Mk7 iPod Compatibility (MDI, Bluetooth etc)

**Wrinkles66** · 14-07-2013, 04:05 PM

Just tried the auxiliary cable connection to my iPod Touch. You can get music to play through the in-car system BUT... no streaming, no album, artist or track information, no ability to move forward or back a track - all those functions can only be performed on the iPod itself - in other words, even less functionality than the Bluetooth connection. Also need to keep iPod connected to USB port to charge device. Bottom line, the auxiliary connection is not a practical option.

**angelus512** · 31-07-2013, 01:09 PM

So nobody has thus far been able to have their ipod and by extension iPhone display music, playlists and artist album covers via the USB connection or some adapter for it that can be bought?

Wow...

I mean how difficult do they need to make it? USB...to iPhone connector bam done. Evidently thats not possible?

**gustogroove** · 31-07-2013, 01:26 PM

It's for charging your iDevice, and that's it.

**elephino** · 01-08-2013, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by angelus512

So nobody has thus far been able to have their ipod and by extension iPhone display music, playlists and artist album covers via the USB connection or some adapter for it that can be bought?

Wow...

I mean how difficult do they need to make it? USB...to iPhone connector bam done. Evidently thats not possible?

More than just bam to convert the information from the iPod to the display and then interact with the iPod.

**OYE** · 03-08-2013, 02:57 AM

Originally Posted by Paul_R

Well I got the SD thing working. $20 for a 16Gb card. $35 to join iTunes Mtheatch which allowed me to re-download my DRM music in non-protected format. Converted my whole iTunes library to mp3 (in iTunes), deleted all the AAC versions and then dragged the folders onto the SD card in explorer. Even figured out how to make the random function work (sort of) by putting a single music track in the root folder (thanks Google).
Works a treat and a lot cheaper than a new iPod. It is a bit clunky to set up compared to syncing an iPod but it works. Much faster than MDI in switching between tracks. Volume seems louder too although that might be because the previously DRM files are now at a higher bit rate.
Now all I need is a Mk 7 R!

Thanks Paul_R for sharing how you were able to convert your itunes library to mp3 files. I did the itunes match thingy and long story short my favorite songs on my SD card with full functionality/controls bluetooth and Aux don't offer. Thanks heaps!!

**jessv3** · 12-08-2013, 02:29 PM

I am surprised people prefer to use their iPod to play music over a usb stick. Its just adding an extra step of complexity when uploading music to their car, when really all the head unit is doing is using the ipod as a thumb drive, except you have to use itunes to upload any music whereas a usb stick is simply drag and drop!

Put the ipod on ebay, and buy a $25 32GB usb stick from office works. You won't look back, I know I havent.

Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 2

**orkers** · 12-08-2013, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by jessv3

I am surprised people prefer to use their iPod to play music over a usb stick. Its just adding an extra step of complexity when uploading music to their car, when really all the head unit is doing is using the ipod as a thumb drive, except you have to use itunes to upload any music whereas a usb stick is simply drag and drop!

Put the ipod on ebay, and buy a $25 32GB usb stick from office works. You won't look back, I know I havent.

Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 2

A lot will depend on how and where you listen and update your music. I have an SD card loaded with a large part of my music collection and I often listen to this in the car, but I don't tend to update it too often.

I also have music and podcasts on my iPhone that I regularly update as I listen to this device in the car, when running and at work.

The ability to control the iPhone through the head unit and select different podcasts, albums or playlists etc while the phone is also charging is invaluable to me, and the fact that I will not be able to do this in a MK7 is a bit disappointing.

Obviously I will get over it and just stream podcasts through Bluetooth and update the SD card more regularly but still it is something that should be easy for VW to allow for. I recently had a loan Range Rover Evoque that only had USB connectivity but when the iPhone was plugged in I was able to fully control the iPhone through the head-unit.

**jessv3** · 12-08-2013, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by orkers

A lot will depend on how and where you listen and update your music. I have an SD card loaded with a large part of my music collection and I often listen to this in the car, but I don't tend to update it too often.

I also have music and podcasts on my iPhone that I regularly update as I listen to this device in the car, when running and at work.

The ability to control the iPhone through the head unit and select different podcasts, albums or playlists etc while the phone is also charging is invaluable to me, and the fact that I will not be able to do this in a MK7 is a bit disappointing.

Obviously I will get over it and just stream podcasts through Bluetooth and update the SD card more regularly but still it is something that should be easy for VW to allow for. I recently had a loan Range Rover Evoque that only had USB connectivity but when the iPhone was plugged in I was able to fully control the iPhone through the head-unit.

That's fair enough, I was under the impression you were using an iPod not an iPhone. As a workaround you could use a few smaller usb/ sd cards. I don't have an iPhone, so basically if Im at work or home and want to upload a new podcast for the car i just dumb it on any spare 1GB usb stick that I keep laying around.

Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 2

**irossiter** · 12-08-2013, 04:13 PM

I can't understand why VW have taken a backward step with this. I love the simplicity of plugging my iPhone in via the MMI cable, particularly as it charges and allows full connectivity through the iTunes library on my touch screen in the GTI. I wonder if VW refused to pay Apple's fee to have direct access to the phone? I'm waiting for the Mk 7 GTI to come out and maybe by that time they might have changed it.

**X-Rated** · 17-08-2013, 06:09 PM

Hmmmmm - it took me about 15 seconds of searching with Google to find this.

Very happy with my Mark 6 GTD, and she'll be good for a couple of years yet, so I have no current need for one of these. But for the sake of less than $50, it's got to be worth a try for one of you Mk 7 owners. Just saying...

A.