[sph428xiGC]

Brand new 2019 330. Carplay but no Alexa, just the stupid ‘hey BMW’ “intelligent” assistant. How do I enable this?

[Weiner0123]

Huh

[havenyoung]

Originally Posted by sph428xiGC

Brand new 2019 330. Carplay but no Alexa, just the stupid ‘hey BMW’ “intelligent” assistant. How do I enable this?

I don't think it's officially rolled out yet.

[sph428xiGC]

Originally Posted by havenyoung

I don't think it's officially rolled out yet.

I assume when it does it can be just a software update?

[nola2atx]

Not sure why you need Alexa?

[sph428xiGC]

Originally Posted by nola2atx

Not sure why you need Alexa?

Really?? Have you ever used it? to get information, speak smart home commands, use IFTTT, etc...so many other use cases that can’t be done with HeyBMW. Siri through Apple Carplay Is basically useless when it comes to doing most major functions.

[nola2atx]

Originally Posted by sph428xiGC

Really?? Have you ever used it? to get information, speak smart home commands, use IFTTT, etc...so many other use cases that can't be done with HeyBMW. Siri through Apple Carplay Is basically useless when it comes to doing most major functions.

I understand it's useful in the home, but I meant not sure why you need it through the BMW system. I suppose I can see some use case scenarios, such as if you want to set temp in home or open the garage. I just have no problem just hitting my phone for such functions.

[Sashkavas]

Today after Services and App update I have noticed Alexa app appearing in ID7 apps. Still is unclear how it is working and there are quite some options to configure. WIll give it try tonight and will send few photos

[Sashkavas]

Here are few screenshots from the app section and in app settings, which are quite a few. In one of the screenshot setting you see Alexa service inactive, but even if I start the service and make it active, nothing changes and still is unclear how to use the Alexa. There is quite comprehensive log file showing that the service is connecting, activating generating traffic etc. but so far so good.

[havenyoung]

Originally Posted by Sashkavas

Here are few screenshots from the app section and in app settings, which are quite a few. In one of the screenshot setting you see Alexa service inactive, but even if I start the service and make it active, nothing changes and still is unclear how to use the Alexa. There is quite comprehensive log file showing that the service is connecting, activating generating traffic etc. but so far so good.

Those look like development menu options, not for users.

[Eagle Creek]

Originally Posted by havenyoung

Those look like development menu options, not for users.

I agree!

[TheCleric]

Hi there,
having a brand new G20 330e and no Alexa app or connectivity option in the car.
For some reason the 3-series are listed here with cars who got Alexa built in: https://www.amazon.de/b?node=16236583031

I can not understand why those other model got the integration but not the all new 3-series???

Does anyone know if this will be available maybe via software update and if so when this could happen?

Thanks,
TheCleric

[2020g20]

No thanks. Amazon is not logging audio recordings of me in my home, and it sure as hell won't be making any recordings of me in my car either. More than happy to click into the Nest app, Ring app or other Smart Device app on my phone in order to retain the privacy of not being recorded.

[RCtennis3811]

Originally Posted by 2020g20

No thanks. Amazon is not logging audio recordings of me in my home, and it sure as hell won't be making any recordings of me in my car either. More than happy to click into the Nest app, Ring app or other Smart Device app on my phone in order to retain the privacy of not being recorded.

Great, good for you. Thanks for contributing to this thread.

——


For those of us wanting Alexa integration in our cars, we unfortunately have to keep waiting. As usual, I'm not sure why it takes BMW forever to roll things out properly. Audi, Lincoln, Cadillac, and Lexus all seem to be able to figure out Alexa integration; why can't BMW?

[2020g20]

Originally Posted by RCtennis3811

Great, good for you. Thanks for contributing to this thread.

——


For those of us wanting Alexa integration in our cars, we unfortunately have to keep waiting. As usual, I'm not sure why it takes BMW forever to roll things out properly. Audi, Lincoln, Cadillac, and Lexus all seem to be able to figure out Alexa integration; why can't BMW?

Apparently you missed the underlying point in my commentary, which is that BMW likely hasn't integrated Alexa yet because there is a large contingent of their customers that care absolutely zero about having it. Alexa integration isn't something than a 50 billion dollar company can't "figure out" as you put it. Feature roll outs are tied to customer demand, and I guarantee you things like bug-free-iDrive, bug-free-CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify via Connected Music, OTA updates, and Drive Recorder would all poll infinitely higher on that request list than Alexa. Will they do it eventually? Probably. But I'm willing to bet most people prefer to see them focusing on issues that are more centric to the experience of, ya know, driving a car than on gimmicky privacy-invading smarthome features that are 100% redundant to the functionality you already have by picking up your smartphone.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by 2020g20

Apparently you missed the underlying point in my commentary, which is that BMW likely hasn't integrated Alexa yet because there is a large contingent of their sane adult customers that care absolutely zero about having it. Alexa integration isn't something than a billion dollar company "can't figure out" as you put it. Feature roll outs are tied to customer demand, and I guarantee you things like bug-free-iDrive, bug-free-CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify via Connected Music, Drive Recorder, and OTA updates would all poll infinitely higher on that request list than Alexa. Will they do it eventually? Probably. But I for one am happy to see them focusing on issues that are more centric to, you know, driving a car than on privacy invading gimmicky smarthome features.

I'm of the opinion BMW lack of Alexa integration has less to do with what they think their customer base wants or doesn't, whether they can do it or not (technically), etc....

I'm pretty sure it's more about the following:

Amazon data mining once the service and mic are activated

Cellular data usage of the built-in LTE service BMW pays for during the first 3 years

Which features they implement and whether they permit 3rd party add-ons to run in the car

How this app/service works with their app sandboxing - reliability, cpu usage, memory usage, etc.

Mic/voice priority between apps and standard functions in car

They've got a lot to work out and balance with existing iDrive features/services.

[2020g20]

Originally Posted by claykin

Mic/voice priority between apps and standard functions in car

They've got a lot to work out and balance with existing iDrive festures/services.

Very good points. They already don't do this very well just between iDrive and CarPlay/Siri. They definitely need to strike a better balance there before adding additional voice assistants.

[woody320]

Originally Posted by 2020g20

Very good points. They already don't do this very well just between iDrive and CarPlay/Siri. They definitely need to strike a better balance there before adding additional voice assistants.

I am very interested in having Alexa enabled in the vehicle. I have spent some considerable time pushing the point. I find it really frustrating that BMW make such a shout about "it's coming to our cars" then the M3 on the aircraft carrier. So the new 330e comets and no Alexa.

I understand it's been available but about 6 months ago BMW pulled it due to problems. However in December it was re-released.

But I still don't have it.

If you have ID7 you can have it. You just have to wait for it becoming available as an update as they are rolling it out slowly.

BMW Connecteddrive staff frankly haven't a clue. I was told "you need November software " but that was not correct.

Fortunately a local dealer has taken me under his wing and he is determined to see this through.

I will update in a few days when the dealer has been visited.

[RSnic]

Hi,

While I too have found Alexa quite handy at, this thread reminds more as to why BMW needs to FINALLY integrates Android Auto

[heelsmj]

Originally Posted by 2020g20

No thanks. Amazon is not logging audio recordings of me in my home, and it sure as hell won't be making any recordings of me in my car either. More than happy to click into the Nest app, Ring app or other Smart Device app on my phone in order to retain the privacy of not being recorded.

You do know Google owns Nest and Amazon owns ring right? Do you use social media? Google search? Chrome browser?

If it makes you feel safe then by all means don't use Alexa but they already know everything about you.

[2020g20]

Originally Posted by heelsmj

You do know Google owns Nest and Amazon owns ring right? Do you use social media? Google search? Chrome browser?

If it makes you feel safe then by all means don't use Alexa but they already know everything about you.

Precisely why I don't have cloud-based cameras inside my house, disable most of Siri's features on my Apple devices, haven't had a facebook account in over a decade, and use a VPN when I do a lot of my browsing.

There is also a very obvious difference between a company knowing your browsing history and a company owning a slew of audio recordings of you in your home and car. If you aren't worried about the recordings they have of you in between the times when you actually say 'hey Alexa' or 'hey Siri', you really should be...

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-s...-a9523951.html

Sorry, but "they already know everything about you anyway" is the laziest, most pathetic manner in which you can willingly hand over the remainder of the privacy that you still have.

[Benjamin_Nicholas]

Alexa? LOL.

Focus on the mechanics of driving... We don't need Alexa.

There's already Siri on CarPlay if you need it.