I’ve been driving the Mini Cooper electric for the last few weeks now and I just have to call out something on the infotainment system – or rather the Mini OS – that makes it a little bit special.
One of the biggest factors when buying a new car is now whether it has CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The ease of being able to connect your phone to the car’s entertainment system and get your contacts, music and maps straight on the central screen is something that most drivers now demand.
Manufacturers are putting increased efforts into their own operating systems though, providing everything from mapping through to games and movies for those times when you’re parked up or charging. Drivers overriding this hard work in favour of a mirror of their mobile phone can seem like a disservice to all the hard work they’ve put in.
Mini’s new OS 9 is unique for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s designed to run on a circular display. The 24cm diameter Samsung OLED display is the centrepiece of the car and contains all of the driving dynamics and entertainment options that the new car offers.
The display is based on the original speedometer that sat in a similar position in the first Mini models. Creating a display that makes efficient use of this space is a little different than just showing the speed though. This screen has to show maps, climate controls, music and vehicle settings in addition to the main speed and power gauges.
Managing its own features is one thing, but then displaying CarPlay is something else. Firstly, Apple’s CarPlay display is rectangular and so doesn’t naturally fit in a circular screen without losing a lot of real estate.
Most auto manufacturers also separate the CarPlay features, so they feel like a very separate system to the OEM offering. This usually requires you to exit the CarPlay features to return to the on-board features, and vice versa.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Both CarPlay and Android Auto behave similarly on the Mini OS, connecting wirelessly. Once connected there is a small box that appears just above the main menu to get access into the mirrored system. The CarPlay menu appears in a square box, however ,the background remains transparent, allowing you to still see the Mini wallpaper behind.
This small concession makes the CarPlay menu feel more at home and a part of the Mini OS. However, it goes one further than that. When you access the main menu of functions on the Mini OS, it displays all of your CarPlay apps among the on-board features. Each one simply has ‘in CarPlay’ added to the app name, so you know where it’s come from.
In this way, the extra features from CarPlay don’t take away from the Mini OS, they simply add to it. Two systems working together. It’s an acknowledgement to the fact that users want to use these apps, but also want some of Mini’s own features.
My favourite feature on the Mini OS display is the fact that you can add your own wallpaper to the screen – uploading pictures via a QR code, or via the car’s app. It’s a really nice way to personalise the screen, and is much nicer to look at than your typical CarPlay menu.
I hope more car manufacturers take this inclusive route with their CarPlay and Android Auto dealings. It’s certainly the more sensible way to get drivers to interact with their car’s OS rather than phone’s.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
WhatsApp gets a free festive update just in time for New Year
Today's app update brings some festive cheer to your chats
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Samsung is rumoured to be bringing back an older phone design feature for the S25
This Android phone feature could make a comeback
By Sam Cross Published
-
Christmas car gifts for auto addicts
Find the perfect present for those who know their Porsche from their Pagani and their 800 volts from their V8
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Mercedes’ new all-electric CLA coupe is mountains ahead of the competition
The upcoming next-generation Mercedes EV is a step-change in efficiency and charging
By Phil McNamara Published
-
This is my favourite classic car EV conversion yet
Mazda MX-5 goes electric! But not in the way you’d think…
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
You’ve seen the rebrand, now here’s the first new Jaguar EV
The Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
By Phil McNamara Published
-
Audi A6 e-tron: your up-market EV estate has landed
The Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Here’s your best look yet at the first-ever electric Range Rover
The new Range Rover EV creates a tricky game of spot-the-difference
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
When it comes to EVs, buttons are better than touchscreens – and this car proves it
Living with a Genesis GV60 proves how buttons are best
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
This even sportier Taycan GTS is the Porsche EV we want most of all
Sportier than ever, the new Porsche Taycan GTS has 700 horsepower and a new soundtrack
By Alistair Charlton Published