The new Q7 smartphone interface

[srbsq7]

Little birdy in this great wide world tells me to enable SmartPhone interface on Q7 4Ms that dont have it is just a firmware update and they hope they can provide it (potentially at a cost). This isnt via Audi BTW

Thats all I know for now, but apparently its just "all software" , there is no extra hardware.

Watch this space....

Must admit I'm not blown away with it with iPhone anyway. iOS 10 upgrade later this year may make it a bit better.

Not Audi issues, just CarPlay in general ...

[srbsq7]

Got the car back today. They've replaced the two microphones and now all the voice commands work perfectly.

Had a quick play with voice control and car play and I'm starting to see the benefits. It's clunky via the controller but with voice it's pretty slick.

I've got an Apple Music subscription and using voice to search for any artist / track works really well.

[Skippy73]

I am still loving the android auto and it's working without issue. Spotify, google play and my tunein all available at ease. My only annoyance is the limit of scrolling through music until a message comes up telling you that you have to park to view any further and generally you don't get far at all. It's a bit annoying and I never had this restriction when it used to be the AMI with iPhone iPod. You could scroll through songs or artists all you wanted. Not sure if Apple car play is the same but I don't like it in android auto. But luckily the OK google voice assist works well to get to the songs I want.


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[Skippy73]

So being a little bit of a technology freak I was happy using my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and Android Auto. It has a few annoying little things like search restrictions while driving but on the whole is was great. Having always had IPhone moving to android was a big move for me. But then the Q7 arrived and after using the S7 Edge happily in the car the curiosity began to get to me and I wanted to do a complete comparison to that of the CarPlay. I'm basically going to choose which phone I keep based on the Q7.

I always buy my phones outright every year whenever the latest model comes out and I stick my work SIM card in it so I have no phone bill as such. So the interest in testing the IPhone and CarPlay against the Android got to much and last week I went and bought a new iPhone 6S Plus ;-) I figured I would compare which is best for car integration and sell the other one on EBay. I usually sell my old phone when I get a new one on EBay every year anyway.

So how have I found CarPlay compared to Android Auto (AA) you ask? Well before I tell you there is one matter that improves the CarPlay experience in the Q7. Last week for the first few days I was not happy with CarPlay at all but that was running the current IOS 9. But a few days ago I upgrade the phone to the Beta IOS 10 and it improves the CarPlay experience 10fold. So here is my comparison:

Let's talk about the virtual cockpit (VC) comparisons first. Android Auto is the leader here as the VC is well connected via AA, it displays the phone well while connected to AA on the MMI. So phone details and great contact pictures off you phone are displayed on the VC. CarPlay fails massively as there is no phone connection at ALL, when you run CarPlay on the MMI it disconnects the Bluetooth completely and so on the VC phone Tab is says no phone connected. It's a bit rubbish really as AA managed to maintain a Bluetooth connection and AA connected or not all is displayed in the VC.

On the VC music Tab both CarPlay and AA display track, artist, album etc perfectly but neither display the Artwork, it's just a standard blank image area. So that's a draw really.

So now on the main MMI screen. Well firstly using the phone, and AA jumps well in front for me. It displays beautifully full colour images of the people calling you if you have photos assigned to your contacts in your phone. I love it when my wife calls it displays a great photo of her and my daughter and it's really crisp and sharp. CarPlay displays a very small circle photo image of your contact calling only so very limited and it doesn't look as nice. Both CarPlay and AA do well on contact access through either Siri/OK Google or the MMI control wheel. AA wins this really.

Music is a tough one and the CarPlay IOS 9 is not very good but running IOS 10 Beta it's loads better. For a start AA music restricts your searching via the MMI control wheel it really annoys the hell out of me and while you can use OK Google to ask to play a song or artist, you can't always remember or know what mood you are in and I used to like scrolling around a bit until I found something that I'd not listened to in ages. So while the car is moving you can search for only about 6 clicks of the control wheel and it stops you with a safety warning. Where the CarPlay there is no such restriction and the new IOS 10 Beta music layout on your phone and in CarPlay is brilliant. Playlists, Artists, Albums really nicely laid out. What I don't like about CarPlay is the display on the now playing screen, there is album artwork but it is full screen size and heavily blurred behind the play, rewind, forward controls also at full size screen etc, so AA displays this just a bit better. The same applies to Spotify, again better search ability in CarPlay where AA restricts you. Your library and online browse content is easy to get to on either platform etc for AA search restriction. Also I use Tunein to get those Australian radio stations pumping out in the car (good old Rolf Harris) and it performs equally again in either platform, but since my IOS 10 beta upgrade Tunein is unstable. But I have to accept that and it's the risk i take when running a beta version it will be fixed in the final release shortly anyway. For me CarPlay wins because of the Search ability which is a big plus for me.

It's worth mentioning that like Andyhudd you can use music through Audi Connect and sometimes I do do this, purely because sometimes I just don't bother plugging in the phone when I get in the car and so my phone connects to the cars wifi and launches the app and WiFI media music control is good on either platform, displaying the artwork and track info perfectly on the MMI or the VC and navigation through the menus for artist or songs etc is equally as good. That's what I love about the car and having the smart phone interface, you have options. Jump in the car and go without plugging your phone in you still have music control. Get in the car and plug your phone in and you have CarPlay or AA with music control so lots of versatility.

I don't use MAPs at all through either platform because for me Google Earth Navigation and online traffic is leaps better. But if I were to choose which is better? AA google maps is better than Apple maps from what I have seen. AA wins.

So what about messaging. I am not going to lie I was terrible at using my phone while driving, quick texts, music searches even quickly downloading a song I wanted, I was really bad but only when travelling on my own. But since having the Q7 it has made me safer as I don't need to touch my phone anymore. It goes into the phone box and stays there. But messages was always one of my reasons for reaching for it while driving. AA gives you notifications not just for Messages but also What's App and that was a big draw card for me. CarPlay at the moment has no What's App integration only text messages. So you get a message click on it and Siri/OK Google reads it out to you. The you can respond and Siri/OK Google will send it for you. I have found both platforms work well but maybe OK Google is just a bit in front on accuracy of the voice assistant. Worth mentioning you can have texts read out in the standard MMI telephone function but there is no What's App option. However things are about to change for CarPlay because What's App was not able to previously integrate into CarPlay because an app has to be approved and a developer has to meet certain parameters and messaging required Siri as one of those parameters because messages can only be read out not seen. Apply restricted developers from access to Siri up until now and the new IOS 10 is allowing developer access to Siri for the first time, this will open up more apps for CarPlay and I know What's app and even Facebook messenger on on their way to CarPlay already. At the moment though only AA can handle What's App and other message mediums so AA wins for now.

So my last point is the CarPlay on the IOS 10 Beta you can now remove items off the CarPlay home screen you don't want and even arrange the app icons how you want them displayed. So Podcasts for instance I removed and moved the app positions around a bit in an order I like. It's great.

So what is going to be my favourite platform I have not yet fully decided but CarPlay is looking good it's just a shame that the phone integration to the VC is a bit rubbish and shuts the Bluetooth off leaving you with no phone function on the VC.



Oh also if you have a IPhone 6/6S and are unsure about jumping onto the public IOS 10 beta, I can only say the new Beta 2 version currently out is good and I have had no real serious issues and I'm loving the new IOS 10 notifications and displays ;-)


Many Thanks





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[satyp]

So not sure who has the smartphone interface but I think some recent Q7 arrivals might do.

So I thought I would write how I have found the smartphone interface running Android Auto for my S7 Edge.

Well I am basically very happy with it so far. I leave it on the MMI screen and use the VC for navigation if I need to. It all works exactly as I hoped it would my car is a recognised wifi hotshot by my phone so as soon as the car is on the phone connects via wifi meaning any streaming I do from my phone through Android Auto won't use the phones data but the cars data instead.

I have no intention of using Google maps on Android Auto (AA) and I don't see why anyone would as the cars Google earth is far superior. So for me the AA options I was after was my ipod equivalent music control as I have all my music stored on my phone. I also wanted to use tunin radio app to listen to radio stations world wide. Particularly Australian radio that let's me reminis of home. I also want to have messaging apps including what's app to notify me of messages so I will no longer be tempted to look at my phone while driving.

Well the first image is what you get when you are first connected.


You can see in the image it gives you a bit of info of places it has noticed you like to go. The more I use the car the more the info will sharpen amd become relevant. Bit of weather info aswell. All great. If I have been listening to music it will have info recommending to resume where inlet off with info of last song and cover art.

Navigating around the UI is good via the MMI control knob and turning onto music is easy. I kept worrying watching you tube videos as they only demonstrate Spotify all the time and online streaming and I was concerned all my music on the phone could not be played like days of old using an Ipod. But its all good except you can only select playlists,recent played mixes etc. You cant choose artist or songs individually like you can an ipod.


At first I was guttered but I discovered how good OK Google (SIRI) is integrated into the car. A quick press of the voice command button on the steering wheel gives you standard Audi VR options. But a longer press gives you full OK Google from the phone. It's brilliant quick and sharp. I've never liked voice commands to much I always end up just using control wheels. But this is brilliant. Just say to ok google "play rock playlist" or "play fleetwood mac" and it does it instantly. So fast and enjoyable. Today I sent a message to my wife. OK goggle on my phone knows who my wife is, so in the car I just so message my wife, Google asks what I want to say and boom it's sent and the accuracy so far is first rate. Messages that come in weather what's app or standard text can be read out easily. It's all very intuitive.

The next other plan I had for AA was also successful using tunein radio app that is an approved app for both AA and Carplay. Straight on and in no time I have my Australian radio stations on in the car. While it's the phone providing the UI to the car, the phone is connected to the cars WIFI so you 2 aerials on the roof are maintain the best possible connection with no cut-out. Even the artwork of the Australian radio stations are displayed.


And I can flick through my favourite radio stations as easy as the cars own DAB.

Another thing is while listening to my music or online radio at any time I can swap into the cars MMI menu, navigation or other function WITHOUT LOSS. AA will keep working no differently.

Also the speed camera warning we have all just put into our cars also works in Android Auto. So you can get all your standard notifications still.

So lastly the telephone in AA against the Telephone in MMI. Great news is I can use either at any time. If I have not turned AA on and maybe listening to standard DAB or something the telephone is great. Display full contact directory profile photos of who is on the phone or calling you. If I am in AA it's the same. Full photos easy to use and I can use OK google to call anyone and again it's simple, fast and intuitive to use.

Well that's about it. Loving Android Auto at the moment and works well with all the other function of the car.

My wife has a iPhone 6S so I will use hers to test and compare shortly.

Thanks

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Thought I'd ask you skippy as you seem like an Andriod Auto Maestro..

Android Auto - I'm having major issues trying to navigate around using the dial.. I can't still seem to get to the bottom 5 “App” toggles for some reason just goes straight to home screen

Also found this - but still don't help me thought I'd share as Mr Mathias Halliger tries to explain how Audi AG tries to intergrate into AA and how some functionality is suppressed by region.

2016 Audi Q7 and Android Auto hands on demo at #IO15 - YouTube

Would appreciate any pointers.. I've tried moving the dial in all directions but still can't get to the lower toggle sections ie between drive communications etc..

What obvious thing Am I missing here?.. thought it be would be intuitive.

Also tried using AA google maps on little screen and as soon as AA becomes active (once smartphone interface) is in use then VC maps disappear and get replaced with a compass dial n/e/s/w ..whats the deal with that...

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[Skippy73]

Ok so to get to the menu you always see along the bottom you tilt your control wheel down, that will always put you on the home icon highlighted first the that looks like this "O" once that's highlighted it indicates that you are in the bottom menu area and you turn the wheel to move along the various items like Maps, Music, and Audi MMI etc. I think that's what you mean? If you are trying to get to a particular music app, when you first select the headphone symbol on the bottom of the menu it will always load you straight into the last used music app by default but if you want to use a different music app you have to just re click on the head phones icon on bottom menu and the second time you will have app choices if that makes sense.

I have never seen the compass dial as I don't use google maps, I use the built in nav google earth which always works even when AA is running (but not AA maps)


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[satyp]

Ok so to get to the menu you always see along the bottom you tilt your control wheel down, that will always put you on the home icon highlighted first the that looks like this "O" once that's highlighted it indicates that you are in the bottom menu area and you turn the wheel to move along the various items like Maps, Music, and Audi MMI etc. I think that's what you mean? If you are trying to get to a particular music app, when you first select the headphone symbol on the bottom of the menu it will always load you straight into the last used music app by default but if you want to use a different music app you have to just re click on the head phones icon on bottom menu and the second time you will have app choices if that makes sense.

I have never seen the compass dial as I don't use google maps, I use the built in nav google earth which always works even when AA is running (but not AA maps)


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You are right that's what I meant.. I just wasn't getting to that bottom screen!!

I will post picture of compass once the vehicle is back Mrs has taken it in law from yesterday, so my QT quality time with the Q this Sunday has taken bit of a hit..

I was quite sure some folk here had mentioned using AA maps on small screen ..Audi Google earth 🌎 on VC in tandem..

Thought you had posted while back


I like simply got used to google live traffic algorithms which the Google earth or Audi system doesn't quite highlight via colours.. At least I haven't noticed as yet as I thought Audi Nav uses the HERE maps database.

It would nice to have alternative nav guidance on the 2nd screen at times..




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[satyp]

Thanks skippy ..it only works now.. Need to get familiar with the dial.. Takes a little getting used to though

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[Skippy73]

Thanks skippy ..it only works now.. Need to get familiar with the dial.. Takes a little getting used to though

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No worries also have a play with the MMI touch pad. When in music for instance, select the left side button on the touch pad will show you menu for selecting artist or playlist for instance and the right side button on the touch pad launches OK google assistant which I find better than holding down the voice button on the steering wheel for 2 seconds.

It will annoy you though when you are are restricted on music search while driving.




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[Skippy73]

Thanks skippy ..it only works now.. Need to get familiar with the dial.. Takes a little getting used to though

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Oh I forgot to mention. Have you noticed that the AA does not display on the screen in full size (black bars either side)??

You can fix that, Launch the app and in the top left corner of the screen where it says android auto tap it 10 times and you will enter developer mode. In the setting select display 720p.

And now you have AA displayed in full screen of the MMI.

You might of already known that.


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