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Big tablet-like displays have been all the rage for years now, while more than a few brands have graduated to slapping a couple of them together for an expansive dual-screen display reaching across the dash.
But, for its new-generation hatch due next year, German-owned British brand Mini appears to be taking inspiration from the now ubiquitous smart watch. Not the beloved and very rectangular Apple Watch, mind you, but the many classically round options available with Android's WearOS platform.
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That's handy, too, because this new disc display is built on Android.
Specifically, this is BMW's own version, rather than yet another deployment of Android Automotive – specifically the basic Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software that now underpins thousands of devices in our lives, from TVs to kitchen appliances and security systems. And phones, of course.
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In its current form, the Mini features a rounded driver display behind the steering wheel, matched to a mostly rectangular display in the centre of a large gloss-black circle, flanked above and below by a number of physical controls. The circle is significant in that it harks back to the original Mini and its centre-mounted gauges.
Next year's new-generation Mini will streamline all of that with a display that fills the 240mm round centre screen – and, yes, it now sits proud of the dash like, well, a round iPad.
In Mini's words
The text below is an extract from Mini's media release.
An overview of the digital highlights of the new MINI family
- Premiere for the automotive industry: MINI Interaction Unit is the first round OLED display with a refreshing, MINI-typical user interface design.
- MINI Operating System 9 stands out with a MINI-specific, emotionally engaging design optimised for touch control. It is an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based for the first time on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack.
- Up to eight MINI Experience Modes provide a particularly immersive driving experience through the orchestrated use of light, user interface designs, drive settings and sound. An optional light projector on the back of the MINI Interaction Unit bathes the whole dashboard in colours and patterns to match the Experience Mode selected. The presentation of content in the optional Head-up display is also adapted accordingly.
- Unmistakable sound design for all-electric models: The acoustic repertoire comprises completely new driving sounds in the interior, a highly distinctive MINI brand sound to mark out the identity of the car from the outside, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes and 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions.
- The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant is activated by the spoken command “Hey MINI” and can be used with the “MINI” or “Spike” (optional) visualisations. The Personal Assistant allows customers to control important functions by voice command, enables travel-related requests or wishes and recognises whether it is the driver or front passenger currently speaking.
- The new, cloud-based MINI Navigation system provides particularly fast and precise route calculation. The latest map data is always streamed live into the vehicle. And charging-optimised route planning means drivers of fully electric MINIs can take on their longer journeys with peace of mind. The option Augmented View offers drivers a live video stream in the MINI Interaction Unit, with extra information added for optimum orientation for navigating. Customers can choose from various map designs and also activate an appealing visualisation option featuring 3D buildings.
- The MINI Connected Store provides optional access to a wide and ever-evolving range of practical and entertaining apps, e.g. AirConsole gaming, music and video streaming (available content varies by countries).
- Digital vehicle access with compatible Apple-, Google- and Samsung devices: The optionally available MINI Digital Key Plus offers the driver flexible access to the vehicle, without having to take their smartphone out of their pocket. The key can be passed on to other people digitally using the sharing function.
- High-Speed connectivity and optional 5G capability.
- Remote Software Upgrades: MINI vehicles also now receive regular free quality improvements via over-the-air software updates. Depending on the country, vehicle model, equipment and vehicle condition, you may even receive additional new functions or functional improvements free of charge.
*The availability of digital services varies by country, vehicle model and equipment. Selected functions can be rolled out via remote software upgrade after market launch.
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What do you think of the new interface, and the overall design of the new Mini's interior?
I'm into it, I don't mind saying. Get into the comments below to tell me how wrong I am.
Remember, though: If you don't like it, you know as well as I do that Mini isn't aiming this at you. It's the fashion-focused folk that will be drawn to this, driven more by style and novelty than any sort of deep childhood passion for motoring. Love it or hate it, these things are ultimately products like any other – but I suspect the next Cooper S and JCW models will still be a hoot to drive.
MOREEverything Mini
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