It's time for a major overhaul of Skoda (and VAG) ICE systems

[K1W1]

Rather than ruin Jakes L&K Superb thread I'll start here.

For 2012 model year vehicles the Columbus is rubbish and Skoda may as well install AM only radios for all the worth it is technology wise.
The Sat Nav feature seems to be universally bad in it's operation and ability to recalculate routes on the go.
There is no live traffic update feature in Australia.
The maps are old, ridiculously expensive and rarely available for update anyway.
There is no TV, DVD or Internet connectivity even as an option.
No iPad integration.
The MDI is a complete joke. It's just a proprietary USB interface that forces customers to pay $100 (Australian dealer prices) for a cable when most people have dozens of suitable cables at home anyway.

The Bolero / Columbus options were good in 2009 but things have moved on massively since then and it's a shame that Skoda buyers will have to wait till at least till 2013 MY to get back into the game as far as ICE is concerned.

[sVWatt]

Yeh - can't see VAG continuing with the RNS 510 - it's too limited. It's old technology, lacks true 'multi-media' options, has a decade old style of UI, and is trumped by many an alternative. It's main saving graces are physical integration into VW dashes, talks to the computer network within current VAGs, and so many VAG owners are brand loyal.

Odds on new range of ICE options across the VAG 9 brands for June 2012. Starting with iPad integration and apple-esq double taps, swipes and UI.

[Maverick]

Rather than ruin Jakes L&K Superb thread I'll start here.

For 2012 model year vehicles the Columbus is rubbish and Skoda may as well install AM only radios for all the worth it is technology wise.
The Sat Nav feature seems to be universally bad in it's operation and ability to recalculate routes on the go.

In what way is the sat nav bad in it's operation? It recalculates routes on the go just fine.

There is no live traffic update feature in Australia.

And what does this have to do with VW? There is no live traffic service offered in Australia outside of the limited and useless SUNA service. Direct your complaint to the Australian Government as they're responsible for the lack of a open offering that works.

The maps are old, ridiculously expensive and rarely available for update anyway.

The maps are current when they are released each year, it's hardly VW's fault that the Australian mapping market is behind the times. Direct your complaint to Sensis (Telstra).

There is no TV, DVD or Internet connectivity even as an option.

Last time I looked there were reasons for this including a little thing called the law. BTW the RNS 510 offers DVD playback and can have a TV tuner connected.

No iPad integration.

Why should there be? My toaster doesn't integrate either but it doesn't mean that's VW's fault.

The MDI is a complete joke. It's just a proprietary USB interface that forces customers to pay $100 (Australian dealer prices) for a cable when most people have dozens of suitable cables at home anyway.

VW isn't at fault, Apple are the ones with the proprietary connector and interface on their product. No one is forcing you to purchase Apple products and every USB flash drive no matter from which manufacturer can plug into the usb interface that is standard.

The Bolero / Columbus options were good in 2009 but things have moved on massively since then and it's a shame that Skoda buyers will have to wait till at least till 2013 MY to get back into the game as far as ICE is concerned.

Most people are happy to have a well integrated product that works well and not mess around watching DVDs, surfing the internet and watching TV whilst playing with their iTurd, iCrud and iPoo's and trying to drive. Maybe the problem is not with VW but instead is with your unrealistic and illegal requirements from a headunit.

[Maverick]

Odds on new range of ICE options across the VAG 9 brands for June 2012. Starting with iPad integration and apple-esq double taps, swipes and UI.

Don't hold your breath waiting for VW to jump into bed with Apple, VW is doing a lot of work with Google. Take a look at the new Audi sat nav systems with full integration with Google services including live traffic, internet access, wifi hotpot in the car etc etc.

As for the iPoo why on earth would anyone want to integrate that into a car? It's not legal and it's not useful, VW spends a heap of money on screens that are readable in the sun so adding a 10" mirror to your dash isn't really smart.

Sent from my Motorola Xoom using Tapatalk.

[Transporter]

Don't hold your breath waiting for VW to jump into bed with Apple, VW is doing a lot of work with Google. Take a look at the new Audi sat nav systems with full integration with Google services including live traffic, internet access, wifi hostpot in the car etc etc.

As for the iPoo why on earth would anyone want to integrate that into a car? It's not legal and it's not useful, VW spends a heap of money on screens that are readable in the sun so adding a 10" mirror to your dash isn't really smart.

I couldn' agree more. Wouldn't want iPad if it was 10x cheaper than Android gear.

Sent from my Galaxy Tab using Tapatalk.

[wandersen]

The latest VW systems used on the Phaeton also include internet access and google maps.

[Maverick]

The latest VW systems used on the Phaeton also include internet access and google maps.

The Phaeton has a RNS 810 which came out a while ago, it's based on the RNS 510 and is essentially just a bigger screen with some upgrades.

One of the features of the RNS 810 is a camera in the rear vision mirror that faces forward, it reads road signs to give you updates on speed that the maps may not have, this can be activated on the RNS 510 however without a camera it won't work. The system is also able to detect no overtaking signs and other warning signs.

The new Touareg is also getting the RNS 810.

[brenno]

VW isn't at fault, Apple are the ones with the proprietary connector and interface on their product. No one is forcing you to purchase Apple products and every USB flash drive no matter from which manufacturer can plug into the usb interface that is standard.

How come other manufacturers offerings work with no issues then? Why can't they have a simple USB port that supports all devices?

I've used a few iPhone supported setups recently in other cars and it's clear the VW effort really is terrible.

[Maverick]

How come other manufacturers offerings work with no issues then?

Most of them have problems as well. VW used the Apple specifications for the interface and Apple change these from time to time with different firmware (and sometimes hardware like the charging issue).

Why can't they have a simple USB port that supports all devices?

Because not everything is capable of being connected to a USB port. How do you route an analogue signal through a USB port?

The MDI connector is designed to be able to accept analogue and digital in the same connector, for example a usb flash drive is a pure digital connection, the ipod on the other hand is a combinations analogue for the audio and digital for the control and not to mention is provides power (how does 6 wires attach to 4 connectors for a start) and the audio input is pure analogue.

This same connector can after a firmware update be used with other devices that come onto the market through a new cable. Believe it or not but the world does not revolve around the iTurd/iCrud/iPoo and VW are not going to create an interface that only work with these devices. For VW to connect to the ipod via a digital connection would require the MDI to have an authentication IC (for DRM reasons) so that the iWhatever can play back their music over the digital interface. If this changes at some point the playback will stop so why would VW want to take that risk? Instead they offer a system that offers choice and don't force people into a proprietary expensive solution of having to use a iTurd/iCrud or iPoo.

I've used a few iPhone supported setups recently in other cars and it's clear the VW effort really is terrible.

Horrible in what way? Because it works and is legal to use when driving? VW are working within the confines of the Apple specifications and requirements.

[sVWatt]

Most of them have problems as well. VW used the Apple specifications for the interface and Apple change these from time to time with different firmware (and sometimes hardware like the charging issue).



Because not everything is capable of being connected to a USB port. How do you route an analogue signal through a USB port?

The MDI connector is designed to be able to accept analogue and digital in the same connector, for example a usb flash drive is a pure digital connection, the ipod on the other hand is a combinations analogue for the audio and digital for the control and not to mention is provides power (how does 6 wires attach to 4 connectors for a start) and the audio input is pure analogue.

This same connector can after a firmware update be used with other devices that come onto the market through a new cable. Believe it or not but the world does not revolve around the iTurd/iCrud/iPoo and VW are not going to create an interface that only work with these devices. For VW to connect to the ipod via a digital connection would require the MDI to have an authentication IC (for DRM reasons) so that the iWhatever can play back their music over the digital interface. If this changes at some point the playback will stop so why would VW want to take that risk? Instead they offer a system that offers choice and don't force people into a proprietary expensive solution of having to use a iTurd/iCrud or iPoo.



Horrible in what way? Because it works and is legal to use when driving? VW are working within the confines of the Apple specifications and requirements.

Your missing the point.
The RNS 510 interfacing through the MDI is hindered. It is possible to stay within the law and offer Video on the move. Jaguar, Land Rover do it.

Whether your in the majority and like apple products (maybe not their closed systems) or like one of the 'smaller' players - there are more modern solutions out there.

USB can take analogue - always has been able to - just look at VOIP headsets and dongles with A2D converters. The issue is the MDI is not a true MEDIA interface - just a MUSIC interface - big BIG difference.

Both Andriod and Apple have far better, more intutitive UIs - for me the hinderence of the RNS510 UI is a big shame. The lack of true deliverable user features - like tagging multiple entries, swiping the screen, and choice of settings is a shame.

Imagine - diary reminders popping up on the RNS screen (google or apple - who cares), where the appointment location is then optioned as a 'go to' for the GPS.
Imagine an RNS that 'talks' to your home WiFi network (PC or MAC who cares) and updates the HDD remotely with your latest music and preferences.
imagine not needing an SD card or USB stick to transfer content / data from one device to another.

why couldnt one RNS 510 device swap content with another bluetooth device ?
why could the RNS 510 not keep a cookie trail of where you have been (location, distance, speed etc) and feed that back to your home wifi network -

integration doesnt mean choosing one device manufacturer over another. It means being smart with features and functions.