BMW launches My BMW Remote app for Android users
BMW's My BMW Remote app, previously exclusive to iPhone, is now available for Android smartphones, enabling more owners to control key vehicle functions remotely.
BMW has expanded access to its My BMW Remote app by releasing an Android version, allowing drivers with Android smartphones to remotely control selected functions of their vehicles. The app, which had previously been available only to iPhone users, enables owners to lock and unlock doors, locate their parked car, and send destinations from Google Local Search directly to the car's navigation system.
The Android launch brings feature parity to a wider group of BMW owners, reflecting the rapid growth of Google's mobile operating system at the time. BMW said the decision to expand support was driven by the increasing number of customers using Android devices. All functions available on the iPhone version are now accessible to Android users, provided they have a current BMW ConnectedDrive contract and a compatible vehicle equipped with BMW Assist.
What features does the My BMW Remote app offer?
- Remote locking and unlocking of doors.
- Vehicle finder function to display the car's location on a map.
- Ability to send Google Local Search results to the in-car navigation system.
- Remote activation of horn or headlights (on supported models).
The ability to send a command to flash the headlights or sound the horn is available on certain models, providing a practical way to locate a car in a crowded car park. The app also allows users to pre-plan journeys by sending addresses found via Google Local Search to the car, streamlining the navigation process.
Who can use the app?
The My BMW Remote app is compatible with all BMW models equipped with BMW Assist and an active ConnectedDrive contract. The app's functions are subject to the capabilities of the specific vehicle model and market availability. BMW did not specify a full list of compatible models in the announcement, but the service covers most new BMWs from the period with the required telematics hardware.
Connected services competition
BMW's app launch for Android users in July 2012 marked a key step in making connected services more widely available to its customer base, as smartphone adoption patterns shifted rapidly in favour of Android devices.
