I know these cool infotainment systems have their uses, but if they keep going like this soon the cars will be turned into laptops, or tablets as they’re more fashionable! Mini just announced their Connected iPhone app now accepts third-party apps, with the Pandora internet radio being the first approved app for it.

Upon completion, Pandora internet radio will be available at no charge and allow customers to access and control Pandora through the existing MINI Connected system. Unique features to the MINI Connected app will include popular Pandora features, such as: easy access to existing stations, the ability to create new ones using the car interface and high-resolution, color display of album art.

All 2011MY models will feature third-party apps capability.

“Integration of Pandora has been highly requested by our existing owners and potential new customers,” said Stephan Durach, Director of the BMW Group Technology Office Palo Alto. “We are pleased that we are able to partner with Pandora and look forward to offering this function across the MINI product range in a way that is simple to access and safer to operate.”

Once development is complete, MINI customers will be able to download Pandora, which will immediately work with their existing MINI Connected systems. The Pandora internet radio integration, like the existing MINI Connected functions, will be seamless.

“We’re thrilled that MINI is making Pandora available to customers across its full range of vehicles, thereby enabling people to enjoy their personalized radio stations while on-the-go,” said Jessica Steel, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Pandora.

Added future-proofing with MINI-specific apps.
The functional repertoire of MINI Connected can be extended easily by dipping into the MINI Connected Approved iPhone Apps. Any changes that are made to the apps are automatically updated through the Apple App Store. This allows MINI Connected customers to continue to benefit from technical advances and creative developments in the field of in-car entertainment into the future without the hassle of service calls to ensure the latest updates are incorporated.

“We look forward to bringing additional premium partners into the world of MINI Connected Approved iPhone Apps,” said Robert Passaro, Senior Project Manager at the BMW Group.  “Expect more exciting announcements in the future.”

The flexible design of MINI Connected allows unprecedented integration of smartphone functions, taking the in-car integration of iPhone, entertainment and online functions to a whole new level. MINI Connected adopts the familiar MINI display and controls to ensure that all functions can be operated comfortably, simply, safely and intuitively while minimizing driver distraction.

The MINI Connected iPhone App is available for free right now from the Apple App store, and offers drivers access to their favorite entertainment and online functions of the iPhone in the car – Web Radio, News, Twitter, Google Send to Car, Google Local Search, and MINIMALISM Analyser.

The iPhone is linked to the car either via a USB cable, supplied with MINI Connected, or through the center armrest with an available snap-in adapter. Once connected, the phone can be stored and all functions are operated using the vehicle’s joystick, steering wheel buttons and on-board monitor.