW, on the other hand, wants to provide its consumers a customized solution, therefore the firm went to HERE Technologies and Cedar Electronics for a brand-new system designed especially for this purpose.
The new linked vehicle service warns drivers of live radars and fixed cameras along their routes and is bundled with BMW Traffic Camera Information. The information comes from HERE Safety Cameras, a product that leverages sensor data from Cedar and contains the location of traffic cameras, both mobile and stationary.
For MY 2021 BMW models equipped with Live Cockpit Professional (code SA6U3) and produced starting in July 2020, BMW Traffic Camera Information is available as a three-month trial. The German automaker explains that after the trial period expires, customers can purchase the service with an annual subscription.
The good news is that as long as iDrive Operating System 7 and Live Cockpit Professional are both available, the service will also be accessible for previous models. The ConnectedDrive store is where you may purchase it, once more with a one-year membership.
BMW states that the goal of their technology is to enable “more informed decision-making behind the wheel,” despite the fact that features that notify drivers of the position of radars and cameras have generated some controversy.
It goes without saying that you can always use the community-driven Google app if you don’t want to pay an annual subscription fee to use this feature in your BMW. Waze is available for use on mobile devices and is totally free. It also supports Android Auto and CarPlay.
In reality, the most recent operating system upgrade from BMW also makes Android Auto possible. As a result, if you have an Android phone, you can now use apps like Waze and Google Maps on the dashboard of your vehicle.
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BMWs can alert drivers about red-light cameras and speed traps.
Talk about a long overdue concept, especially for vehicles designed for aggressive driving. A system that alerts drivers to the existence of speed detection devices and red-light cameras in the road ahead is now available for some newer BMW cars. BMW would therefore be the first automaker to offer vehicles that can both assist drivers in receiving and avoiding speeding citations.
The Traffic Camera Information system is one of a number of high-tech in-car services offered by BMW under the ConnectedDrive umbrella. These services include include real-time traffic alerts, advanced smartphone and Amazon Alexa connectivity, and advanced voice control functions. It is comparable to a feature already provided as part of the Waze traffic intelligence system and is powered by Here Technologies and Cedar Electronics. BMW’s technology is based on a statewide database of installations supported by a network of radar detectors rather than relying on reports of speed detection devices given by other drivers like Waze does.
Select 2021 vehicles with BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system and produced after July 1, 2020 are being given a three-month complimentary trial of the speed-trap detection feature. On the BMW ConnectedDrive Store website, owners may learn more about the service and check to see if it’s available for their particular vehicle.
It does not have its own detecting technology.
But as part of the update, BMW also added a speed camera warning feature dubbed “Traffic Camera Information.” In the USA, there is a cost to activate this feature. On the instrument panel and the head-up display, the system displays the locations of the speed cameras. Here-Karten provides the relevant information to BMW. At the end of 2015, BMW purchased the map service along with Mercedes and Audi. The map’s information is also updated by users who use the app to report speed traps. According to corresponding allegations from US media, BMW does not also outfit its vehicles with radar and laser detectors, as BMW confirmed when we enquired. The Bavarians alone would not be able to profit from the markets where such specialized technical equipment was legal.
For the first three months following the purchase of a new car, the services are free. After that, BMW costs $25 for each additional 15 months, which is now the equivalent of about 21 euros.
Odopt
I’ve never dealt with BMW before, but I’m accustomed to nav systems alerting me to traffic and speed cameras up ahead. This function does not appear to be present in iDrive 8.
Other than this, the car is fantastic. This is the only thing I’m missing.
It is unbelievably quiet, drives effortlessly, and has every technological convenience imaginable.
Certain models from BMW will come with subscription-based speed trap notifications.
It appears like the “subscription craziness” age is about to begin. Following the tremendous growth of subscription-based apps on our phones and other devices, numerous businesses, like BMW, are trying to apply similar strategies. After all, the Germans recently declared themselves to be a “technology firm” rather than a “carmaker,” so I suppose this was inevitable.
Recently, we informed you that Bavarians were considering making a variety of amenities available for in-car purchase, and it appears that speed-trap alarms are the next feature on the list. Automotive News claims that if a consumer is ready to subscribe to this service, certain models in specific countries will come equipped with speed-trap alarms. However, the speed trap alerts differ slightly from those you receive from Waze or Gmaps.
The on-board BMW feature will rely on data gathered by the radar and laser detectors the car has on board as well as access to the nationwide network of public fixed and mobile traffic camera locations, where it’s available, in contrast to Waze, for example, where their location is marked by other users. This is the key justification for why this choice is only available in a few markets rather than everywhere. Here Technologies, which BMW recently acquired along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz, will enable the service.
The new feature will initially be made accessible on a few 2021 models, however there isn’t a complete list to discuss just yet. It is evident that only vehicles equipped with the iDrive 7 operating system and the Live Professional Cockpit option will have access to it. New models will initially receive the feature for three months free; thereafter, the cost is $25 for 15 months.
The cost of avoiding speeding citations may not seem high at this time, but the main concern is how much you will ultimately pay for these subscription-based features over time. When it comes to autos, only time will tell if this is a workable business strategy.
Is the speed limit displayed on BMW navigation?
Speed Limit Display uses cameras in the rearview mirror to continuously detect speed limit signs on the side of the road, regardless of whether they are permanent or temporary speed limits.
The BMW driver attention camera is what?
Your BMW can observe the driver via a camera in the instrument cluster thanks to Active Cruise Control and the driver attention camera. To confirm that the driver is paying attention to the road, it watches the driver’s head and eye position. The system improves driving comfort and safety.
How is the speed limit detected by my BMW?
The inside mirror’s front camera monitors traffic signs. Speed Limit Info recognizes speed limits and overtaking prohibitions on signs mounted above the carriageway as well as those at the side of the road when used in conjunction with the Navigation system Professional.
Prior to any limits being displayed on the instrument panel or, upon request, on the BMW Head-Up Display, data from other devices, including the navigation system, clock, and rain sensor, is integrated with data from the camera. Using the camera allows for the consideration of additional signs, such as those that are applicable on wet roads.
For the new BMW ActiveHybrid 3, BMW ConnectedDrive is offering a no overtaking display for the first time as part of this feature. Until the limitations are modified or lifted, any overtaking ban or speed limit is displayed as a traffic sign on the instrument panel or, optionally, in the BMW Head-Up Display. The system temporarily stores all the information so that when you pick up your journey after a little break, the speed limit and overtaking restriction signs are instantly shown once more.
BMW Speed Assistant: What is it?
You may tailor the BMW Speed Assistant technology to your preferences. The system makes use of speed limit signs to identify different speeds while cruise control is engaged. While you are driving, your BMW will automatically adjust to the posted speed limit if you choose to.
How much is the subscription for the BMW traffic cameras?
Drivers receive real-time notifications from the traffic camera service from BMW on their infotainment screen.
BMW provides a system that warns drivers when traffic speed, red-light, and speed detection equipment are being used on their route.
The new factory feature automates a similar service provided by the Waze navigation app, which is owned by Google and relies on users to report speed traps and other traffic enforcement measures.
BMW’s Traffic Camera Information service uses a nationwide network of public fixed and mobile traffic camera locations along with information from radar and laser detectors to alert drivers in real time through their infotainment display, in contrast to Waze’s crowd-sourced approach.
This feature is a part of BMW’s ConnectedDrive package, which also includes enhanced real-time traffic data, a concierge service, and online speech recognition technology. It is powered by Here Technologies and Cedar Electronics.
Some 2021 model year vehicles from BMW come with a three-month trial of the traffic camera information service. Owners will then have to choose whether to renew it for an additional $25 for another 15 months after that.
The service was referred to as a “insurance policy” against speeding charges by Sam Abuelsamid, chief research analyst for Guidehouse Insights who has been monitoring such developing technologies.
Radar detectors have been used for this purpose for decades, according to Abuelsamid. You pay a small amount of money to have the assurance that you will receive some early notice.
The decision by BMW is a part of a growing trend in the business of software-based services that provide subscribers added capability, customization, and convenience.
The updates also include in-dash programs that offer a wealth of functions and software that can rewire a car’s operation and driving style.
Two reasons for the industry’s push toward the subscription model are to provide ongoing revenue streams and to provide distinctive in-car experiences.
For some models, Tesla offers downloadable options like Premium Connectivity or Acceleration Boost. For AMG owners, Mercedes-Benz provides a downloadable Track Pace option that enables lap times and head-up display visualization of racing performance.
According to Abuelsamid, the recurring revenue from subscriptions provides a strong argument for automakers to spend money on pay-as-you-go services.
You can count on income if you can convince individuals to sign up and pay a few dollars each month for a whole year, he said.
Although customers have demonstrated a willingness to sign up for music and video streaming services, it is still unknown whether this trend will extend to vehicle features.
The old way of doing things, according to Abuelsamid, was to buy a car off the lot, put money toward it each month, and then be finished. “You’re not paying forever,”
However, when the auto industry adopts the subscription model, customers may find themselves required to pay a recurrent cost for more conventional features like heated seats and adaptive cruise control.
There is a chance of subscription weariness, according to Abuelsamid. “That’s going to sting eventually when you’re subscribing to 30 services,” she said.