It wasn't really that long ago that a computerized navigation system in ones car was something laughable. After all, talking data panels, voice recognition and computer prompted guidance were the stuff of Star-Trek.
A navigation system can be a very useful aid for someone with a poor sense of direction, and now it can also detect and compensate for heavy traffic.
BMW announced on Thursday the availability of Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI). It offers dynamic re-routing when used with navigation systems fitted to select models like the M5, M6 and X5. The technology is set to launch this month and is the latest addition to BMW's portfolio of premium consumer features.
The RTTI is currently available only in the USA.
Though RTTI technology generally has a recurring monthly cost or requires customers to sign up for an additional satellite radio service, BMW has included the price for RTTI into the package. Customers pay no activation fee or monthly fee for 4 years.
"We are extremely excited to add RTTI to our robust suite of offerings" says Alan Harris, Vice President of Aftersales at BMW. "At no recurring cost to the customer, RTTI transforms the navigation system to a daily benefit that helps them reach their destinations more efficiently and effortlessly than ever before."
The real-time traffic data is fed to the vehicles from Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network, which broadcasts traffic data over existing FM frequencies in as many as 44 major metropolitan areas.
A navigation system can be a very useful aid for someone with a poor sense of direction, and now it can also detect and compensate for heavy traffic.
BMW announced on Thursday the availability of Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI). It offers dynamic re-routing when used with navigation systems fitted to select models like the M5, M6 and X5. The technology is set to launch this month and is the latest addition to BMW's portfolio of premium consumer features.
The RTTI is currently available only in the USA.
Though RTTI technology generally has a recurring monthly cost or requires customers to sign up for an additional satellite radio service, BMW has included the price for RTTI into the package. Customers pay no activation fee or monthly fee for 4 years.
"We are extremely excited to add RTTI to our robust suite of offerings" says Alan Harris, Vice President of Aftersales at BMW. "At no recurring cost to the customer, RTTI transforms the navigation system to a daily benefit that helps them reach their destinations more efficiently and effortlessly than ever before."
The real-time traffic data is fed to the vehicles from Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network, which broadcasts traffic data over existing FM frequencies in as many as 44 major metropolitan areas.