Wireless Carplay/Auto - Discover Pro upgrade

**iDiesel** · 17-10-2019, 09:28 PM

Hi All

Just wondering with the new Passat having wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support, the Discover Pro head unit seems to look the same as my 2017 version.

Therefore, wondering if you replaced the 9.3" Discover pro head unit with the 2019 version, would wireless AA/Carplay work?

https://webspecial.volkswagen.de/vwi...9-49cac43c362a

**AshB** · 18-10-2019, 08:34 AM

I wonder too. I have a new this year TIG, and it might be nice to get some of those features.

Seems like there is a delay in Australia getting it. Volkswagen Passat: MIB3 infotainment detailed | CarAdvice

Why is VAG australia so recalcitrant towards connected features? Is it due to having to go through our government?

Would be nice to get the upgrade MIB unit. Might have to wait for a Tig 20.5 to come, and see what is available. Though, I would also want the wireless charging storage pod to go with it.

**phonebooth** · 18-10-2019, 12:29 PM

I have enabled WiFi 5GHz and the wireless Apple/Android adaptions in the entertainment unit module (Discover Pro). I've not been able to get Wireless Android Auto working. Haven't tested an iPhone with wireless CarPlay yet.

Even if the unit contains the right hardware, I'd say a software upgrade would be required.

New head unit identifies as MIB3 so probably different hardware/software to the MIB2.

**The_Hawk** · 18-10-2019, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by AshB

Why is VAG australia so recalcitrant towards connected features? Is it due to having to go through our government?

In general, the Infotainment units in all cars have been so much of an afterthought for so long, even CarPlay/Android Auto is a step forward. I'd love to know if there is an external reason for the (very) slow introduction of new tech, or if it's simply a reflection of the fact that a standard unit that never changes providing easier support from the manufacturer as well as the average consumer just not knowing any better.

In many respects I miss the "good old days" where dropping in an aftermarket head unit was a relatively simple endevour. These days they are often so integrated that there just isn't many alternatives. Although to be fair VW have an implementation that's probably easier than most to upgrade.

**Ozsko** · 18-10-2019, 09:25 PM

VW in Europe have a dedicated wireless network for their late model cars and the Tiguan has an SOS button in it for emergencies. VWA have not wanted to do anything in this country even disabling traffic information but I think the new Golf may force their hands as it is by VW's own admission a fully connected car with updates over the network IIRC. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Golf 8 hits Oz.

**iDiesel** · 19-10-2019, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by AshB

Why is VAG australia so recalcitrant towards connected features?

I reckon part of it is that cars have such a long development cycle that the tech moves on so quib
ckly that by the time they release the car the tech is outdated anyway

**MickyD** · 20-10-2019, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Ozsko

VW in Europe have a dedicated wireless network

Its not a dedicated network, it just using mobile networks.

**AshB** · 21-10-2019, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by MickyD

Its not a dedicated network, it just using mobile networks.

From the manual, the unit inside the glove box has support for a SIM (can't recall if actual SIM, or eSIM), which means it can use any network.

Take the Amazon Kindle as an example, you can buy a 3G version, and it is always connected, you pay a once off up front cost to get it. I suspect it doesn't use much data.

Maybe this is the problem for VAG Australia, the extra cost overhead, and they would more than likely have to go through Telstra to get coverage. Not a lot of competition in that space, so it's probably not a feature loss compared to other makes either.

When I was looking, the new Hyundai Tucson has a connected app, and you either pay a yearly fee, or get it serviced with them. It's not like it has to be a loss. I didn't like the idea that my data was stored in Korea for the Tucson, isn't Hyundai a government company?. Also, the Tucson felt like a big car, and not as fun to drive. Plus their tech was hard to use.

Originally Posted by Ozsko

VW in Europe have a dedicated wireless network for their late model cars and the Tiguan has an SOS button in it for emergencies. VWA have not wanted to do anything in this country even disabling traffic information but I think the new Golf may force their hands as it is by VW's own admission a fully connected car with updates over the network IIRC. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Golf 8 hits Oz.

The new ID.3 and golf, and even their IQ.Drive tech will likely require some kind of connectivity in the near term. Hopefully it forces their hand. Hopefully stuff can be upgraded on older models. Though I am very keen to see what the ID.4 looks like. My next car is going to be electric.

**Ozsko** · 21-10-2019, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by MickyD

Its not a dedicated network, it just using mobile networks.

Maybe I used the wrong terminology but VW last year gave away to Tiguan users a data plu thingy that sent information to them from the vehicle and I got one to see what it was but of course it does not work here and as it cost me nothing to get I thought why not.

uk tiguan data plug - Google Search