HDEddie101

Hi All,
I picked up a CPO SQ5, 3/18 build over the holidays. As soon as I took delivery, all the nice virtual cockpit effects, specifically Google Earth, disappeared. Salesman said that the 6 month trial was over but he'll arrange for service to hook me up with the trial version. I was intending to jump onboard for a full Audi Connect package ($4xx for 18 mos.) when the trial was over. But I've read elsewhere that Google Earth will no longer be supported by Audi as of early '18 or older at the end of 2020. That puts the 18 month deal ending just about when Audi will ditch Google Earth.

My question: If Audi doesn't offer an alternate to Google, will my virtual cockpit be (much) less useful? If that's the case, should I not be so anxious to subscribe long term to Audi Connect?

Still getting to know my new Audi...Not up to speed on the MMI and its apps features yet.
Thanks

spindlewood

For many, Google Earth is eye candy and for some like me more distraction than useful (others do find it useful). However, the VC is fully functional, including regular maps, without Google Earth.

Google this site for more discussions on the value of the Audi Connect plan. For many, the features are not worth what they charge. I would recommend trying out the demo first and seeing what you'll get. And if you do like it, what you will miss once it goes away. No sense plopping down the money first.

congrats on your new SQ5. Good choice.

UK_Wildcats_Fans

I subscribe so I can use the car's hotspot for my dashcam.

Wires

I find looking at maps with satellite view (IE Google Earth) hard to see. Even on the PC I'll toggle it on if I need to see something, but then it's back to graphical maps. In the latest MMI update, the maps have changed from Google Earth (most likely to address the 2020 expiry). The only feature that is handy that you might want is the ability to send destinations to the car. You can also just add a contact to your phone, and when it connects to the car do a voice command of "navigate to contact John Smith" (which is free and requires no subscription).

In Canada we didn't get anything of value for the Audi Connect in the 2018 model year. All I can do is lock/unlock the car, see the oil and fuel level. The app allows some geo fence alerts as well as some other non-useful fluff items. I'd do what spindlewood suggested and test drive the trial. I usually find a lot of that stuff "sounds cool" but after a couple of months I just don't need/use it so I cannot validate paying the money to keep the subscription.

iyc122

Hi, Is your model a USA one? I was told by the dealership that the 2018 Canada ones do not have wifi Hot spot for data, rather only for wifi content streaming(DNLA, music..etc).

I would love to have wifi for my dash cam.

2018 Q5 (Canada)

HDEddie101

Yes, my SQ5 is a US model. I'm on Audi Connect now and have sample some data (google earth, weather, gas prices...) so I don't know if that's indicative of WIFI hot spot or not. In the States, the mobile carrier (T-Mobile) is pretty generous with data usage (almost unlimited) under a plan so I use my iPhone exclusively for data searches and am not sure if I'll continue with Audi Connect.

I've heard a few folks hot on dash cams. I'm relatively tech novice but why would having Wifi rather than bluetooth connection for the dash cam?

rccoleman

Wifi provides a cellular connection to the internet, while Bluetooth just connects to devices in the car. The dashcam can provide a live feed to any device on the net if wifi is available.

Wires

Dealership is correct. For reasons unknown, our 2018 models do not quality for the "infotainment" offering which gives you wifi. The 2019 Canadian ones do.....

HDEddie101

Thanks! This new topic has me thinks about a dash cam. I did a quick Google and found Audi offers a dash cam accessory but not in the states. It seams expensive and I don't know what the deal cost for retrofit is. I assume it would be plug-and-play (that would be nice).
Lots of folks seem to use Go-Pro or aftermarket cams. Found and interesting article on Go-Pro vs BlackVue but it suggest dash cams like the BlackVue are better choices for dash cams. Don't know how unbiased this article is. Any thoughts? Thanks,
https://www.thedashcamstore.com/blog...cam-heres-why/

HDEddie101

FYI...here's link to the Audi Dash Cam accessory I discuss in Post #9.
https://www.caradvice.com.au/546841/...ion/Here's