Smart phones are becoming so advanced nowadays that they can connect with just anything. Smart phones are able to communicate with just about anything. They can tell the HD Personal Video Recorder, be used as a remote for many smart televisions, receive notifications from the washer and dryer when their loads are done. It was only a matter of time when smart phones would be able to communicate with our cars.
In 2011 BMW released their BMW app with allows to drivers to update their Facebook and Twitter statuses using the in car controls. Of course, it would be a little unsafe to have drivers manually key in their statuses, so BMW has streamlined the process and using real time information composed ready made status updates. Some examples are:
“It’s 72 degrees and I’m drive a convertible”
“It’s hot outside”
“Looking for a filling station”
“Going to need to refuel soon”
“I’m online in my BMW with BMW Apps”
I suspect that much like other devices that allow users to post status updates, this one will include a “posted using BMW App” or “posted in a BMW” note with each update. This means by using this app, drivers are inadvertently advertising the BMW brand. Much like my other post about the Coke Village, when drivers use this app they are giving the BMW brand their stamp of approval and advertising for BMW to their friends.
This is a ridiculous idea! Not only is it dangerous to be doing any social media while driving, it also removes the personality out of your social media update. BMW is clearly just trying to bring more options to BMW drivers in any way possible.
However, like you mention, I do like the idea that BMW’s brand is tweeted along side people’s updates. In the heated vehicle industry, slight differentiations are key to defining what a brand is all about.At the end of the day, I just don’t see enough people participating in and posting pre-fabricated tweets and posts.