Beginning with its upcoming Countryman model, Mini makes unprecedented levels of iPhone integration available, incorporating Web radio along with other data-fed applications. Mini will demonstrate the technology at the 2010 Geneva auto show.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Mini's upcoming Countryman model offers an all-wheel-drive system in a small SUV package, while retaining Mini's signature look. This car will be the first Mini to offer Mini Connected, iPhone integration technology that lets the system access and control iPhone applications such as Web radio.
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As in other Minis with the navigation option, the center of the speedometer hosts the screen for Mini Connected. A console-mounted joystick lets the driver control the menus which give access to iPhone applications.
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Mini uses an elliptical main menu, showing icons for such familiar applications as stereo, navigation, and phone. There is also a Web icon, allowing access to some of apps hosted on a connected iPhone.
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The only iPhone application Mini details is Web radio, which lets the driver listen to thousands of stations from around the world.
