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      03-17-2019, 09:01 AM   #1
Opie55
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Anybody find the touchpad useful?

I have not fully explored all the possible ways to use the touchpad on the iDrive controller, but I wondered if anybody with a 2015 and later actually uses it regularly, and if so, for what. Or is it mostly a gimmick? You can use it to slide the balance and fader, etc. but you don't really move those very often. The ability to write letters on it seems silly, slow and inaccurate. And what would I spell that I can't just say as a voice command? The one thing I have used a few times is the ability to scroll around on the navigation map. Am I missing some useful function that some of you use it for regularly?
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      03-17-2019, 11:39 AM   #2
dsocold
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besides using it to input a navi address (voice command never gets it right) or telephone name as well as using it on the interactive map that would be all it does that i know of on my 2015..

but now i just send addresses from my phone using connected drive.
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      03-17-2019, 01:35 PM   #3
Opie55
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You can definitely use it to adjust anything in the menu that has a slider. I've rarely had an issue with addresses in voice command. I'm probably one of the only people who has never linked my phone. Then I might have to talk to somebody.
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      03-17-2019, 03:32 PM   #4
MARKPRIOR
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In the UK we need to use it with left hand, imagine how this writing looks onscreen

Other than asthectics I don't really see any benefit
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      03-17-2019, 07:09 PM   #5
Opie55
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Well, I'm left handed, so I suffer from the same problem you do. I can't imagine doing something as long as an entire address with it. I'm curious about voice command in the UK. Do you have to pronounce names as they are spelled or as they are pronounced? Like will it recognize names like Norrich, or do you have to say Norwich?
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      03-18-2019, 04:25 AM   #6
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Are you talking about the new voice command? That will be a self learning system. It will recognize more and more after time. Even slang. I tried it in the new M850 and after 3 oer 4 times the system understood even my mumbling.
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      03-18-2019, 07:17 AM   #7
MARKPRIOR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie55 View Post
Well, I'm left handed, so I suffer from the same problem you do. I can't imagine doing something as long as an entire address with it. I'm curious about voice command in the UK. Do you have to pronounce names as they are spelled or as they are pronounced? Like will it recognize names like Norrich, or do you have to say Norwich?
Honestly, i tried the postcode search once. It was useless.... lol i didnt get as far as trying a city, the best feature for me is the send to car from connected drive
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      03-18-2019, 08:11 AM   #8
Opie55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Havy View Post
Are you talking about the new voice command? That will be a self learning system. It will recognize more and more after time. Even slang. I tried it in the new M850 and after 3 oer 4 times the system understood even my mumbling.
I meant the one like in my 2015. I didn't know there was self learning one.
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      03-18-2019, 02:27 PM   #9
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While I have a 2014 and don't have this feature, I've used it on loaner cars before from the dealership. I find it only mildly useful for the map scrolling/zoom feature, that's it. It comes down to what activities (other than driving) you're actually doing in the car. For all these purposes, this is the main reason I decided not to upgrade to IDv5 or IDv6. I only "use" the idrive 2 times daily:

1. read text messages (I don't send it). Even this function is a shortcut on my dash button.

2. check traffic visuals (I don't even zoom) For my area and my viewing preference having a "1mi" zoom is perfect.

Things I don't do because I have it preset or there's an alternative method:

1. I don't tinker with the audio at all, I don't even switch stations, I only listen to 2 stations and have it programmed on my console buttons.

2. enter addresses for navigation. I use my connecteddrive app (totally worth the $10/month) and shoot the address directly into idrive. Plus, I don't really travel with my car, it's mostly for daily work commute.

3. call people. I usually use voice commands and wheel buttons to call people, which is rare to begin with.
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      03-18-2019, 03:52 PM   #10
MARKPRIOR
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Separate question, when were the touch controllers introduced? Mine is mine 2014 build but has the controller
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      03-18-2019, 04:38 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MARKPRIOR View Post
Separate question, when were the touch controllers introduced? Mine is mine 2014 build but has the controller
On March 2014 builds
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