Apparently the execs from BMW have been spending lots of time in the Seattle region.
The carmaker overnight announced that it will be integrating four new iPhone apps into its BMW Approved Apps program, making it easy for drivers to use the apps from the dashboard.
We’ve already told you about Glympse making it into the program, but music service Rhapsody and Amazon-owned audiobook company Audible are also part of the news, in addition to the TuneIn Internet radio service.
The Audible integration is particularly interesting. BMW says it will leverage Amazon’s Whispersync for Voice technology to let drivers “switch seamlessly between reading a book on their Kindle at home and listening to the companion audiobook in the car via their iPhone app.”
The Rhapsody integration is part of a broader expansion by the Seattle-based music service, which has been growing steadily and investing in new services and apps. Rhapsody also is being integrated into Ford vehicles.
The BMW Apps system links the driver’s iPhone to the car via a USB console or a snap-in adapter, turning the controls over to the car and letting drivers access the app via the steering wheel buttons and in-car monitor.
Earlier: Glympse inks another hands-free location sharing deal, this time with BMW
