Worth renewing Audi Connect?

[NikosF]

My six-month free trial of Audi Connect has just expired (hard to believe I've had my A6 six months already!)

I was wondering what people thought of the cost/benefits of Audi Connect. It seems a lot to pay $30/month to have Google earth imagery and look up the occasional address.

I know that compared to buying a new A6 3.0T Prestige it's pocket change, but I'm a cheapskate!

[Boom]

I'm curious also. I just bought our first Audi, a Q5. It is on order, but curious about Audi Connect.

[mwar99]

I'm curious also. I just bought our first Audi, a Q5. It is on order, but curious about Audi Connect.

Currently they are offering $15/month for 30 months ($450 up front) if you sign up for the 30 months. Same deal they had been offering within 7 days of purchase previously.

[Smneveau4]

Well you kinda answered your own question. ;-) Its just another luxury item for the car. Obviously during the trial period you messed around with it so only you know if its worth shelling out the money for it. Me personally I use it both functional and luxury so I wouldn't want to do without. Then again I have the A6 Prestige.. My opinion shell out the cash for at least one year. If you never use it then cancel but I bet you'll use it more than you think.. JMO

[NikosF]

Well you kinda answered your own question. ;-) Its just another luxury item for the car. Obviously during the trial period you messed around with it so only you know if its worth shelling out the money for it. Me personally I use it both functional and luxury so I wouldn't want to do without. Then again I have the A6 Prestige.. My opinion shell out the cash for at least one year. If you never use it then cancel but I bet you'll use it more than you think.. JMO

I renewed it using the 30 month / $15 special that mwar99 pointed out (thanks!) - figured in for a penny, in for a pound.

What's not clear to me is if the connect offers me upgraded maps, or if I still need to pay a fortune to update my mapping data in the future (even the Audi sales rep didn't know that) and the web site is pretty murky on that.

[snagitseven]

I renewed it using the 30 month / $15 special that mwar99 pointed out (thanks!) - figured in for a penny, in for a pound.

What's not clear to me is if the connect offers me upgraded maps, or if I still need to pay a fortune to update my mapping data in the future (even the Audi sales rep didn't know that) and the web site is pretty murky on that.

The Nav map and built-in POIs are static, meaning the MMI would require updates from the dealer at a cost. With Audi connect, the Google Earth map overlays and online destinations and search are dynamic meaning they are updated regularly to match Google Maps online. So, streets and built in points of interest will not change unless updated but the Audi Connect data is live and updated continuously. I use only the online destinations which are not only more current but are far more complete the the MMI's built-in data.

[NikosF]

The Nav map and built-in POIs are static, meaning the MMI would require updates from the dealer at a cost. With Audi connect, the Google Earth map overlays and online destinations and search are dynamic meaning they are updated regularly to match Google Maps online. So, streets and built in points of interest will not change unless updated but the Audi Connect data is live and updated continuously. I use only the online destinations which are not only more current but are far more complete the the MMI's built-in data.

Thanks - that's what I figured. But if Audi / T-mobile want people to subscribe to this service, they should really include map updates as part of the subscription to offer real value.

[snagitseven]

T-Mobile has nothing to do with the Nav maps (other than passing along the Google Earth overlay and Google's other online services like POI search, gas info, news, weather etc.). Audi sources maps from Nav-Tech. BTW, just to make it more confusing, the traffic overlay is sourced from Sirius (who gets the data from Inrix), not Google or anyone else (in the U.S.). Audi makes all these data source decisions. T-Mobile is only a data provider, not a data source.

Nav Relayed Data Sources:

Google - Audi Connect via T-Mobile cellular subscription - Google Earth map overlay, online POIs, info services, i.e. weather, news, etc.
Nav-Tech - built-in Nav Maps and selected POIs determined by Audi
Sirius - traffic overlays via satellite with subscription (U.S.)

[NikosF]

I realise it has nothing to do with T-Mobile, but if Audi wants to provide value to its customers, it should probably find a way to charge, maybe $35 per month, that includes SiriusXM, traffic, Nav updates (even if provided by dealer), and the Google stuff. I hate being nickle and dimed to death, and I don't really find any value in weather and news from Audi Connect when I can check it easier and quicker from my iPhone.

[snagitseven]

I realise it has nothing to do with T-Mobile, but if Audi wants to provide value to its customers, it should probably find a way to charge, maybe $35 per month, that includes SiriusXM, traffic, Nav updates (even if provided by dealer), and the Google stuff. I hate being nickle and dimed to death, and I don't really find any value in weather and news from Audi Connect when I can check it easier and quicker from my iPhone.

That would make sense if Audi was the one providing and charging for the services which, of course, they don't. They just negotiate with each of these providers to make the electronics available in the cars and obviously they have no interest in becoming a bill-collecting, aggregator/supplier for the different services. None of the paid subscriptions is mandatory but at an effective half-price $15 per month that's now available for a 30 month prepaid T-Mobile/Audi Connect is pretty reasonable. You can also explore a month to month with P-Tel or TruSim which are even less expensive if you avoid using Google Earth and in car wifi (which can easily be data hogs). Or just use the car's built-in maps, POIs and phone for music and traffic with no further subscriptions necessary. Heck, years ago I remember being happy to have a built in AM/FM radio and a paper map.

[NikosF]

Audi is the aggregator and in my mind has a responsibility in making everything work together regardless of who the supplier is. I shouldn't need to figure out how the pistons interact with the rings (which probably come from different suppliers). If BMW or someone figured out how to create a better customer experience beyond the initial sale that would certainly get my attention.

Tell me more about P-Tel or TruSim - I wasn't aware of those options. I am hooked on Google Earth, but have no need for in-car wifi.

I've no desire to go back to the 1950s for in-car entertainment either :-)



That would make sense if Audi was the one providing and charging for the services which, of course, they don't. They just negotiate with each of these providers to make the electronics available in the cars and obviously they have no interest in becoming a bill-collecting, aggregator/supplier for the different services. None of the paid subscriptions is mandatory but at an effective half-price $15 per month that's now available for a 30 month prepaid T-Mobile/Audi Connect is pretty reasonable. You can also explore a month to month with P-Tel or TruSim which are even less expensive if you avoid using Google Earth and in car wifi (which can easily be data hogs). Or just use the car's built-in maps, POIs and phone for music and traffic with no further subscriptions necessary. Heck, years ago I remember being happy to have a built in AM/FM radio and a paper map.