Getting a screen with Android Auto is already the best way to update our car to support the latest advances in applications such as Google Maps, Spotify or Waze. And most modern cars are already equipped with this type of screen as standard, in some cases devoting a large part of the dashboard. But none like the new Mini.
Despite being part of BMW for over two decades now, Mini still retains philosophy and design lines one of those quirky little cars that dominated the streets of London in the 60s. Yes, the new Mini models are bigger than ever, and they’re adapted to current trends, but they still retain familiar details, like the overall shape of the body, the headlights or the steering wheel.
By removing the exterior, the Mini’s most differentiating detail was still in the speedometer, which in the original model was installed in the center of the passenger compartment and not behind the steering wheel as usual; in this way, a relatively open interior was achieved given the limitations of space.
The circular screen of the new Mini Cooper uses a system based on Android code
Now, Mini is preparing the launch of its new 100% electric model, the Mini Cooper Electric, and of course the speedometer remains in the same position; but it’s 2023 so obviously it couldn’t be a simple needle on some numbers but a completely round screen, which appears to “float” on the dashboard. All information is collected on this screen, which acts as a speedometer and infotainment system, taking advantage of the circular shape to display edge, speed and gear information at the top, and the navigation map in the centre.
Technically, this screen is based on a 9.4 inch diameter OLED panel, and will be installed in all new Mini Coopers; although some of the functions will be exclusive to the electric model, such as, obviously, information on autonomy and charge level.
Android in the new Mini
By default, the screen of the new Mini Cooper runs an OS 9 operating system developed by BMW and based on open source Android; Thanks to this, the company was able to make the necessary changes to create an interface that adapts to the round shape of the screen. For example, the screen will be able to switch between three different modes, with different levels of information; The most faithful to the original Mini will be the “Timeless” mode, which will only show the speedometer, although we will also have a more customizable mode in which we can even upload our own photo to use as a background, and the system will change color, just like Material You from Android.
Mini will also offer the possibility of using Apple CarPlay, in addition to Android Auto; however, in this case the screen will have borders, due to “technical factors” according to Mini. This may be due to the Android Auto interface can only be rectangular. This is an area that Google will likely need to work on, so manufacturers can use the screens in different ways that fit inside the car.
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