BMW will launch a new Genius Everywhere program, an Apple-like Genius Bar in time for the launch of their i3 electric vehicle which is expected in 2014. Clearly BMW sees Apple’s massive success in retail as a proven solution to support the launch of a new series of electric cars in North America. BMW will also rely upon Apple mobile technologies to arm their sales staff.
The Genius BMW Genius Everywhere program announced in AdvertisingAge will have pre-sale employees armed with iPads helping educate potential customs about this new electric line. The major difference as this point is Apple’s Genius Bar is for post sales while BMW will focus on education and pre sales. This is not the first time BMW has adopted Apple products, design and user experiences. BMW and Apple collaborated to bring iPod support to BMWs early in the car controls your digital device world and today they are also working to integrating Siri technology into more BMW models.
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BMW, iPad & mobile hotspots
Pleased to see BMW has launched a design solution supporting iPads. Its just not the mount (which does rotate by the way) on the back of the driver’s seat.
BMW’s mobile hotspot technology, a branded MiFi solution that allows any devices in the car to connect to the Internet on the road. And with the addition of Apple’s Siri solution being integrated onto the steering wheel …. well I’m interested to see what happens when iOS6 ships with Siri support on iPads.
Milwaukee radio station 620am WTMJ broadcast a segment regarding ebooks last week. I finally got around to blogging about it today. The segment was titled: Will printed books remain relevant in the future? Book/library aficionado/blogger Paul Everett Nelson joins WAN at 4:34pm.
While the discussion was simple and well targeted to their audience there is certainly more to this story. I understand the limited time allocated to radio segments — its Milwaukee’s WTMJ – not NPR.
My own experience and love of reading drew me to think deeper about the discussion of the publishing industry and their new demand to charge libraries unbeliveable fees.Some believe the publishing industry has been decimated in the internet age like the music industry. Not sure that I completely agree with this statement. A well run publishing business should be able to make significantly more profit from selling ebooks. But in order to be successful the publishing industry must cannibalize itself.
One of the points of discussion is a rather draconian sales policy ebook publishers have demanded. They are changing their Terms by actually charging libraries to repurchase (at full price no less) any ebook checked out more than 25 times. Yes you read that correctly – publishers plan to force every library that checks out an ebook 25 times to re-purchase the ebook at full price.
When exactly did those same publishers force those same libraries to purchase additional hardback copies of their books at full price after they were checked out 25 times? Never, since the idea is just asinine.
Imaging a cable company requiring you to purchase a new cable package after watching 25 TV shows. Yep – now you know how stupid — or simply greed — is driving this decision.
Ever see a stack of 500 books on a shipping pallet? Consider all the costs for print, assembly and shipping. Add costs to distribute those books to bookstores and big box resellers….that is an expensive and time consuming process. Oh yea…want it fast? — then pay extra for overnight shipping. Remember those books are only available during business hours.
Koss today has introduced new wifi headphones. The announcement is just 5 hours old but looks pretty interesting. In addition to plugging (sorry) into a Koss streaming service users can attach an small adapter to any iOS device. Set your iPhone down and walk around listening to music wireless!
Kinda thinking this would be nice while mowing the lawn or even better…working out. Cannot tell you how many times my iPod headphones have been caught up on a treadmill arm. Arg! Time for my gym to install some wireless APs around their facilities.
Few would imagine what creative minds at Apple and Pixar would invent when the iPad was introduced. With compelling content and affordable mobile devices my children are growing up in the Golden Age of Pixar, Apple and Disney. The idea of playing an old school ‘board game’ pales in comparison with the iPad’s interactive, digital game and adventure opportunities. Beyond driving around Radiator Springs, I believe a gold mine awaits with education for all ages. But for now….off to the Apple Store to pickup a Lightning and Mater.