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      11-14-2013, 05:08 AM   #1
Bug Rx
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Snap in adapter?

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Anyone familiar with the snap in adapter for the iPhone? Is it worth the money? What does it really do?

Thanks all!
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      11-14-2013, 05:30 AM   #2
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^BugRX
unsure if you saw this thread started by Jason:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=814703
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      11-15-2013, 07:43 AM   #3
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I've been wondering the same thing. Here's my question:

If I don't use a snap-in adapter do I give up any functionality of the phone other than the fact that it can use the car's antenna? (assuming I connect the phone via bluetooth)
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      11-15-2013, 08:52 AM   #4
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another similar question: can I plug the phone in somewhere with some kind of a USB cable and get the same functionality? My main issue is not the (rather expensive) price of the snap-in adapter, but is the fact that I keep my phone in a case and wouldn't want to screw with removing the case to put it in the adapter and then put it back on when I get out of the car.
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      11-15-2013, 11:13 AM   #5
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Yes. There is a USB port in the center console between the front seats. As far as I know, it gives the same functionality as the snap in adapter except for not having any connection the vehicle's antenna.
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      11-15-2013, 01:25 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AEC
Yes. There is a USB port in the center console between the front seats. As far as I know, it gives the same functionality as the snap in adapter except for not having any connection the vehicle's antenna.
Not exactly. You need the media adapter to fully utilize 6NR (BMW Apps, standard on the F15).

When snapped in, you can natively control your library and interact with select applications. With the USB connection, your iPhone's library (and Pandora) will mount/display like any disk (USB, etc.) would.

Now- having used iPhone's extensively with/without. Not clear to me that the adapter is worth the money.
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      11-15-2013, 09:47 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riM3 View Post
Not exactly. You need the media adapter to fully utilize 6NR (BMW Apps, standard on the F15).

When snapped in, you can natively control your library and interact with select applications. With the USB connection, your iPhone's library (and Pandora) will mount/display like any disk (USB, etc.) would.

Now- having used iPhone's extensively with/without. Not clear to me that the adapter is worth the money.
When the iPhone is connected via USB, you can't control the apps (ie. Pandora, Stitcher, etc) through the car?

Z.
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      11-15-2013, 10:05 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zipforia View Post
When the iPhone is connected via USB, you can't control the apps (ie. Pandora, Stitcher, etc) through the car?

Z.
If so (which I can't imagine) that would be profoundly retarded...
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      11-15-2013, 10:18 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NikonMan View Post
If so (which I can't imagine) that would be profoundly retarded...
Not really, because some cars will give minimal control (Forward, back, stop/pause), whereas fully integrated ones will give you a lot more control...almost akin to the native app.

Z.
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      11-15-2013, 10:29 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zipforia View Post
Not really, because some cars will give minimal control (Forward, back, stop/pause), whereas fully integrated ones will give you a lot more control...almost akin to the native app.

Z.
What a mess this appears to be:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5470732

Link to the IPhone 5S compatible cradle ($250) - says that video out is now supported, as well as use of the shark fin antenna and "full integration" with BMW Apps.

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/43...NAP-IN-ADAPTER
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      11-15-2013, 10:44 PM   #11
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I think the only way to sort this is to have a person with iPhone 5/5S with a USB connector report what is capable and what is not, and compare that with someone who has the snap in adapter with the same iPhone.

I didn't purchase the adapter, but I believe it's can be installed by the dealer so not a big deal if I didn't get it initially.

Z.
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      11-15-2013, 10:57 PM   #12
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I suspect that the cradle has a chip in it that communicates directly with the MOST/CDC system in the vehicle and facilitates the "advanced" features and fin antenna connection.

I need to research more to see what the limits are for USB/Bluetooth connectivity alone as this is not entirely clear at the moment.

The cradle is nice, but seems like it may be a PITA if it doesn't allow easy use with thick phone cases.
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      11-16-2013, 05:56 AM   #13
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I found it on ebay for $209. Anyone know if it requires a dealer to install or can you do it yourself? Would video playback include video to Rear Entertainment Screens?
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      11-16-2013, 07:35 AM   #14
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The antenna amplification is actually simpler than that- the dock physically hugs the external antenna on the iPhone (as opposed using the lightening connector).

And again, cable alone allows streaming of media as if the connected device is a mounted disk (it's agnostic between iOS, Android, WiMo, etc.)...plenty of utility, if music is your primary desire....but you'll need the dock for near-native iOS control.
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      11-16-2013, 07:37 AM   #15
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Takes 10 seconds to install. The plastic piece currently in the console pops out, dock pops in.

Also- it comes with a CPU fan, helps in keeping the iPhone cool under charging/usage.
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      11-30-2013, 02:33 AM   #16
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Has anyone tried USB vs. adapter yet? What the differences are?

Z.
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      11-30-2013, 10:25 AM   #17
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USB vs Adapter:

OK, from a developer perspective there is no physical difference between the USB to iPhone hookup, and the Snapin adapter.

The only physical difference is that the shark fin antenna is usable with the snap in.

Result: No difference. Use an official Apple USB cable. You can then use apps, full music control etc.


Adapter/USB vs Bluetooth:

Apple's implementation of Bluetooth is fairly restricted. It's only technically possible to access fairly limited data, including the current playing track, simple contacts etc. At this point (latest release of iOS7) it's not possible for BMW Apps to be controlled or interact via Bluetooth.

According to the docs for iDrive 4.2, they are now using a new protocol from Apple that allows music navigation / playlist exploring etc via Bluetooth - so this should be more functional than prior model generations.
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      11-30-2013, 10:33 AM   #18
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Do they make one for an iPod Touch?
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      11-30-2013, 01:02 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alistairg View Post
USB vs Adapter:

OK, from a developer perspective there is no physical difference between the USB to iPhone hookup, and the Snapin adapter.

The only physical difference is that the shark fin antenna is usable with the snap in.

Result: No difference. Use an official Apple USB cable. You can then use apps, full music control etc.


Adapter/USB vs Bluetooth:

Apple's implementation of Bluetooth is fairly restricted. It's only technically possible to access fairly limited data, including the current playing track, simple contacts etc. At this point (latest release of iOS7) it's not possible for BMW Apps to be controlled or interact via Bluetooth.

According to the docs for iDrive 4.2, they are now using a new protocol from Apple that allows music navigation / playlist exploring etc via Bluetooth - so this should be more functional than prior model generations.

Will the USB allow full integration with contacts and text messages?
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      11-30-2013, 01:28 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HawaiiX5 View Post
Will the USB allow full integration with contacts and text messages?
On iPhone, no. Everything is secured so it's basically inaccessible (although BMW could do this with the app).

Contacts sync via Bluetooth (albeit with no contact images). Apple's implementation of the "MAP" bluetooth protocol actually only transfers "Notification Center" messages. So, the net net, if you've got messages showing in notification center they'll turn up on iDrive via bluetooth.
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      12-01-2013, 12:40 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alistairg View Post
USB vs Adapter:

OK, from a developer perspective there is no physical difference between the USB to iPhone hookup, and the Snapin adapter.

The only physical difference is that the shark fin antenna is usable with the snap in.

Result: No difference. Use an official Apple USB cable. You can then use apps, full music control etc.


Adapter/USB vs Bluetooth:

Apple's implementation of Bluetooth is fairly restricted. It's only technically possible to access fairly limited data, including the current playing track, simple contacts etc. At this point (latest release of iOS7) it's not possible for BMW Apps to be controlled or interact via Bluetooth.

According to the docs for iDrive 4.2, they are now using a new protocol from Apple that allows music navigation / playlist exploring etc via Bluetooth - so this should be more functional than prior model generations.
Best explanation ever. Many thanks!
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