Add Pandora to the list of apps that BMW has integrated with its 2011 and 2012 models. The latest version of Pandora and BMW's Connected iPhone app make it possible for drivers to view and control the streaming music service in the car using the iDrive system.
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Pandora station on BMW app
Using their iPhone to integrate Pandora and supply the Internet data connection, BMW owners will be able to view and interact with the music app on the in-dash display using the iDrive controller or steering wheel buttons.
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Thumbs-up feature
Almost all of Pandora's features are available and can be controlled using the iDrive controller or steering wheel buttons. Functionality includes accessing existing stations, creating new stations, thumbing-up or thumbing-down tracks, and bookmarking songs.
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Bookmark feature
Users will be able to bookmark songs without fumbling with their phones. Pretty much the only thing you won't be able to do is buy music.
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Pandora station list
You'll be able to create new stations using the iDrive controller to create a quick mix from existing stations, search based on genres, or enter the name of an new artist.
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Creating a new station
Unlike Toyota's Entune platform, the pairing doesn't take using a Bluetooth connection--users must link the phone using the USB cable or the optional snap-in adapter in the center armrest. Pandora joins Twitter and Facebook as the third app that BMW's app supports.
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New station by genre
The new feature is available on all 2011 BMW models built after March and equipped with the $250 BMW apps option. To use Pandora in the car, BMW owners need to download the latest version of the BMW Connected and Pandora apps from the iTunes store.
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Searching for a station
BMW is working on platform integrations for Android and BlackBerry users, but hasn't released a timeline.
