Google Earth ending December 2020 for 2018 models or older

[markmg]

2016 A6. I've not been to the dealer since February.

Then you have some parts of the maps in cache, the moment you drive to new parts you wil see that the maps get blurry

[Audibot]

Then you have some parts of the maps in cache, the moment you drive to new parts you wil see that the maps get blurry

Thanks for clearing that up. I didn't notice it blurry when I traveled out of state over the weekend where I've not been with the car, but double-checked it just now (scrolled to where I had just been) and sure enough, it's blurry.

[rgobantes23]

So I spoke with Audi CS, and the lady told me I have the MMI version (P3639 I believe) that is compatible for the HERE satellite imagery software. However it was made available on Jan 1st, so the dealer wasn’t aware of it and they only did the Maxar update on 12/29 when I took the car in, which then expired on 12/31. So I’m going in tomorrow for the HERE update. Fingers crossed again..lol.


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Good they finally identified the issue. Is there a HERE update TSB on this thread? I may have missed it. The HERE maps I have seen in the past were polygon based (like video games) and not satellite based. If that is still the case I prefer Maxar than HERE as whoever is recreating the buildings/structures in polygons won't be able to recreate every building/structure in a city. They will only focus on main buildings. My Nissan Leaf comes with a free similar polygon based Navigation (see pic below).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1taZ...ew?usp=sharing

[chiguyQ7]

Good they finally identified the issue. Is there a HERE update TSB on this thread? I may have missed it. The HERE maps I have seen in the past were polygon based (like video games) and not satellite based. If that is still the case I prefer Maxar than HERE as whoever is recreating the buildings/structures in polygons won't be able to recreate every building/structure in a city. They will only focus on main buildings. My Nissan Leaf comes with a free similar polygon based Navigation (see pic below).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1taZ...ew?usp=sharing

Ya this is what I saw on there website. Looks pretty cool I guess we’ll have to see..lol


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[rgobantes23]

Ya this is what I saw on there website. Looks pretty cool I guess we’ll have to see..lol


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It is not going to be either Maxar or HERE, right? You'll be able to choose either map when your software is updated?

[chiguyQ7]

It is not going to be either Maxar or HERE, right? You'll be able to choose either map when your software is updated?

The Audi rep told me it will be HERE. Maxar was sort of the interim for those who lost satellite imagery before Jan 1st. The dealership service guy I spoke to on the phone said they’re not even aware of it. I guess they’re able to get from Audi on an ad-hoc basis when customers request it, as long as Audi support says that it exists.


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[kevin#34]

don't know situation in US, but after the update here in europe we have Maxar layer (and google logo still present)

[rgobantes23]

don't know situation in US, but after the update here in europe we have Maxar layer (and google logo still present)

Yes, I still have a small Google logo near the speedometer in the virtual cockpit.

[rgobantes23]

The Audi rep told me it will be HERE. Maxar was sort of the interim for those who lost satellite imagery before Jan 1st. The dealership service guy I spoke to on the phone said they’re not even aware of it. I guess they’re able to get from Audi on an ad-hoc basis when customers request it, as long as Audi support says that it exists.


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LOL, this ad-hoc basis seems to be the standard. All along, I have had the Maxar software update since December 2019 and I did not even ask for it.

[ASheppard]

Dissappointed that they stopped supporting this!!

[Fouad1013]

So i am a bit confused right now. Is there a solution/update for the C7.5 Audi A6 to re-enable satellite maps with Here or Maxar? I just picked up a 2018 and Im pretty bummed at the missing feature.

[chiguyQ7]

LOL, this ad-hoc basis seems to be the standard. All along, I have had the Maxar software update since December 2019 and I did not even ask for it.

So I think the final verdict Audi explained to the dealer is that, there currently isn’t a satellite maps update for 2017 models, hence why mine is showing expired and your 2018 is synced with the expiration of your subscription. They said Audi may be working on a fix and it would auto-update in a couple months and restore the imagery, otherwise I’ll get a pro-rated refund for the $500 I paid for the Prime sub.

Such a pain in the ass man lol


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[chiguyQ7]

So i am a bit confused right now. Is there a solution/update for the C7.5 Audi A6 to re-enable satellite maps with Here or Maxar? I just picked up a 2018 and Im pretty bummed at the missing feature.

Looks like you might be out of luck with your A6. Sorry bud.


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[rgobantes23]

So I think the final verdict Audi explained to the dealer is that, there currently isn’t a satellite maps update for 2017 models, hence why mine is showing expired and your 2018 is synced with the expiration of your subscription. They said Audi may be working on a fix and it would auto-update in a couple months and restore the imagery, otherwise I’ll get a pro-rated refund for the $500 I paid for the Prime sub.

Such a pain in the ass man lol


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Oh I forgot that some Audi vehicles had virtual cockpits in 2017......

[frankjcrow]

What was the claim again from Audi?? I could have sworn they said that, because Google Earth won't run on older graphics cards (after December 2020), that therefore the service was discontinued. Or did I get that wrong?

I'm asking because, what do you know, yesterday I was tasked with integrating some software. I didn't know it (at first) but it turns out that the software I was working on used Google Earth. I configured and successfully used Google Earth on a Dell Precision M6800 that was manufactured in 2013. Not only that, but I also used Google Earth with emulated graphics hardware in a virtualized environment -- which, if you don't know, is like the most bare-bones and least common denominator of all graphics. And it worked fine.

8 year-old hardware, no problem. Emulated hardware, no problem. Unless I am mis-remembering Audi's claim as to why the service was discontinued, I'm pretty sure that it's b.s. More likely than Google suddenly not supporting graphics cards manufactured and used within the past 5 (or more years) is that Audi's business goals changed and Audi just decided to cancel it. I mean, I get that there could be "other issues" involved including hardware, software and business but anyone making the claim that "Google Earth doesn't work on older graphics cards" is either misinformed or just lying.

EDIT: I decided to lookup the published system requirements for Google Earth. I will attach a screen shot of those requirements. The minimum required graphics is any card that support OpenGL 1.4 -- they don't even specify any amount of VRAM or anything beyond that. The *recommended* graphics cards support OpenGL 2.0. OK, I looked up OpenGL version history and (according to Wikipedia OpenGL Version History) version 1.4 was released in 2002. Sure many cards didn't support 1.4 in 2002 but by the time we get to 2010, you'd be lucky to find one that doesn't. FWIW, the recommended graphics cards support OpenGL 2.0 -- that was released way the hell back in 2004!!

I would bet good money that the real story here is that Audi elected to discontinue the service for reasons only known to them and not anything to do with their hardware.

[Group_B]

There was a definite hardware change after 2018 because it took up the space under the trunk floor where the jack used to live. A4/A5 models built for 2019 and up have the jack stored awkwardly in full view.


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[ManyAudis]

There was a definite hardware change after 2018 because it took up the space under the trunk floor where the jack used to live. A4/A5 models built for 2019 and up have the jack stored awkwardly in full view.


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I don’t know what you mean. I have a 2019 A4 and the jack is under the trunk floor cover like it was in my 2018. It definitely is not “in plain sight”.

[Group_B]

I believe the change is only visible on cars that have the sport differential - there isn't enough room for everything with the new telematics modules

[CS85]

My 2018 A3 Black Edition is due to go in on Tuesday for it to be updated. Will it look the same as it did before?

[kevin#34]

no visible differences

[CS85]

no visible differences

Sorry, I disagree with this.

Just picked my car up after it was in having the update and Google Earth on the Virtual Cockpit is not as good as it was. It’s not as bold and the maximum zoom (30yd) isn’t as clear as it was before.

I’m glad I got it done, didn’t cost anything but it’s definitely an inferior version.

[ntufnel]

I have a 2018 A3 with software version 1196. I just took it to the dealer yesterday. They updated the software to version 1363, and I have the Google Earth-type maps again. No charge. The new maps look pretty much the same as Google Earth to me, although I didn't zoom them in.

[nxwayne]

LOL, this ad-hoc basis seems to be the standard. All along, I have had the Maxar software update since December 2019 and I did not even ask for it.

Curious if you have an early 2018 SQ5 manufactured before May of 2018. Can you share what MMI Software version you're on? I currently have a 2018 October build with version 1320 of the software and it appears my car is not eligible for a software upgrade to enable Maxar maps.

[rgobantes23]

Curious if you have an early 2018 SQ5 manufactured before May of 2018. Can you share what MMI Software version you're on? I currently have a 2018 October build with version 1320 of the software and it appears my car is not eligible for a software upgrade to enable Maxar maps.

I looked a couple of months back and I believe the software version is 1316. My SQ5 completed its production on November 22, 2017.

[theredpearl]

I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AUDI!! I ALSO HAVE RECOMMENDED TO MY FRIENDS TO BUY ANYTHING BUT AUDI!!!

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[kevin#34]

interesting…does anybody have the same impression?

Sorry, I disagree with this.

Just picked my car up after it was in having the update and Google Earth on the Virtual Cockpit is not as good as it was. It’s not as bold and the maximum zoom (30yd) isn’t as clear as it was before.

I’m glad I got it done, didn’t cost anything but it’s definitely an inferior version.

[rgobantes23]

interesting…does anybody have the same impression?

I think those who use the zoom functionality will notice the lower resolution especially on maximum zoom. The lower resolution is barely noticeable on the standard scale.

[bakedziti]

I saw this in the B8 A4 classifieds today and posted the link in another thread.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...rth-for-MMI-3G

[weagle1856]

I saw this in the B8 A4 classifieds today and posted the link in another thread.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...rth-for-MMI-3G

Super interesting. I was ready to get my hands dirty this summer on something like this as well.
Will be watching that thread to see if it's legit.

[Alex_1990]

Just for anyone who’s actually been told no update by the dealership...

If you have the MIB2 interface or any mmi3g+ you can update it yourself, like I have!

For the MIB You’ll need to check I believe if your media version is supporting the new Qualcomm chipset, (mmi settings) and also check your virtual cockpit software:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAJvI3WgDu8



But on the a5oc forums, someone has nicely uploaded all the google earth software obtained from an actual dealership for a whole range I believe ...

Additionally it is the Maxar maps and again it brings back the google earth overlay albeit a slight inferior version though.


Link to all the latest google earth MMI updates:

https://mega.nz/folder/IohySSSQ#gY8l6MXPPBf9ITdNOeT7Kg

Disclaimer, I’m no expert but can offer insight on updating the MIB versions as I’ve done it to my own personal vehicle...

[weagle1856]

You said MMI3G+, does that include the B8.5?

[DrGER]

I would bet good money that the real story here is that Audi elected to discontinue the service for reasons only known to them and not anything to do with their hardware.

I, too, think that this has less to do with "technical requirements" than financial and/or licensing considerations.

The work-around solution offered by @audimib for legacy MMI 3G+ systems (see post #468, above) appears to work, though the details of his solution are hidden inside an executable QNX binary.
My guess is that Audi management either (1) couldn't justify the cost of building a proper firmware update that would be sold at a reasonable cost (although update HN+_US_AU3G_K0942_6, PN 8R0906961FE from 2017 is still available for about $137 list) or (2) thought the old hardware might not render the new overlay images fast enough to be acceptable to "the brand".

Oh well, loss of 3G data from AT&T next year, however, will make this moot.

[poweredbyaudi7]

This forced me to do what I should have done long ago, install the device from aliexpress for Apple Car Play. It works great and now I can see Waze better while I am driving.

[DrGER]

This forced me to do what I should have done long ago, install the device from aliexpress for Apple Car Play. It works great and now I can see Waze better while I am driving.

Which one ? Aliexpress offers these from various sellers. For your '15 Q7? We may be heading in this direction when AT&T 3G data goes away...

[poweredbyaudi7]

Which one ? Aliexpress offers these from various sellers. For your '15 Q7? We may be heading in this direction when AT&T 3G data goes away...

Yes, for my ‘15 Q7...they were actually really good. They messaged me on WhatsApp to verify everything to ensure they sent the right parts. I was amazed!

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/400015...wser_id=&is_c=

[nxwayne]

Thanks Alex, can you provide details about your car and MIB firmware version? I have a 2018 SQ5 on MIB version 1320 which was said not to be eligible but is indeed using the Qualcomm "Q". MHI2Q_US_AUG22_P4246. Does MIB validate the firmware compatibility before potentially bricking the system?

Just for anyone who’s actually been told no update by the dealership...

If you have the MIB2 interface or any mmi3g+ you can update it yourself, like I have!

For the MIB You’ll need to check I believe if your media version is supporting the new Qualcomm chipset, (mmi settings) and also check your virtual cockpit software:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAJvI3WgDu8



But on the a5oc forums, someone has nicely uploaded all the google earth software obtained from an actual dealership for a whole range I believe ...

Additionally it is the Maxar maps and again it brings back the google earth overlay albeit a slight inferior version though.


Link to all the latest google earth MMI updates:

https://mega.nz/folder/IohySSSQ#gY8l6MXPPBf9ITdNOeT7Kg

Disclaimer, I’m no expert but can offer insight on updating the MIB versions as I’ve done it to my own personal vehicle...

[dankec]

No solution for:

mhi2_er_aug22_k3346

Except this:

http://pureretrofit.com/blog/google-earth-re-activation/

[dankec]

No solution for:


mhi2_er_aug22_k3346

Except this:

http://pureretrofit.com/blog/google-...re-activation/

...And now the GOOD NEWS for all cars that Audi does NOT cover.

These models can have Google Earth activated by us:


Audi A4 8W 2016- with MHI2 Navigation
Audi A5 8W 2016- with MHI2 Navigation
Audi A6 4G 2015- with MHI2 Navigation
Audi A7 4G 2015- with MHI2 Navigation
Audi Q5 FY 2017- with MHI2 Navigation
Audi Q7 4M 2016- with MHI2 Navigation


The price for this service is:

Activation + 1 year license: 3500:- SEK

Renewal of license: 700:- SEK / year

[Alex_1990]

I had the older MU version



Once you download the software package for the updated firmware with the Maxar overlay, you need to unpack that software, and put it directly onto a SD card that’s formatted to FAT32

*IMPORTANT* Delete AMP & Bose folders. If the files contain any folders containing AMP or Bose, please delete them. Not deleting these folders will make you lose sound in your car.


TURN YOUR CAR ON AND KEEP ENGINE RUNNING THROUGHOUT! Risk of update failing could result in bricking your virtual cockpit!!

Then go back to your car insert SD card and go to engineering mode again and update.




Go through these settings on the scroll wheel/ nav buttons.

Finally once it asks you at the end to do diagnostics software, just cancel it.

The whole thing takes around 15 -20 minutes.

I’m not sure about virtual cockpits bricking... that’s something you’ll have to be confident prior to updating to be honest

Hope this helps!

~Alex

P.s. you need an active Audi google earth subscription too linked to your car
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[DrGER]

I would bet good money that the real story here is that Audi elected to discontinue the service for reasons only known to them and not anything to do with their hardware.

Another observation: after a recent 700+ mile overnight to visit family, driving mostly I-90 in OH, PA, and NY, the work-around for MMI 3G+ consumed about 58 MB of 3G data (compared to a similar trip in 2017 that used about 200 MB 3G data from the Google Earth service). The graphics performance of this old MMI 3G+ hardware seems more than adequate to me.

Here, for example, a screenshot from I-90W passing through Cleveland: