Carista

Hi everyone, how would you like to configure your car today? DRL wink off? Enable windows-up via remote? Auto-door locks on/off? Enable coming/leaving-home lights?

We've been hard at work on our app - Carista - and I'm happy to announce we've just released version 2.2, which adds a ton of new customizations (a.k.a. "coding" and "adaptations") for the Audi Q5.

Plus, we can also do VAG-specific diagnostics of all modules in the car and clear any codes/lights, incl. ABS, airbag, etc. Basically, the same level of diagnostics that a dealer would do (or a certain competitor with a 4-letter acronym)

The only hardware you need (other than an Android phone or tablet) is a cheap ELM327 Bluetooth OBD adapter. The app is free to download, but requires an in-app purchase to unlock the customization and advanced diagnostics functionality. Right now it's just for Android, but we're working on an iPhone/iPad version too.

Each specific vehicle exposes different customizations based on equipment levels, etc., but here's an example of what Carista can change on one US-market 2013 Q5 that we tested with:



Doors / Windows / Remote:

Auto-lock doors when moving
YES / NO

Auto-unlock doors when key is taken out of ignition
YES / NO

Auto-lock trunk when moving
YES / NO

Beep when alarm is armed
YES / NO

Unlock doors via remote
DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS

Unlock doors via smart key (door handle button)
DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS

Enable settings for opening/closing windows and sunroof
YES / NO

Open/close windows and sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Close windows via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Open windows via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Close sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Open sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Sunroof action when opening via remote
SLIDE / TILT

Open/close only driver's window via remote or key
YES / NO

Open/close windows and sunroof via smart key
YES / NO

Close windows via smart key
YES / NO

Close sunroof via smart key
YES / NO

Open/close windows and sunroof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Open windows by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Open sunroof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close windows by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close sunroof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close convertible roof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Close convertible roof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close convertible roof via smart key
YES / NO

Open convertible roof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Open convertible roof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Blink turn signals when done closing windows via remote
YES / NO

Enable remote control when vehicle is running and in gear
YES / NO



Instruments / Display / Dings:

Display warning about using navigation when moving
YES / NO

Navigation disc eject button
ENABLED / DISABLED



Lights:

Allow configuring daytime running lights via dash display
YES / NO

Use front LED lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use fog lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use high beams as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use tail lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use side marker lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use low beams as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Dim daytime running lights when ignition and parking lights are both on
YES / NO

Turn off daytime running lights ("wink") when turn signal is on
YES / NO

Coming-home lights
ENABLED / DISABLED

Leaving-home lights
ENABLED / DISABLED

Use fog lights as coming-home lights
YES / NO

Use low beams as coming-home lights
YES / NO

Coming-home lights duration
10 SECONDS / 20 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS / 40 SECONDS / 50 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS

Ambient light threshold for leaving-home lights
0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Turn off front fog lights when high beams are on
YES / NO

Turn off rear fog lights when high beams are on
YES / NO

Flash brake lights in emergency stopping
YES / NO

Flash hazard lights in emergency stopping
YES / NO

Turn on side marker lights with headlights (US models only)
YES / NO

"Euro" parking lights when ignition off, turn signal on
YES / NO



Other:

Lower passenger-side mirror when in reverse gear (may need memory seats)
YES / NO

Remember position when lowering passenger-side mirror in reverse gear
YES / NO

Auto-enable rear wiper when front wipers on and reverse gear engaged
YES / NO

Dustin Fennell

I've used this on my SQ5 and have had great results. It is not as comprehensive as a full VAG app, but it took care of all mods I wanted to do. Nowhere near as expensive as the VAG app either.

jbbarrette

I'd be interested once there's an apple app

ex-quattro PETE

Nice! So how much is this in-app purchase?

If you guys can add the option to enable Lap Timer, I'm in.

- B -

Sounds good, and I'd be interested in an iOS app as well.

Would you be able to also offer two more features?
1. To turn on in motion video for the MMI.
2. Enable the Instrument Custer's needles for each gauge to sweep upon ignition start..

Thanks.

USAVAGEU

I have a 2014 SQ5. The only function I really would like is to remotely open my windows with the key fob. I had this function on my last two vehicles and really miss it. It's nice to be able to vent the car in the summertime before I get in it. Will the app enable this for me?
Thanks
Ed

Carista

The in-app purchase is currently $19.99 (USD) and unlocks unlimited customizations and unlimited advanced diagnostics. The lap timer setting will be added in the next version (we already had it in the previous beta, but didn't get enough testing for it, so we removed it before release). If you're interested in testing our new stuff, I can give you a free trial during our next beta period. You'd still need the hardware adapter though, but that's cheap and useful to have in general, even if you don't use it with Carista.

Video-in-motion is more difficult to implement since it requires security access. We'll need to consult with our lawyers about the legal side of offering this setting. So not yet.
We already have the needle sweep on the A4 (B8) and the same setting should work on the Q5, but again, we didn't get enough testing done with a Q5, so we didn't include it in the current version. Again, if you guys are interested in trying out upcoming features, let me know and I'll give you a free trial, as long as you agree to report results about whether the new settings worked

The iOS app is still a bit of a ways out. I don't expect it to be available in the next couple of months.

Yes! Our current version can already do that. Just follow the links in my signature for more info, incl. how to get the hardware. Your total investment is around $30 ($10ish for the hardware and $19.99 for the app).

ex-quattro PETE

I have an older ELM327 BT adapter that I used with Torque app on my phone. Not sure which version it is though...

Carista

Most of them are version 1.4 or newer, which is what Carista needs. Just try it - download Carista and go into "CUSTOMIZE". If you have an older adapter, the app will tell you so.

Coolieman1220

Gonna try to find my bluetooth and do this!