BMW Connects with “Smart Home” Apps

BMW AG is showing a variety of new apps and telematics features at the consumer electronics show in Berlin that starts today. The systems are designed for use with BMW's i3 electric car and future models equipped with the carmaker's ConnectedDrive platform.

The new telematics services include a "smart home" app developed by Deutsche Telekom for iPhones. The service allows users to remotely access in-home connected systems such as appliances, security systems, climate control and lighting from their vehicle's iDrive controller. The system also can alert drivers about water leaks and other potential concerns. A similar prototype system for Android devices also is being shown at the Berlin show.

Among the other products BMW is introducing at the show include vehicle attachments for GoPro cameras, which users can control from their smartphones, and new applications for Germany's n-tv television news broadcasts.

The company also unveiled a remote app for the new Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 smartwatch that lets users control various car functions including monitoring battery charge from the device.