bye bye google satellite overlay

[Cushy]

So, my google maps overlay stopped working this week, thought I could just call Audi UK to renew it, but they said they only have 12 month licences available, and the google services will be stopping in 2021 for pre 2018 cars. Anyone one else lost theirs yet? Is there way around it or an alternative that can be used which is less offensive looking than the standard maps with no overlay... gutted

Cheers

 

[Bells]

I’ve just had mine renewed by Audi UK in the past week and still have google maps, admittedly mines a S5 but it is a 2017 reg so maybe it’s model specific? They didn’t mention anything to me about google maps being dropped, only said my license had expired.

 

[rafletcher]

Or can you use Android Auto / Carplay and google maps? That's probably why they'll be phasing the overlay out.

 

[Bells]

Or can you use Android Auto / Carplay and google maps? That's probably why they'll be phasing the overlay out.

Makes sense although I personally dislike Carplay, doesn’t work very well with a scroll wheel and renders the virtual cockpit pretty useless when using it as it only operates on the main screen.

 

[B5NUT]

I’ve just had mine renewed by Audi UK in the past week and still have google maps, admittedly mines a S5 but it is a 2017 reg so maybe it’s model specific? They didn’t mention anything to me about google maps being dropped, only said my license had expired.

Think you have just been lucky, it's going on all models pre 2018. From what I have read 1st Jan 2021 google overlay will just stop working regards if you have a license or not, you may find your local area is still cached but it will no longer download any mapping images.

 

[AlS3BE]

Would be interesting to see how they cut it off as surely the hardware is the same on all 8v facelift cars. Would it be all models launched before 2018 so that will mean all 8v’s even though you might have 2018-20 car?

 

[Tictap]

I had my Audi connect licences extended a few months back, everything got a full year's renewal apart from Google maps which expires in December. Pretty gutted myself to be honest!!

 

[Cushy]

I actually called Audi UK another time,regarding the same issue, as sometimes you get someone more helpful to speak too. This time I spoke to a guy called Jon who said some pre 2018 cars can be eligible for a FREE audi connect sat card download at the dealership which will give me the satellite overlay (depending on the mmi module) Apparently I have a mib2 hi module which should be eligible for the download. So I am going to call my local dealership and see what they say. I'll update with any progress if anyones interested.

 

[Tictap]

I actually called Audi UK another time,regarding the same issue, as sometimes you get someone more helpful to speak too. This time I spoke to a guy called Jon who said some pre 2018 cars can be eligible for a FREE audi connect sat card download at the dealership which will give me the satellite overlay (depending on the mmi module) Apparently I have a mib2 hi module which should be eligible for the download. So I am going to call my local dealership and see what they say. I'll update with any progress if anyones interested.

Cheers mate, very interested in this although not sure what mmi module I have.

 

[Cushy]

Audi UK will be able to tell you. mines a (66) same spec as yours except a Sportback, so might be the same mmi module installed?. Not all models are compatible so i've been told, the guy at audi uk had a (66) a1 which was not eligible for the upgrade. Apparently this download will add the map overlay onto the mmi system its self? Just waiting for Audi Norwich to call me back while they look into it. Might want to wait until I get some sort of an answer from the dealership before you look waste anytime time calling audi uk or finding out module makes incase this is a deadend.

 

[Cushy]

Just had Audi call back they said that they are going to book me in for the download, it was described as the ( successor audi connect sat service ) This was the audi parts department, he said its a new thing so thats why he had to go look into it. Audi calling me back to get book in. I'll let you know how it goes but sounds like maybe some promising news for some pre 2018 VC owners?

 

[Tictap]

Just had Audi call back they said that they are going to book me in for the download, it was described as the ( successor audi connect sat service ) This was the audi parts department, he said its a new thing so thats why he had to go look into it. Audi calling me back to get book in. I'll let you know how it goes but sounds like maybe some promising news for some pre 2018 VC owners?

Great news, I'll contact customer services to see if mines compatible.

 

[AlS3BE]

Just had Audi call back they said that they are going to book me in for the download, it was described as the ( successor audi connect sat service ) This was the audi parts department, he said its a new thing so thats why he had to go look into it. Audi calling me back to get book in. I'll let you know how it goes but sounds like maybe some promising news for some pre 2018 VC owners?

Is there any cost involved?

 

[Cushy]

There maybe a cost involved for people that don't read the entire thread...but for everyone else it's free

 

[Ormesome]

This has been talked about quite a bit beforehand in other threads and I think the general consensus was that no info was out there online apart from it being aimed at Audi US? My dealer here in Switzerland hasn’t heard of anything yet and I have no reason to disbelieve him as he is a close mate. Certainly nothing in the news? Iv just checked and only see one link to a weird Audi US report and loads and loads of speculation on forums.

i would bet this is all rubbish as the new facelift Q2 is out soon with the same MMI as the facelift A3 and current Q2. They wouldn’t introduce a facelift model with tech that is outdated before launch.

BTW, Here maps was bought by Mercedes, BMW and Audi so expect that to possibly be offered if something happens.

 

[Cushy]

I saw the thread you are talking about but that was posted a while ago .I recived my info today from Audi UK and was confirm as an offering by my local dealer. I don't know 100% it's going to work but surely worth investigating . Mines booked in for the 20th for the "successor Audi connect sat service" update. So I'll let you know how I get on. If anyone fancies trying and can get booked in before this date id appreciate some to confirm if it brought back the sat overlay /here maps overlay?

 

[cuke2u]

Google satellite view is ending end of year for all 2018 cars and older due to Google making it incompatible with the hardware.
https://www.audizine.com/forum/show...ending-December-2020-for-2018-models-or-older

 

[Ormesome]

Google satellite view is ending end of year for all 2018 cars and older due to Google making it incompatible with the hardware.
https://www.audizine.com/forum/show...ending-December-2020-for-2018-models-or-older

Got a proper source?? I just read through that thread, 8 pages of just rubbish, mostly by people in the US market. Until I see a proper source from the EU/U.K. market then I’m calling BS! Might be wrong.... but no one is providing any facts...

 

[eribaMotters]

Am I the only one wondering what all the fuss is about. Google maps overlay does look nice, but reverting to the street display is far clearer and easier for navigation.

Colin

 

[Cushy]

Ormesome why don't you keep your "rubbish" "BS" comments to yourself. I never guaranteed a solution. I am just trying to be proactive into finding a solution to a feature I enjoyed rather than just been negative person and calling people out on a forum created to help others.

 

[Ormesome]

Ormesome why don't you keep your "rubbish" "BS" comments to yourself. I never guaranteed a solution. I am just trying to be proactive into finding a solution to a feature I enjoyed rather than just been negative person and calling people out on a forum created to help others.

Erm what? My rubbish comment was aimed at the forum chat in the link someone sent hence why I quoted it! The BS comment was aimed at the whole subject as no one in 2yrs of talking about this subject has come up with a credible source to justify it’s actually happening. Until I see this then yes I am going to call BS!! Happy to be proven wrong!
Oh and don’t worry, the Audi world is not relying on you for a solution! I congratulate you on being proactive....

 

[Cushy]

I am not trying to be some kind of saviour. It's fine I won't post my findings then. Enjoy boring everyone with your negativity.

 

[Ormesome]

I am not trying to be some kind of saviour. It's fine I won't post my findings then. Enjoy boring everyone with your negativity.

Again.... what?! Shall we just believe everything we hear on forums and not rely on fact? I’m not negative, just being a realist! Post whatever you like, not once have I said anything against what you said, or anyone to that matter.

@cuke2u I just wanted to let you know that I wasn’t aiming my comments at you even though I quoted your post. You are not rubbish nor are any of your words BS!! I hope that came across in my message and if not then I apologise profusely.

 

[Tictap]

I've just heard back from Audi customer services and my car does not meet the specification for the update but they did say to contact my Audi partner for upcoming updates? maybe they're working on something else as well.

 

[cuke2u]

Again.... what?! Shall we just believe everything we hear on forums and not rely on fact? I’m not negative, just being a realist! Post whatever you like, not once have I said anything against what you said, or anyone to that matter.

@cuke2u I just wanted to let you know that I wasn’t aiming my comments at you even though I quoted your post. You are not rubbish nor are any of your words BS!! I hope that came across in my message and if not then I apologise profusely.

Thanks for clarifying, got me confused there but no harm done...

 

[cuke2u]

Just to clarify on my part, screendump taken from the disclaimers here https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/innovation/audi-connect.html#

 

[The_Ironist]

I have to agree I liked the idea of satellite view but to actually use, I don’t find it fantastic. You should be looking at the road not your jazzy sat nav. The non satellite view gives you the data you actually need.

It would be nice if they made the CarPlay work with the cockpit though. I can’t see how they got away with not doing this in the first place.

Hope you all get sorted. I’m sure if we had Tesla’s we’d be able to do this from home...

 

[Ormesome]

Just to clarify on my part, screendump taken from the disclaimers here https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/innovation/audi-connect.html#
View attachment 210419

As that is a Terms & Conditions style part of the website, i would assume the same comes up on each Audi website for each country/market they sell to? I checked the Swiss Audi website and nothing is visible, not even a footnote like the USA Audi. I still think this is market/country specific and the info would be up relating to each country it is affecting.... Cannot find anything relating to Audi UK or on their website.

Disclaimer: this is not a negative post. It is a realist post. Sorry for affecting anyone with my realism. I will bow down to anyone who can share real facts affecting the UK market or others in the EU.

 

[SteveMcB]

I paid about £350 for 'connect' purely for the google overlay so not too chuffed about loosing it. IMO it's a lot better than the standard cartoon channel.
My 12 month data sim has just run out, probably not worth buying another until this is bottomed out one way or another.

 

[royalsteve68]

Didn't know about this either. Damn disgusting that Audi haven't even bothered to inform me and i have to learn this from a forum. Was only in a dealership getting the car mot'd and serviced, which included updating the licenses. Not a single word about it. Not happy as i presume it affects both our cars.

 

[rafletcher]

Didn't know about this either. Damn disgusting that Audi haven't even bothered to inform me and i have to learn this from a forum. Was only in a dealership getting the car mot'd and serviced, which included updating the licenses. Not a single word about it. Not happy as i presume it affects both our cars.

You're making the assumption that the dealership (which of course isn't "Audi") knew / understood anything about it.

 

[cuke2u]

As that is a Terms & Conditions style part of the website, i would assume the same comes up on each Audi website for each country/market they sell to? I checked the Swiss Audi website and nothing is visible, not even a footnote like the USA Audi. I still think this is market/country specific and the info would be up relating to each country it is affecting.... Cannot find anything relating to Audi UK or on their website.

Disclaimer: this is not a negative post. It is a realist post. Sorry for affecting anyone with my realism. I will bow down to anyone who can share real facts affecting the UK market or others in the EU.

Same hardware is used in the Q5 as in the A4, and isn't country specific either. I think you are clutching at straws The only difference is that in the USA the connect services are all subscription based.
As it it clear that Google have changed their earth overlay in some way that makes it incompatible with earlier mmi hardware systems it is down to them, not Audi..

 

[stan1000]

I emailed Audi about the loss of google maps and this is what I got back:
"

Thank you for contacting Audi Digital Services.

We hope this email finds you well.

Kindly be informed that due to the dependency of the Audi connect service Navigation with Google Earth™ from the service provider, this map view will no longer be available for some Audi models from January 01, 2021.

Nevertheless, a software update was developed by our technical team for this purpose.

You are kindly requested to contact your preferred Audi partner to follow-up on the availability of the necessary software update as this needs to take place physically in the vehicle.

Please, bear in mind that you can always ask your dealer to contact us for more information, or details if needed. We apologize for the inconvenience​

"

This seems to imply the new work around will work after 1st Jan??

 

[MikhailCompo]

I’ve just had mine renewed by Audi UK in the past week and still have google maps, admittedly mines a S5 but it is a 2017 reg so maybe it’s model specific? They didn’t mention anything to me about google maps being dropped, only said my license had expired.

Can you please tell me the process you went through to have it renewed/extended? Was it free for you like others I hear about? The send to can nav function i would be gutted to lose.

 

[Bells]

Can you please tell me the process you went through to have it renewed/extended? Was it free for you like others I hear about? The send to can nav function i would be gutted to lose.

Literally rang Audi UK and went through to the Audi Connect department, only feature I was bothered about was the app where you can unlock your car remotely but the women I spoke to renewed everything for free so I’ve got petrol prices and traffic updates again etc all for free. Only for a year but she said just ring up again and they’ll sort it next time.

 

[Cushy]

Thanks for that stan1000. Although I kind of think it might work before January else they wouldn't be offering now to be installed. That's my hope anyway.

 

[cuke2u]

I emailed Audi about the loss of google maps and this is what I got back:
"

Thank you for contacting Audi Digital Services.

We hope this email finds you well.

Kindly be informed that due to the dependency of the Audi connect service Navigation with Google Earth™ from the service provider, this map view will no longer be available for some Audi models from January 01, 2021.

Nevertheless, a software update was developed by our technical team for this purpose.

You are kindly requested to contact your preferred Audi partner to follow-up on the availability of the necessary software update as this needs to take place physically in the vehicle.

Please, bear in mind that you can always ask your dealer to contact us for more information, or details if needed. We apologize for the inconvenience​

"

This seems to imply the new work around will work after 1st Jan??

Possibly, but it only states for some models so don't get your hopes up but it would be nice if it does. Unless the charge for this 'update' makes it prohibitive...

 

[Ormesome]

Brilliant, cheers for the update. Good to get something actually out of Audi and not other unofficial sources. Wonder what the software update will be.... Would be good if they remove the Googlemaps overlay totally and add one from Here. That’s what the new versions use right? Seems much clearer in newer models compared to mine.

As a side note, has anyone seen how good the mapping in on the myAudi app? It has the google logo at the bottom but its way better than googlemaps app. Weird!

 

[XR4Y]

Here is the info from my dealers
They are awaiting the update to launch (A4 B9)

Thank you for forwarding this over to me, I have checked against your vehicle and can see a bulletin raised for this. At this moment in time they are currently awaiting to release the update to us, unfortunately I cannot confirm when this will be.

 

[Ormesome]

Ok so here is the reply from my local dealer. Apologies to all, i just wanted concrete evidence as most chatter was forum based and nothing from Audi officially. The reply from my dealer is interesting, stating it will affect models later on. I’m going to go and complain as i only just paid nearly 300chf for 2yrs of Audi Connect!