Audi Connect

RossR

RossR

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Too little too late, IMHO. Plenty of better alternatives available on iPhone/Android etc. (Waze, Siri, ...) for zero incremental cost compared to this from Audi.
 
I've looked into this and doing 30,000 miles a year I still can't see why it's worth the money and then the monthly charge. Your iPhone will do everything you need
 
And, despite Audi's publicity rubbish about integrating with Apple devices in the future, this won't work with an iPhone! Epic fail.
 
By the same reasoning there is no point in built in sat navs or any of the tech pack. There are advantages to having things built-in (steering wheel controls, always charged, dead reckoning inside tunnels, etc.) but it's a personal choice which route you prefer.
 
Vertigo1 said:
And, despite Audi's publicity rubbish about integrating with Apple devices in the future, this won't work with an iPhone! Epic fail.
Click to expand...

This is not an issue with Audi - it's Apple who won't play ball with remote SIM access.

Lots of modern cars use this. I get issued with a s**t iPhone by work and would much rather have an Android, which would work.
 
jet_andy said:
This is not an issue with Audi - it's Apple who won't play ball with remote SIM access.

Lots of modern cars use this. I get issued with a s**t iPhone by work and would much rather have an Android, which would work.
Click to expand...

The thing is, nobody wants remote sim anymore (hence it now being dropped from Android now too). For example, if I receive an SMS while I'm in the car, I dont want the record of it to stay in the car - I want it on my phone, with all the other ones. Now that newer Bluetooth profiles are available, which allow you to make calls, read address books, read recent callers, read/send an SMS, use the phone's data, etc, there really isn't a need for remote sim. Other than using an external antenna (rather than the phone one), I cannot see what benefit it has

Unfortunately, as with most tech (satnav maps anyone?), Audi seems to be a good few years behind the curve
 
jet_andy said:
This is not an issue with Audi - it's Apple who won't play ball with remote SIM access.
Click to expand...

Granted but Audi aren't helping their case by not allowing the Connect systems to use a dedicated SIM for data but still connect to a phone via Bluetooth for calls.

At least this has been the case on previous models - not sure if they've actually addressed this shortcoming on the A3.
 
Vertigo1 said:
Granted but Audi aren't helping their case by not allowing the Connect systems to use a dedicated SIM for data but still connect to a phone via Bluetooth for calls.

At least this has been the case on previous models - not sure if they've actually addressed this shortcoming on the A3.
Click to expand...

I hope they have, as Audi Connect is of little use to me without! Mobile Broadband SIM in the car, then leave my phone to use up it's own data allowance. Certainly that seems the logical way forwards at the moment (although that may change once 4G launches properly, if it results in the mobile networks starting to provide more useful data allowances)
 
Vertigo1 said:
Granted but Audi aren't helping their case by not allowing the Connect systems to use a dedicated SIM for data but still connect to a phone via Bluetooth for calls.

At least this has been the case on previous models - not sure if they've actually addressed this shortcoming on the A3.
Click to expand...

Hi all,

I've read in a brochure about the connect that my dealer sent me that a software update 'mid 2013' will in fact allow both a SIM card and a phone connected via bluetooth to be used at the same time, so that's good news - although not a problem for me as my phone supports rSAP without a problem.

Will be ordering mine soon!
 
Full Ts and Cs here - warning though, it looks like you can only use some of the services for 3 years after getting the car, then they are disabled!

Services supported by Audi connect can only be used with the optional equipment
MMI® Navigation plus incl. MMI® touch and Audi connect. You also require a
Bluetooth-capable Smartphone with a remote SIM Access Profile (rSAP) or a SIM
card with a telephone and data option. The services are only available with an
existing mobile phone contract (or one that is separately taken out) and are only
available where there is mobile phone coverage. Additional costs may be incurred by
the reception of data packages from the Internet, depending on your mobile phone
contract and especially when using such services abroad. Due to the high data volume,
a mobile phone contract with data flat rate is highly recommended! The availability
of the services supported by Audi connect varies from country to country. The
services are made available for at least one year after the vehicle has been supplied.
You need to perform a one-off registration / initial activation in order to use individual
services and, additionally, you may need to carry out an individual configuration
on the myAudi platform at Redirect. The Traffic information online
services and messages need to be initially activated in the vehicle. For services that
require an initial activation (see Redirect or in the vehicle), there is
a restriction on their usage time of 36 months from the point in time at which the
activation took place (where the activation takes place within 6 months of the vehicle
being supplied; in all other cases, the usage rights are shortened accordingly).
You can obtain further information on Audi connect at Redirect and
from your Audi partner; information on tariff conditions can be obtained from your
mobile phone provider. Information on availability and costs can be acquired from
your mobile phone provider.
2 Necessary for non-rSAP-compatible mobile phones such as the iPhone. Information
on availability and costs can be acquired from your mobile phone provider. A multi
SIM card is a second SIM card with the same phone number assigned to it.
3 When a SIM card is inserted, it is no longer possible to connect the mobile phone
via the hands-free profile. From the middle of 2013 onwards, we will offer you a
software update that expands the connection options. It will enable you to use
hands-free even when a SIM card is inserted. At the same time, you can use the
Audi connect services via a second SIM card with a data option.
4 The city events, fuel stop as well as flight and train information services need to be
activated. Picturebook navigation, online news (personalised) as well as access to Facebook
and Twitter need to be activated and individually configured. Both processes
are carried out after registration on the myAudi platform at audi.com/myAudi. The
availability of the services supported by Audi connect varies from country to country.
The services are made available for at least one year after the vehicle has been
supplied. You need to perform a one-off registration / initial activation in order to use
individual services and, additionally, you may need to carry out an individual configuration
on the myAudi platform at Redirect. The Traffic information
online services and messages must be initially activated in the vehicle.For services
that require an initial activation (at Redirect or in the vehicle), there is
a restriction on their usage time of 36 months from the point in time of the activation
(where the activation takes place within 6 months of the vehicle being supplied;
in all other cases, the usage rights are shortened accordingly).
5 You will be able to dictate text messages in German, English, Spanish, French and
Italian. Text messages can only be dictated in the set system language.
6 Available for iPhone (from iOS 6) and Android devices (from Version 4.0).
7 Available for iPhone (from iOS5) and Android devices (from Version 2.3.3).
8 Audi connect enables access to Facebook and Twitter.
Constant availability cannot be guaranteed as this is dependent on the Facebook
and Twitter services themselves.
Click to expand...
 
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cemerson said:
Hi all,

I've read in a brochure about the connect that my dealer sent me that a software update 'mid 2013' will in fact allow both a SIM card and a phone connected via bluetooth to be used at the same time, so that's good news - although not a problem for me as my phone supports rSAP without a problem.

Will be ordering mine soon!
Click to expand...

Welcome to aud-sport.net. Where are you located? Any pics of the car? Enjoy the forum. :) x
 
Cheers! Not ordered yet, but will be a 2.0 TDI Sportback with loads of toys hopefully. I'm in Nottingham. I was going to wait for the 184PS version but I'm not waiting till November for it so the 150 it is!
 
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cemerson said:
Cheers! Not ordered yet, but will be a 2.0 TDI Sportback with loads of toys hopefully. I'm in Nottingham. I was going to wait for the 184PS version but I'm not waiting till November for it so the 150 it is!
Click to expand...

You have come to the right place for info and advice, we are all very friendly on here. The time will soon pass in till younget your new car. We are already in may, the year is going in quick. :) x
 
Yup! Looking forward to it - I'm just waiting for the connect system to become available to order, which I suspect will come with the MY2014 changes
 
Connect still isn't listed properly on the configurator. However, I got the Audi code from my order and the website accepts it: ANYLGUBT.
 
Gazzz said:
The thing is, nobody wants remote sim anymore (hence it now being dropped from Android now too). For example, if I receive an SMS while I'm in the car, I dont want the record of it to stay in the car - I want it on my phone, with all the other ones. Now that newer Bluetooth profiles are available, which allow you to make calls, read address books, read recent callers, read/send an SMS, use the phone's data, etc, there really isn't a need for remote sim. Other than using an external antenna (rather than the phone one), I cannot see what benefit it has

Unfortunately, as with most tech (satnav maps anyone?), Audi seems to be a good few years behind the curve
Click to expand...

He he.... or ahead of it... I know RSAP almost disappeared with the last Symbian Nokias, but now Mercedes, Toyota, Lexus and just about all manufacturers' new model (incl all of VAG) are now requiring RSAP to link your phone (or you can get a sim and pay for a new data contract).

Android has always supported it, but some manufacturers chose to cut corners (like Apple) and drop the full Bluetooth feature set as is it was a feature that very few peopel were expecting and it was just one more thing to test.

My preference is HTC hardware, but Samsung have always supported RSAP and continue to do so.... until the other phone manufacturers catch up with Samsung and Audi, that's the combination I'm stuck with - at least I can trash the Samsung OS and use a generic Android OS.
 
Vertigo1 said:
Granted but Audi aren't helping their case by not allowing the Connect systems to use a dedicated SIM for data but still connect to a phone via Bluetooth for calls.

At least this has been the case on previous models - not sure if they've actually addressed this shortcoming on the A3.
Click to expand...

I have my iPhone connected to the MMI Nav plus via BT and have a dedicated Data Sim in the car
 
illingworth22 said:
I have my iPhone connected to the MMI Nav plus via BT and have a dedicated Data Sim in the car
Click to expand...

Yep - that's the only option available to people whose phones don't support RSAP, but it's a waste to have a second SIM if your phone does it all for you as you'd have to buy two data plans. I like the idea of two SIM cards on the same number/plan, but apparently UK networks aren't allowed to offer that any more.
 
My phone supports RSAP but I prefer a second SIM, otherwise messages and call logs for you phone will be stored in the car instead.
 
I have specced the 'Technology Pack' (£1,495) for my S3.

I have until the end of this week before my order is locked.

I have this nagging doubt that I'll be missing out if I don't change to 'Technology Pack High with Audi Connect' which would cost £1,795.

Is Audi Connect worth having?

For the people who do have it, would you miss it?
What do you find the most useful features are?
Which network do you use for your data SIM and how much is this per month?
Is there an ongoing subscription for Audi Connect?

Thanks
Grant
 
The Google maps is a nice feature in relation to the enhanced traffic which I think you only get with a sim card. Data sims are around £5 per month. It's quite useful being able to search Google for destinations. So a business listed on Google is easily searchable. The ability to send destinations to the car from your computer is a good feature but does have a major bug that you need to be aware of if you want to arrive at the correct destination!
 
I've never used Connect but I spec'd it on my s3 order as I loved the Google local search on my TomTom before they fell out and TomTom did their own which is very rubbish by comparison. The TomTom also has the petrol station with fuel prices, plus it's integrated with my Fiat 500 (there I've admitted it, it's because I commute into central London honest) but I find this useless as when commuting you know where the good fuel stations are. I don't see a great deal of value in the train/plane times and Facebook is evil with Twitter not far behind. But I suspect not everyone will share that view. I like the idea of a wifi hotshot for the kid's iPads but I could just turn on tethering in my phone I guess.

I'm a sucker for new tech and it would have upset knowing there was a cooler version available, but in all honesty I fear it may be a bit useless, but I'll leave those with real experience to comment.
 
Oh, I almost forgot. TomTom live traffic is great and I'm assuming the traffic data with Connect is good too. This regularly is a really useful feature. Although it sometimes reroutes you to an even busier route that it didn't have traffic data on but no one's perfect.
 
Don't you get 3 map updates with the Connect option? Which is easily worth £300
 
I've also been trying to decide the worth of connect. I don't really want to be going for yet another data contract and as I have an iPhone 5S, I believe I can't use the Remote Sim Access Profile as the other method of connection so... Service near me is pretty awful too regardless of network...

I also have the feeling of missing out on something though....
 
benhock101 said:
I've also been trying to decide the worth of connect. I don't really want to be going for yet another data contract and as I have an iPhone 5S, I believe I can't use the Remote Sim Access Profile as the other method of connection so... Service near me is pretty awful too regardless of network...

I also have the feeling of missing out on something though....
Click to expand...

Rsap doesn't work with an iPhone. One solution is the PAYG Three contract where its 1p a MB.
 
Thought not..... Are the connect features data intensive? If they are, I could see if I can add a sim to my Vodafone plan as that has 8gb of data I think.

Would you say connect is really worth the extra though? (Apart from map updates) Might have to choose between connect or Park Assist....
 
I was in the same position as you.
I ordered my car on a Thursday with the Tech pack without connect, looked at the web site etc over the weekend and then added the relatively small sum of a few hundred pounds to add Connect. I am delighted I did and feel you would regret it if not as you cannot retrofit.
I have had my car a few days and Connect is awesome.


Grant said:
I have specced the 'Technology Pack' (£1,495) for my S3.

I have until the end of this week before my order is locked.

I have this nagging doubt that I'll be missing out if I don't change to 'Technology Pack High with Audi Connect' which would cost £1,795.

Is Audi Connect worth having?

For the people who do have it, would you miss it?
What do you find the most useful features are?
Which network do you use for your data SIM and how much is this per month?
Is there an ongoing subscription for Audi Connect?

Thanks
Grant
Click to expand...
 
I use connect for the online traffic info. Google traffic I find the most accurate and my sat nav will route round it if needed. I think the map updates are charged a small fortune by Audi if you don't add it. I don't have park assist so can't comment on that option, but sure you can park a car easily enough ;)!
 
bleedsoff said:
I use connect for the online traffic info. Google traffic I find the most accurate and my sat nav will route round it if needed. I think the map updates are charged a small fortune by Audi if you don't add it. I don't have park assist so can't comment on that option, but sure you can park a car easily enough ;)!
Click to expand...

Deep down, I think park assist is mainly sheer intrigue :lmfao: However, I don't routinely parallel park so I think my technique is probably severely lacking of late..... The only option that I refuse to remove so far is B&O :cool: I may now have been persuaded into speccing connect too!
 
benhock101 said:
Deep down, I think park assist is mainly sheer intrigue :lmfao: However, I don't routinely parallel park so I think my technique is probably severely lacking of late..... The only option that I refuse to remove so far is B&O :cool: I may now have been persuaded into speccing connect too!
Click to expand...

Yea B+O looks and sounds good, I think a little overhyped. You will be adding more options by the end of the week! LED lights look good hint ;)
 
bleedsoff said:
Don't you get 3 map updates with the Connect option? Which is easily worth £300
Click to expand...

You get them with the standard Tech Pack too, at least I thought so - that's why I didn't bother with Connect!
 
Stephen C said:
You get them with the standard Tech Pack too, at least I thought so - that's why I didn't bother with Connect!
Click to expand...

Could someone clarify this situation please? I read that you got 2 updates with the SD nav and 5 with the Tech nav - is that correct?
 
You get 5 with the tech pack, regardless of whether you have connect or not. I didn't think you get any with the standard SD nav, but not sure.

Connect features I use most: Google Earth imagery, live traffic updates, text message dictation, parking information, online destinations (ie, google search for destinations - Audi's database is far from complete!), send to car, wifi hotspot. Would I miss it? Yes!

I'm on the pre-paid 3 month Three SIMs at the moment, you can get longer ones but just never been in a position to shell out £70 at once yet. It's about £20 for 3 months of data. For the usage I have (I have google earth images turned on) I use ~300MB a month. Coverage is really good with Three. I originally had a T-mobile/EE SIM in there but coverage was awful so I got rid of that one.
 
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