Hey Mini: Yes, you can talk to Mini’s new 9.4-inch infotainment screen
New Mini touchscreen has jokes, stories, games, and more
After the mini (pardon the pun) preview of the 2024 Mini Cooper Electric’s retro-inspired cockpit, people could not get enough of its newest funky feature – the 9.4-inch circular OLED display that displaced the speedometer from the center of the dashboard.
Fortunately, the British marque has released more details about it. The eye-catching looks of this round touchscreen belie its fun-loving software that will deliver infotainment in the truest sense of the word.
Aside from its unique shape, what makes this monitor eye-catching is the ultra-slim bezel that stretches the display to the edges, which means more space for colorful graphics.
It runs on the Mini Operating System 9 and responds to touch and voice input to control various vehicle features like climate control, driving information, and audio functions. Drivers can also change its appearance into a digital version of Min’s classic speedometer by tapping the speed icon (drive mode dependent).
The three driving modes are Core, Green, and Go-Kart, but Mini also offers selectable themed modes like Balance, Timeless, Vivid, and Personal. The vehicle’s ambient lighting is programmed to match the color of the picture (Personal themed mode), while the Trail mode has a digital compass and inclinometer (for Countryman models only).
As an online-based system, users can access apps in the Mini Connected Store, like Spotify and Apple Music for audiophiles and AirConsole for gamers. Note that games can only be played while the vehicle is parked.
For ease of use, the driver and passengers need only to say ‘Hey Mini’ to access its features. If you are alone in the car and need a pick-me-up, it can even tell stories or jokes to put a smile on your face. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with over-the-air-updates capability.
Can’t wait to experience Mini’s new infotainment system? The first model to get it will be the 2024 Mini Cooper Electric before it becomes standard for new models.
