BMW cars to support apple's iOS 4:iPod out

BMW announced on Wednesday its intent to support what is probably the most obscure and overlooked new feature in Apple's iOS 4: iPod Out. This feature allows a connected iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, or iPod Touch (2 or 3 generation) to output and display an iPod interface on a connected device's external screen.

Rather than displaying BMW or Mini's iPod interface, the connected vehicle would display Apple's own interface, which will be controllable with the vehicle's controls. Users will be able to control the iPod's music playback and browse their music catalog, playlists, podcasts....

Navigating the iPod interface has always been super simple using Apple's click wheel. Lets see how easily it will be navigated with BMW's iDrive controller.

The benefit of using the iPod Out connection is that it allows the interface to change and grow with the connected iPhone or iPod. If Apple adds, changes, or removes an iPod feature in the next revision, the connected BMW or Mini should immediately be able to reflect those changes.

(Image Credit: BMW)
(Source Credit: reviews.cnet)