My Google Earth license expired on 20th December but my Audi Connect license was renewed in late November just before Audi started to charge for the service, lucky me. I loved the Google Earth satellite overlay and my S3 MY17 (registered new 19th Dec 2016) having the Technology Pack Advanced (MIB2 High & Virtual Cockpit) plus a valid Audi Connect license I thought could be updated having read various threads on this forum. I contacted Audi Digital Services to see if I could have when they are calling “Satellite Card” update applied to my vehicle as I was already missing the satellite overlay. My reply from Audi Digital Services wasn’t at all helpful…
Thank you for contacting Audi Digital Services.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and we hope this e-mail finds you well.
Audi along with Google is developing a new navigational system to further improve our customer experience. We checked your vehicle with
VIN: WAUZZZ8V3******** and noticed that it is not eligible to have the new navigation system installed.
We thank you for understanding and appreciate your cooperation.
We hope this information was helpful. Please, do not hesitate to contact us for any assistance you may need. We are available 24/7 and can be reached either by calling 0800-2792884, or by contacting this email.
Kind regards,
At this point I was already in conversation with
@DJAlix regarding the so called “Satellite Card” mystery. After supplying my MIB2 version details (Engineering Menu, Nav/Map toggled up, immediately followed by Media toggled down, then hold for 5 seconds. Same to exit) I was informed my software was very old and an update to the latest version might/could/possibly/maybe restore the satellite overlay. The latest version was released over a year ago but Audi dealers use the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality so rarely update software unless there is an issue.
After an epic 260mile/4h 30m/39mpg round trip to see DJAlix at
VAG Car Coding I’ve now got my satellite overlay restored, hurrah
Massive thanks go out to DJAlix for his invaluable work and knowledge and all that was required to get my satellite overlay restored was an update to the latest version of the MIB2 software. As Audi would like you to believe it’s not all smoke and mirrors or this so called “Satellite Card” it’s simply an update to the latest software that’s required. The work cannot be performed remotely as a physical SD card with the genuine Audi updates must be installed into the MIB2 unit to update it.
I can highly recommend a trip to see DJAlix as he’ll get you sorted in less than an hour and back on your way with a smile on your face and a lovely satellite overlay fully working.
Thanks again to VAG Car Coding, you’re a super star!
Now the more interesting part, the pictures…
Licences before software update showing “Google Earth” listed, the date showed as “Expired” prior to the update.
Licenses after software update now showing “Satellite map” and the correct Audi Connect expiry date.
MIB2 original software versions on my unit.
MIB2 updated software versions now installed on my unit.
Some pretty satellite overlay now it’s working again. The new system caches image data locally which I’m assuming is to cut-down mobile data usage and offer faster load times but there aren’t any technical details that I can find regarding this.
The new satellite imagery now comes with a virtual horizon showing blue at the top and with headlights on this goes black. In addition, lots of supplier text the user don’t need to know about. Both mildly annoying but I’m happy to have the satellite overlay back thanks to DJAlix at VAG Car Coding.
Zoom out enough and you think your in a spaceship, note the NASA text