controls are not used equally often, they have been moved into a central location. The iDrive M-ASK and CCC systems were based around the points of a compass (north, south, east, west) with each direction corresponding with a specific area. These areas are also colour-coded providing identification as to which part of the system is currently being viewed. North (blue) for communication East (green) for navigation (In some models without navigation, this option is replaced by the On Board Computer) South (brown) for entertainment West (red) for climate control Starting in 2007, iDrive added programmable buttons (6 USA/Japan, 8 in Europe) to the dashboard, breaking tradition of having the entire system operated via the control knob. Each button can be programmed to instantly access any feature within iDrive (such as a particular navigation route, or one's favorite radio station). In addition, a dedicated AM/FM button, and a Mode button (to switch between entertainment sources) were added for North American-market vehicles. Older versions of iDrive used a widescreen display that was split into a 2/3 main window, and 1/3 "Assistance Window". This allowed the driver to use a function or menu, while simultaneously maintaining secondary information. For example, if the driver was not in the Navigation menu, they could still see a map on the assistance window. Other information that could be displayed included navigation route directions and a trip computer. Controversy iDrive caused significant controversy among users, the automotive media, and critics when it was first introduced. Many reviewers of BMW vehicles in automobile magazines disapproved of the system. Criticisms of iDrive included its steep learning curve and its tendency to cause the driver to look away from the road too much. Most users report that they adapt to the system after about one year of practice, and the advent of voice controls has reduced the learning curve greatly. A new iDrive system (CIC) was introduced in September 2008 to address most of the complaints. iDrive NBT, introduced in 2012, brought further improvements. References External links Third Generation BMW iDrive in the F01/F02 BMW 7 Series Operation Video BMW Connected Drive FAQ Advanced driver assistance systems Automotive technology tradenames BMW Human–computer interaction In-car entertainment Rolls-Royce Vehicle telematics