A German software developer is currently programming a new software solution for Palm OS. With this software, you can use your Palm as a remote control for your car - at least, for some cars. At the moment, we can report that he has successfully tested his project with his BMW 735i (E38). He uses a GSM data connection to the car’s mobile phone. After establishing the connection, he can control almost all parts of the car, e. g. the GPS navigation, radio, TV, automatic climate control, seats, windows and even drive his car.


According to the developer, he can only control some cars, like this BMW, with a high-tech electronic system which can control the motor, the automatic gearbox, etc. Furthermore, he needs a self-written modificiation of the car’s operating system which he writes into its flash memory. The current status of the remote control can also be viewed in the car (left: normal screen; right: is shown when connection is established).

The application’s handling of the car has still to be improved, but he can already start the motor and drive around. He told me that he drives every morning to the bakery while lying in bed.

TamsPalm will keep you informed about this project. We will write about this again as soon as the developer provides us with additional information.