Now my car has a navigation system which I think is constantly out of date. So much so that is has been relegated to “one of those features” that I don’t use. In order to update it, I have to pay a hefty sum to my dealership and get it updated which they will do via a DVD or some sort.
Audi now provides a new service for their revised Audi A6 and Audi A7 Sportback model lines as part of the comprehensive connect portfolio. The service starts immediately.
The new connect service named “Online map update” is available for the cars equipped with Audi connect. Audi A6 and Audi A7 Sportback drivers can now download navigation updates directly to the car via the super-high-speed LTE connection. This requires the use of MMI navigation plus. Customers can continue to use a computer to download the data from the myAudi platform (www.audi.de/myaudi) and transfer the map data to the car on an SD card. Installation at an Audi dealership is a third option.
The driver receives a notification via MMI navigation plus when a new map update is available. Updates are provided every six months, and the first five are free of charge. Note that maps now available are for the European regions.
In all honesty, the maps here in Malaysia tend not to be as updated as we would like and as mentioned above, on the first few downloads are offered free. Frankly, as car manufacturers tend to drift away from current technology trends and how consumer behaviour expects quick, fast and easy updates, I do hope Audi and the other manufacturers do consider map updates to be a free service. Otherwise, I will just stick to my Waze app. I kind of like the Elvis voice who guides me through the maze that is Kuala Lumpur.
