MMI 3G - update mapping

[Eddo1968]

I'm now using the MMI 3G after nearly 5 years of the RNS-E unit in my old A3. It seems to be OK navigation-wise, although I've turned off the voice prompts because we find the voice unbearable, especially after the smooth voice in the RNS-E.

One thing I'm very happy about is the fact that the whole of Europe is loaded now because it was a pain before having to buy and reload new discs for Eastern Europe when I got to Germany. I updated several times by buying discs on e-bay where they were a fraction of the Audi dealer price.

I've had a look in the (limited) handbook and can't see anything about loading the navigation DVDs. Is it actually stored on DVD or on the hard drive? If it's on the hard drive does that mean it will have to be updated by Audi (at a no doubt outrageous price) Has anybody updated their maps on this sytem? Obviously it won't be relevant for me for a while but I'm interested to know how it's done.

Thanks!

[ScottyUK]

It's stoped on the HDD. Audi told me they can update it by plugging it in to their computer.

I've read on another forum that it can be uploaded by DVD but I don't believe this has been verified.

[MFGF]

I understood the maps were around 16Gb, and could in theory be updated via an SD card. I don't know of any available updates yet though.

MF.

[Eddo1968]

Thanks for the info! As soon as the systems start to get older I'm sure the upgrade process will become clearer!

[Hippogriff]

Ah... an optimist. Nice.

[Eddo1968]

Maybe but I'm sure Audi won't miss out on an opportunity to try and fleece us for around €/£ 300 for an upgrade!

[Hippogriff]

The map data is already hideously out of date with, proven, many Audi Centres even being listed in the wrong locations! All rather embarrassing.

They really need to dump this proprietary pup and move to Google Maps or Google Earth with direct connectivity to the Internet so it updates all the time, piecemeal, after an initial loading of bulk data. Commercially, I suspect that you are correct in that they'd not really embrace that idea, though.

As an exercise in bespoke value-add, MMI 3G is a failure. RNS-E was vastly superior. I've spent time with various Audi and non-Audi, integrated and non-integrated, systems and my humble opinion is... it sucks.

If I wanted a robot with a speech impediment speaking to me, trying to direct me, I would have saved up to buy that thing Paulie gets for his birthday present in Rocky IV. What was wrong with nice sounding samples? They've got plenty of space on that HDD, instead they fill it with 3D models that add nothing to your usability experience apart from an initial "woooo!"

[ScottyUK]

They really need to dump this proprietary pup and move to Google Maps or Google Earth with direct connectivity to the Internet so it updates all the time, piecemeal, after an initial loading of bulk data.

Spooky

http://bundeg.com/gadgets/audi-teams...ainment-system

[Hippogriff]

Someone must be reading my mind, or I'm reading someone else's mind.

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/Audi-...rth_a1935.html

Wonder how long that will take to trickle down to the A4 range.

Seems we really have now got a pup, with MMI 3G, as Audi's long-term strategic direction does seem to be Google. I bet all their investment is going into this stuff and not into fixing MMI 3G sat. nav..

[Eddo1968]

I noticed in that article that google earth will have to be accessed via a sim card / mobile phone. I think there will have to be a lot of progress in standardising EU phone tariffs especially for data roaming before this takes off. This system will not currently work well as the cost will be probitive as soon as you leave your own borders. I recently made the mistake of checking in online with my iPhone in Budapest. It cost me €25. There is no way I would invest in a sim card based satnav system at the moment!