tft display bmw brands

Following hot on the heels of a range of customised R nineT parts made in collaboration with Roland Sands Designs in LA, BMW Motorrad has launched its own range of parts called BMW Motorrad Spezial.

A new TFT display options has been launched that includes a comprehensive infotainment system including instruments, vehicle information, navigation, music and connectivity functions.

There is also a BMW Motorrad Connected App with basic navigation aids, although the company still suggests using a seperate GPS such as their Navigator for more comprehensive functions.

BMW Motorrad->ke1398 is at the forefront of imagination, innovation and technology and proof of that is their latest instrument dashboard on their new generation motorcycles. Made up of a newfound technology known as the thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT LCD), the unit provides in for a far more intuitive rider interface that improves image qualities such as addressability and contrast compared to the standard LCD displays.

Although this piece of tech is not brand-new and is made use by almost all motorcycle manufacturers these days on their high-end bikes, BMW here thinks that they have got the best package available via the unique operating concept of the new Connectivity option. It features a high-quality 6.5-inch full-colour TFT display that can also connect to your smartphone device via Bluetooth to enhance many possibilities for your ride. And we are here to decipher why it fares better than the LCD counterparts.

It all started in 1902 with an analogue speedometer that would have a needle, a gauge and some magnetic phenomena called Eddy currents that would move the needle around to measure the vehicle’s instant velocity. Fast forward to more than a century later, manufacturers started making use of LCD units to digitally display the speed along with the odo, fuel gauge, trip meters, temperature and other tell-tale signs we know of these days.

Today, as technology gains and riders demanding more information to be made available to them at any given time, we have the TFT displays that have begun to adorn all high-end motorcycles and one of them are the ones at BMW Motorrad. The engineers there have created a new Connectivity operating concept that provides “fast and clear information for the rider with the least possible distraction from what is happening on the road”.

Starting with the brand’s 2017 R1200 GS models, BMW has been giving this piece of tech as an optional package whose default screen shows all the usual information like the speed, fuel et al., but is much more than just that. It gets an auto contrast adjust function that varies on the ambient light and has a low-reflection surface to make it more legible even when the sun hits it.

When you access the dash you are taken to a sub menu that has five options – telephone, media, settings, navigation and my vehicle. The state-of-the-art display unit lets you adjust the ride settings of your BMW, and displays the necessary valuable information in an intuitive graphic display that is both easy to apprehend and fun to work around with your customisation skills. You can change your entire screen section to suit your taste rather than just a small section of it and make it dedicated for one singular function.

For example, you can select to view your tyre pressure and the entire screen gets is taken up with this information. If you select a media file, the entire screen turns into a music player. Even with all of this, BMW has made sure that the motorcycle’s speed and gear selected is always shown on the top of the screen even while the display is focussed solely on the requested task.

BMW have ergonomically designed the display in such a way that the rider should be able to access the information he needs with minimum usage of the controller wheel and toggle switches. All this is made enabled for the rider to be able to quickly and easily navigate to his preferences even on the go and without taking his focus off the road, all only by muscle memory.

This light sensitive TFT screen gives out clear and highly legible readings and can be wirelessly connected to your smartphone device and increase the functionality of the motorcycle’s instrumentation to a whole new level. The Bluetooth-enabled device can connect to your smartphone and let you adjust the ride settings of your BMW as well as tethering your phone’s operation to be operable from the onboard computer.

The main function of linking your smartphone is the ability to access your phone’s contacts, call logs and dialler. One can easily navigate to a contact on your phone and make a call to that person on the go. Also, you can receive calls and return calls via BMW’s helmet-mounted Motorrad Communication system that comes with an earpiece and a microphone attached to your helmet. The caller’s details and the picture will be displayed on the screen.

As for entertainment is concerned, the same device will allow you to browse through your music player in the smartphone and enable you to play your favourite track while you wind down on the mountain course. Media controls on the screen can let you toggle between songs. The display also gives you the name of the song, album and the album cover onto the screen. Neat.

BMW has not bothered with accessing your messages or e-mails as they believe that is simply too much distraction for the rider, especially if he has to read long messages while riding as it is dangerous too.

Although BMW has its own traditional standalone GPS navigation system, the company has developed a new Motorrad Connected App that connects the smartphone and the dash. It shows a rudimentary navigation system that shows you turn-by-turn arrow directions with precise turn indications including lane guiding. You can also record your ridden routes and display ride statistics and information onto your smartphone via this app.

The system also saves your destinations and points of interests that can be called up on to the TFT dash. Although there is no full-blown map on the screen, a simple arrow indication charms those short route riders handling everyday rides. For those who still require the full version, can tether the BMW Motorrad Navigator above the TFT screen and can be configured to be controlled via the wheel and switch on the handlebar.

Apart from all of this, the screen also displays the bike"s critical information like current and optimum tyre pressure, ambient temperature, service schedules, amongst other things. But the most important of all is its engine and vehicle diagnostic display which gives us warning displays and information such as low fuel reserve level reached or engine faults like low oil pressure and stalling.

Today, we find a high degree of digitisation and connectivity throughout the professional and private sphere. The automotive industry has long responded to this development with numerous innovations. BMW automobile already offers individually tailored digital services such as the BMW Connected App – a personalised digital mobility assistant that helps the driver to plan appointments and travel, for instance.

Munich.Today, we find a high degree of digitisation and connectivity throughout the professional and private sphere. The automotive industry has long responded to this development with numerous innovations. BMW automobile already offers individually tailored digital services such as the BMW Connected App – a personalised digital mobility assistant that helps the driver to plan appointments and travel, for instance.

As long ago as 2009, BMW Motorrad presented BMW ConnectedRide, demonstrating the wide-ranging possibilities of rider assistance systems based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication and using intelligent connectivity.

At the EICMA, BMW Motorrad now presents a further milestone in motorcycle connectivity: a TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connection as could be applied to standard BMW Motorrad models in the future. BMW Motorrad and Robert Bosch GmbH are collaborating in the field of pioneering display and networking technologies since there are signs of an increasing demand for complete connectivity in the motorcycle area, too.

Stephan Schaller, President BMW Motorrad: “Connectivity and the availability of digital services are increasingly becoming an issue for motorcyclists. For this reason we are expanding our range in this area. In the future we will be offering services that enrich the motorcycling experience. New apps and functions via connection with smartphones and back-end services will open up a whole range of possibilities in terms of intelligent networking, making motorcycling more exciting, more comfortable and also safer.”

Thanks to powerful synergies with BMW automobile, BMW Motorrad is well placed to accelerate the introduction of new services. In this way, various car digitisation technologies such as TFT displays, ECALL and WiFi as well as V2x communication and back-end infrastructures can be adapted for use with motorcycles.

Already a reality in BMW cars, BMW motorcycles will also offer increasing options for intelligent and simple connectivity in the future, as well as allowing continuous updating via systems and devices such as smartphones and navigation units.

At the EICMA, BMW Motorrad now presents an instrument cluster with TFT display that demonstrates the possibilities of connectivity between the instrument cluster, rider helmet and smartphone as integrated elements of BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide.

In addition to information relevant to riding (road speed, engine speed etc.), smartphone-based functions such as navigation, telephone and entertainment are provided in a multifunctional instrument cluster and operated safely and conveniently using a multi-controller. The BMW System 7 helmet fitted with microphone and speakers acts as the rider’s reception centre for acoustic output such as navigation directions, telephone calls and music.

This year, BMW Motorrad has realised an ECALL function for the first time in the motorcycle sector. The optional equipment “Intelligent Emergency Call” enables faster assistance in the event of an accident or emergency. The system will be available as an ex works option from the beginning of 2017 in a BMW motorcycle. If an emergency situation or accident occurs, the intelligent emergency call is activated automatically or manually, transmitting the position data of the motorcycle and so the coordinates of the accident scene, which in turn sets the rescue chain in motion via the qualified BMW Call Center.

Another step towards motorcycle connectivity is the integration of a worldwide community of motorcyclists through a strategic partnership with the technology start-up Rever. Since 2015, Rever users in 199 countries have covered millions of kilometres by motorcycle and have tracked their routes. Using the app and the Rever website, bikers can discover the best routes in the world, compile their own individualised routes, log their trips and share their motorcycling experiences on social media platforms. In the future, this will enable BMW Motorrad to extend and optimise its range in direct contact with the target group.

BMW Motorrad regards the simple and seamless integration of the customer’s existing digital world into the motorcycle as crucial to the acceptance of this type of new service. This might happen in the future through the consistent interlinking of existing systems such as DriveNow and ChargeNow, providing services beyond actual motorcycle travel itself and even linking into smart home applications.

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

The protective film is made of a special hardened glass that reliably protects the 10.25-inch TFT display against contamination, stone chips and damage, even while riding in off-road terrain. The hardened glass has a non-reflective surface that makes the TFT display easy to read during everyday use. The protective film displays the BMW Motorrad lettering in the bottom.

EVERYTHING IN VIEW WITH BMW MOTORRAD CONNECTIVITY AND 6.5” TFT COLOR DISPLAY: BMW Motorrad Connectivity and the large TFT color display as standard bring you to your destination with reliable navigation while also allowing you to speak on the phone or listen to music on a Bluetooth enabled helmet.

The protective glass for the 10-inch TFT display is hardened and non-reflective. It protects the display without impairing readability and is easy to fit.

Which intercoms are compatible with the TFT system of my BMW?Intercoms compatible with the BMW Connect system are: Sena 10S, 20S, 20S EVO, SF1, SF2, SF4, Cardo Freecom 1, Freecom 2, Freecom 4, Freecom 1+, Freecom 2+, Freecom 4+, Packtalk Bold, Midland BTX1 Fm, BTX2 Fm, BT Next Conference, BTX1 Pro, BTX2 Pro, BT Next Pro, BT Go Uni, BT Go Jet, Interphone Interphone F3MC, F4MC, F5MC, Urban, Sport, Tour, Edge, Link, Shape, , N-Com B601, B901, B5L, B5, BX5, M5, B3, B1.4, B1, BX1.

Since we don’t necessarily want you to spend 700€ for a pair of original BMW intercoms, we decided to test Sena, Cardo, Midland and Cellular Line intercoms with the BMW connect system to test their compatibility.

Make sure that the TFT software is updated to the latest version (001-018-040 or later…you can check directly from the settings on the TFT screen which version of the software is installed).

To connect Sena to TFT use thePhone Pairing mode, the other connection methods may not be detected by the bike or may not be saved (the only minor problem is that at this point you cannot use Sena’s app on your phone at the same time as the TFT while other features such as music and calls can still be managed directly from your device by connecting your smartphone to the TFT).

If you use another GPS we suggest using theSena 20S device that has two Bluetooth chips and supports multitasking audio: for example many BMWs with TFT already have dedicated support for Garmin satnavs (the more recent Navigator 6 or 5).

However, this also applies to other satnavs: satnav andTFT cannot be directly connected to each other so the TFT will have to be connected directly to the Sena as a second phone or as GPS.

Using a device with only one bluetooth chip (so any device of the 10 series or the 30K that has a bluetooth chip and a mesh one) you can still connect all the devices but the navigator and the TFT will be audible in Audio Overlay mode, so at the same time but at the same volume.

After trying all these settings we can finally say that for music the audio quality is much better when it is broadcasted through TFT rather than Garmin.

By updating the following intercoms to the latest firmware with the latest available software (MAC/Windows) and enabling special compatibility (BWM TFT / KTM SYSTEM), they are all compatible withBMW’s TFT system.

The intercom, if it is also connected to the Navigator in addition to the TFT, will simply receive the audio of the functions that have been activated on the Navigator.

Should the biker would like to connect not only the phone and TFT, but also the BMW Navigator, I recommend you to buy the Midland BT Next Pro intercom that, thanks to the two Bluetooth chips, can manage all connections in the best way.

As for a standard configuration with telephone and TFT connected to the intercom (rider-passenger or motorcycle-motorbike) without navigator, the other intercoms are fine too.

After having paired and connected the N-Com system to the motorcycle, you will be able to listen in the helmet all the audio signals coming from the BMW.

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