Originally Posted by smacky

I've mentioned Android Auto a few times but something tells me I'm missing something because people are still worried about Google Maps on their Virtual Cockpit (dash). I use Android Auto every time I'm in the car. To make calls, listen to music, and occasionally use Google Maps for navigation. It still has the benefits of Google, it just doesn't show the satellite view on the VC. Instead, it's the terrain map on the center screen. It's different, but not a deal break for me. Voice control, when AA is activated, doesn't even require a button press. You just say "OK, Google" and the phone picks it up and waits for a command. It will follow "complex" commands such as "take me to the nearest gas station" instead of requiring you to state an address or specific brand of gas station.

This is enough for me and it's free and is unaffected by the Connect subscription.

For those don't use Android Auto or Apple Car, you will always have the Audi navigation. I've never used it, but it's there. You're not stuck without a navigation system in your, with or without your phone.



I was not aware of this. We have an MB and I did notice the navigation on there is not too different from Google Earth, in terms of the graphics/layout of the maps. If that indeed is HERE nav, then there's nothing to worry about. It's a good looking system. It's a MY15 S Class so I'm not sure just how recent the HERE acquisition was and when their services were implemented. What sucks is this car isn't Android Auto compatible, but our W213 does. I don't know if they can be retro-fitted, but Android Auto on our Q7 has ruined other cars for me. Android Auto has been incredible, especially when lost in an unfamiliar place and you just need to get gas or food or something. Hands-free and voice activation further eases the stress.

And it doesn't look like that's going away if Audi lets the Google agreement expire.

Originally Posted by superswiss

I find AA a stopgap solution at best. It looks out of place and doesn't play well with all the displays in today's cars. It's why Audi is moving to embedded Android, which is Android Auto under the hood, but skinned by Audi so it looks like it's part of the car. I hear you about ease of use, but it seems a lot of folks don't really explore the MMI's capabilities. For example to find a gas station in an unfamiliar area just press the voice button and say "I need gas" and the MMI will find the nearest gas stations. For food, just say "I'm hungry" and it will find the nearest restaurants. Say "I need coffee" and it finds the nearest Starbucks etc. With Audi connect you get the full Google search capabilities that AA offers. All you have to say is Google Search "<search command>". Anything Google understands can be said after Google Search. I personally prefer the convenience of not having to plug in the phone to do all this. The MMI is always there and ready. I don't have to remember to connect the phone, but I do look forward to the new embedded Android system.

Originally Posted by Doc H

I think therein lies the rub and the concern. MY19 and forward according to Audi is covered by hardware updates. MY18 owners (the year we are currently in, with cars yet undelivered to some) have already been told by Audi that GE will be non-functional in 2020. Audi did NOT say a new platform would be retrofitted, or software would be updated, or new Navigation features would be forthcoming, or hardware would be replaced. To the contrary, right on their site in tiny red letters, they state that connectivity features are not guaranteed past 2021 for MY17-20. That's my concern, and I'm sure many others. You could argue that of course they wouldn't do that, that of course connectivity will still be available, that they wouldn't leave earlier (by that meaning 2018 - or maybe 2020 - and earlier) Audi owners stranded. But that's not what Audi says in their written disclaimer, and I'm inclined to take them at their word. The only thing we DO know for certain is that hardware in Audis up through 2018, according to Audi, apparently will not run whatever version of GE will be available in 2020. 2021 gives me some wiggle room, and like Superswiss I'm perfectly happy owning my cars for two or three years and bailing if Audi doesn't follow through. If they don't, my next cars will certainly not be Audis, regardless of the technology they fit or promise in their post-2020 autos....

Originally Posted by Doc H

I think therein lies the rub and the concern. MY19 and forward according to Audi is covered by hardware updates. MY18 owners (the year we are currently in, with cars yet undelivered to some) have already been told by Audi that GE will be non-functional in 2020. Audi did NOT say a new platform would be retrofitted, or software would be updated, or new Navigation features would be forthcoming, or hardware would be replaced. To the contrary, right on their site in tiny red letters, they state that connectivity features are not guaranteed past 2021 for MY17-20..

Originally Posted by A6Louie

It may just be a contractual issue...better to surprise owners with a service they thought they'd no longer have (if it works out that way) than to tell them all of a sudden that Google Earth won't be available anymore.

Curious how many Connect Prime subscribers would continue with it without Google Earth.

Originally Posted by Doc H

From Audi USA (buried a couple of layers deep). MY19 hardware compatibility for GE was confirmed by Audi rep on another site, but possibility of no connectivity begs the question. Yes, it is confusing.:

3 Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted. Audi connect should only be used when it is safe and appropriate. Audi connect services and features are optional, provided with the support of authorized affiliated and third-party service providers, and may require additional subscriptions with separate terms and conditions. Available on select models. Certain services collect location information, see Terms of Service for information about how to disable and for other details. Google Earth features will not be available after December 2020 for Model Year 2018 & prior vehicles. Google Earth is a trademark of Google Inc. Connect services are subject to technologies remaining commercially available, such services are not guaranteed, and may not be available after 2021 for equipped MY17-20 vehicles.

4 Online services are subject to change at any time. Google Earth™ features will not be available after December 2020 for MY2018 and older vehicles.