Microsoft is expanding its partnership with BMW to enable Skype for Business in cars that use BMW’s iDrive system. BMW was one of the first car makers to enable Office 365 services in its cars, and this latest feature will let owners take Skype meetings in their cars through the built-in entertainment system.
The system will work by triggering notifications for meetings, allowing drivers to dial-in without having to enter the conference number details manually. BMW will also enable tighter integration with calendars, contacts, and to-do lists all from Microsoft’s Exchange service.
Dieter May, Senior Vice President Digital Products and Services: “With BMW Connected we offer a wide range of digital services designed to help users with their daily mobility needs inside and outside of the car. We seek to continuously extend and enhance the customer experience with regard to all aspects of their mobility. The integration of productivity features in-car (like Exchange and Skype for Business) and personalised and contextual services will help customers with their day-to-day work and planning while they are on the road.” From autumn 2017, BMW drivers will also enjoy the benefits of Microsoft’s unified communication solution Skype for Business. This service is likewise fully integrated into the car and is operated via the iDrive system. Upcoming Skype meetings are automatically identified and flagged up on the Control Display. To take part in a Skype meeting, the user simply presses the iDrive Controller.
BMW is planning to enable the Skype for Business feature in France, Germany, and the UK initially before it expanding it to other countries.
