i-Remote app: desiged by amateurs

[Boatguy]

No question that it's a mediocre app. And the lack of updates (last was April) suggests that BMW does not see any problems.

It's no surprise, with the exception of Apple, "hardware" companies rarely have a clue how to write software (and vice versus for software companies and hardware) and no ability to direct a third party to do it for them. Nikon and Canon software for example is horrendous. Remember VCR UI's?

BMW may be listening, but they have a few years of learning curve before they'll be able to do anything with the input. For now, we buy an i3 for the hardware.

Until then I'm just happy there is a basic app that does tell me the charge status and allows me to send a few instructions to the car.

 

[i3MK]

Please feedback via email to:

[email protected]

Please mark the Subject header with - "Feedback: BMW i Remote"

Main body of email must be formatted as below otherwise you will be marked as SPAM:

Hello "BMW i Remote Team",

The last 7 characters of my Vehicle Identification Number are:
XXXXXXX
---------
App version: 1.3.
iPhone 5s (GSM+CDMA) (iOS 7.1.2).

 

[kc1]

Please feedback via email to:

[email protected]

Please mark the Subject header with - "Feedback: BMW i Remote"

Main body of email must be formatted as below otherwise you will be marked as SPAM:

Hello "BMW i Remote Team",

The last 7 characters of my Vehicle Identification Number are:
XXXXXXX
---------
App version: 1.3.
iPhone 5s (GSM+CDMA) (iOS 7.1.2).

I did, and I got:

Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:

[email protected]

Technical details of permanent failure:
Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the server for the recipient domain bmw-i.de by mx1.bmw.c3s2.iphmx.com. [2620:101:200a:d100::b].

The error that the other server returned was:
550 #5.1.0 Address rejected.

 

[psquare]

isn't the best kind of feedback the one you leave on the Android / Apple online stores? This way, it really forces the supplier of the app to do something about it, because bad feedback is publicly on display.

 

[kc1]

isn't the best kind of feedback the one you leave on the Android / Apple online stores? This way, it really forces the supplier of the app to do something about it, because bad feedback is publicly on display.

Well I did that too, but for some reason although it appears on my phone's play store app, it it doesn't appear when you look at it from a browser( don't know why?). However, I don't think a low star rating among the masses on the stores is particularly helpful, since people use that to express all kinds of dissatisfaction.

I think the most helpful type of feedback is direct to the developers, and marketers. In my experience the former don't design poorly out of spite, just ignorance and inadequate qualification/experience in ergonomics/usability (and typically labour under the misconception that their judgement is as good as but cheaper than usability performance testing [not helped by the fashion for so-called 'agile' development). The marketers often don't want to consider they might not have hired the right developers (hot kids who seem to be up on the jargon, must be the best, right?), so they'd benefit from understanding their vision of joined-up digital-hardware experience really doesn't work as envisaged.

But as I said, my main motivation was to help other potential buyers have realistic expectations. Like somebody else on here, I found the dealer and the BMW "i-specialists" appeared to do their best to avoid me trying to have a look at the online connected drive & i-remote features prior to taking delivery, even though you're supposed to be able to register for both with just VIN. After having paid for and taken delivery of the car, I can see why.

The Connected Drive (online & in-car) is just as bad. When I get time I'll post a review somewhere here too.

 

[i3MK]

Please feedback via email to:

[email protected]

Please mark the Subject header with - "Feedback: BMW i Remote"

Main body of email must be formatted as below otherwise you will be marked as SPAM:

Hello "BMW i Remote Team",

The last 7 characters of my Vehicle Identification Number are:
XXXXXXX
---------
App version: 1.3.
iPhone 5s (GSM+CDMA) (iOS 7.1.2).

I did, and I got:

Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:

[email protected]

Technical details of permanent failure:
Google tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the server for the recipient domain bmw-i.de by mx1.bmw.c3s2.iphmx.com. [2620:101:200a:d100::b].

The error that the other server returned was:
550 #5.1.0 Address rejected.

So now we know feedback isn't getting through anymore!
And guess where this email address comes from? It's the remote apps feedback option under the gear/wheel icon on the bottom right of the main screen.
Great

 

[Idleup]

Thanks for the detailed report - I too was really disappointed with the app- regarding the temperature setting with the remote I "Think" the temperature setting will be what ever temperature you have it set on when you power down the car. If anyone has a fix or alternative please let us know!

Thanks

Mike

 

[Tobias]

Agree with all the posts above. It's an App designed by engineers, not someone who's ever designed something for consumers. Given that it's a software fix, hopefully a new version will come out soon.

 

[mediziner]

Please feedback via email to:

[email protected]

Please mark the Subject header with - "Feedback: BMW i Remote"

Main body of email must be formatted as below otherwise you will be marked as SPAM:

Hello "BMW i Remote Team",

The last 7 characters of my Vehicle Identification Number are:
XXXXXXX
---------
App version: 1.3.
iPhone 5s (GSM+CDMA) (iOS 7.1.2).

I hope you are looking for a way to provide feedback to BMW.




hülle htc desire eye

 

[kc1]

..., hopefully a new version will come out soon.

Nearly 2 years and still the same terrible app & online software. Depressing indictment of how BMW doesn't get it. The tech companies will surely put them out of business. If not Tesla, the next one...

 

[ASUN]

Nearly 2 years and still the same terrible app & online software. Depressing indictment of how BMW doesn't get it. The tech companies will surely put them out of business. If not Tesla, the next one...

They are a car company first, tech company second.

So it's ok, the app has been getting the job done.

 

[kc1]

So it's ok, the app has been getting the job done.

So does a Trabant.

 

[gt1]

There is an alternative app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cartoaware.connectedcar
Can't say it is good. Recently it stopped working completely- it crashes on start up.