Last week, BMW announced that they would begin to support a feature within iOS 4, Apple's new operating system for iPods and iPhones, called iPod Out. The technology allows the infotainment systems within BMW Group vehicles to display and control the music playback feature in iPhone and iPod touch devices. Access to custom playlists and Genius, which creates a playlist of songs from a user's own library, will also be available to a driver.

BMW's integration with iPod devices extends all the way back to 2004 when the vehicle maker offered an iPod adapter which allowed drivers to control their iPod through the existing car stereo system. At the time, the adapter was available for the BMW 3 Series, X3 and X5 SAV, Z4 Roadster and MINI. The latest support for connectivity using iPod Out is featured in a YouTube video posted by the company. iPod Out is only available with iOS 4 on the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and the second and third generation iPod touch.