For the first time ever in the history of the industry, a car maker is offering mass-produced integration of a GoPro camera with the on board infotainment system. The system, introduced on BMW and MINI models, enables the users to manipulate the cameras through the car’s large central screen.

That means you the driver can control the camera from the cockpit via the iDrive controller and benefit from extra features made available by BMW Apps or MINI Connected. The GoPro integration system offers six pre-set camera modes: Leisure Drive Facing Out, Night Driving, Sport Drive Facing Out, Drive Camera Facing In, Winding Road Time-lapse, and Straight Road Time-lapse.

Naturally, you can start and stop recording via the screen and check the camera status including recording elapsed time, battery life, and Wi-Fi signal strength. The user may also toggle the camera’s SLEEP mode to prolong battery life between shots.

GoPro integrations system works with all model year 2012 and later BMW Group vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps or MINI Connected option, when used with a Wi-Fi-equipped GoPro camera. You also need the GoPro app installed on your iPhone, as that is how the features are enabled on the infotainment system.

“Working with GoPro to design this integration was remarkable,” said Phil Johnston, Head of BMW Group AppCenter USA.  “’Creative’ and ‘insightful’ just begin to describe the experience.  GoPro is a natural fit for BMW enthusiast drivers. The power and flexibility of the BMW Group App Integration Platform coupled with GoPro’s advanced camera technology brings new, safe, and engaging experiences to the enthusiasts that were previously not possible.  When the camera is connected to the car, it allows GoPro’s app to present context-appropriate presets that allow the enthusiast to capture the perfect shot.”