Bluetooth Audio Streaming - Campaign for Audi to fix
07-09-2012, 02:15 PM
#1
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bluetooth Audio Streaming - Campaign for Audi to fix
I recently contacted Jeri Ward at Audi, she's the head of customer satisfaction for Audi, and in a letter, explained the situation with the lack of bluetooth audio streaming. Today I got a call from one of her staff, which I very much appreciated, letting me know that they had read the letter and had spoken to their technical department and confirmed that there is no plan to provide this functionality for the 2012 models. I really appreicate that they took the trouble to review this and respond. However, I still believe that this is technically possible - either as a software update or as an update to the 2G MMI dongle that was previously available -- and I suspect that this will only become possible if Audi hears from more of us on this.
I encourage anyone interested in this issue to follow up with Ms. Ward. Perhaps more inquiries will lead to a re-thinking of this issue. I'm attaching the letter I wrote - perhaps others can use it to put together their own message. Her email address is Jeri.Ward"AT"audi.com. I also copied Mark.Dahnke"AT"audi.com.
____________________
Ms. Jeri Ward
Director of Customer Experience, Audi of America
Herndon, Virginia
jeri.ward"AT"audi.com
Dear Ms. Ward,
I recently read a profile of your responsibilities at Audi, and I thought perhaps you might be someone who could look into an issue with certain 2012 Audi models. I can say with certainty that this issue impacts the 2012 Audi S4, which is what I currently drive.
The issue is the inability to stream audio from mobile devices, such as iPhones to the 3G Multi-Media Interface ("MMI") unit. The Bluetooth function works fine for telephone calls; but the MMI unit does not have the software to allow music to be wirelessly streamed to the MMI. I believe from my research that this is a limitation for all 30 MMI units, so it probably affects 2012 A4s and S4s, and likely other Audi models.
The frustrating aspect is that in the earlier 2G MMI, Bluetooth functionality was available through an official Audi Accessory, essentially a receiver "dongle" that connected to the MMI interface in the glove box. Together with software update for the MMI 2G that came loaded on a USB key, this "dongle" would enable the streaming functionality.
When I purchased my 2012 S4, I thought that this "dongle" would work; only after I tried to order one did I learn that it was incompatible with the 30 MMI. Rather, I was assured that that the functionality for Bluetooth audio streaming was built in to the 3G MMI and only required a software update that was being finalized to activate it--this was based on Audi's information to dealers and information that is posted on the Internet in an interview with one of the product development specialists.
I should note that the MMI 3G appears to have the technical capability to accept the Bluetooth streaming - several Audi drivers have noted that when using an iPhone, and the popular "Waze" application, one can hear the voice commands issued by the software over the MMI (even when an audio source is playing). I have tried this and found that it works (and this appears to be distinct from the Bluetooth connection used for phone calls).
Well, it has been over a year, and no update. Moreover, I have been told by Audi Customer Service that they are now no longer "aware" of this issue. Perhaps the fact that the 2013 Audi MMI 30+ version has the functionality might have led to this update being dropped. Updating the MMI 3G is important for several reasons. First, it was a capability that was envisioned for the 3G MMI. Second, it is an important ergonomic issue--the MMI cable interface is located in the glove box. which means it is inconvenient with an iPhone or Blackberry other than on a longer trip. since connecting the device and placing it in the glove box is unworkable. The Bluetooth streaming capability would allow one to keep the phone in your pocket or in the center armrest and still get the benefit of the phone and music player. As some Audi drivers frequently note. there are far cheaper and far less technically capable cars in the market that have had this capability built in for several years. It should also be factored in that there is an element of safety here· an iPhone or Blackberry that has to be connected to the glove box may lead to a driver doing some unsafe contortions to access it while driving.
Could you please look into this and if you find that the situation is as I am suggesting, advocate internally to Audi to develop and roll out a solution for its thousands of customers (there are apparently many Audi drivers in Germany who are also disappointed in this missing functionality). I believe many Audi customers will be prepared to pay for such an update. I was certainly prepared to do so when I purchased my car and planned to buy the USB dongle solution (over $240) to have this capability. Moreover, I know many Audi customers on the Internet forums (Audiworld.com and Audizine.com) that have spent $I00-$200 for makeshift solutions using other company's products that nevertheless do not provide the same function or compromise the MMI ability to play back from an iPod in the glove box.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional information. - I can also recommend that you look at the Audiworld.com and Audizine.com websites for additional information and corroboration of what I am describing. Most of all I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing Audi come through for its customers.
I encourage anyone interested in this issue to follow up with Ms. Ward. Perhaps more inquiries will lead to a re-thinking of this issue. I'm attaching the letter I wrote - perhaps others can use it to put together their own message. Her email address is Jeri.Ward"AT"audi.com. I also copied Mark.Dahnke"AT"audi.com.
____________________
Ms. Jeri Ward
Director of Customer Experience, Audi of America
Herndon, Virginia
jeri.ward"AT"audi.com
Dear Ms. Ward,
I recently read a profile of your responsibilities at Audi, and I thought perhaps you might be someone who could look into an issue with certain 2012 Audi models. I can say with certainty that this issue impacts the 2012 Audi S4, which is what I currently drive.
The issue is the inability to stream audio from mobile devices, such as iPhones to the 3G Multi-Media Interface ("MMI") unit. The Bluetooth function works fine for telephone calls; but the MMI unit does not have the software to allow music to be wirelessly streamed to the MMI. I believe from my research that this is a limitation for all 30 MMI units, so it probably affects 2012 A4s and S4s, and likely other Audi models.
The frustrating aspect is that in the earlier 2G MMI, Bluetooth functionality was available through an official Audi Accessory, essentially a receiver "dongle" that connected to the MMI interface in the glove box. Together with software update for the MMI 2G that came loaded on a USB key, this "dongle" would enable the streaming functionality.
When I purchased my 2012 S4, I thought that this "dongle" would work; only after I tried to order one did I learn that it was incompatible with the 30 MMI. Rather, I was assured that that the functionality for Bluetooth audio streaming was built in to the 3G MMI and only required a software update that was being finalized to activate it--this was based on Audi's information to dealers and information that is posted on the Internet in an interview with one of the product development specialists.
I should note that the MMI 3G appears to have the technical capability to accept the Bluetooth streaming - several Audi drivers have noted that when using an iPhone, and the popular "Waze" application, one can hear the voice commands issued by the software over the MMI (even when an audio source is playing). I have tried this and found that it works (and this appears to be distinct from the Bluetooth connection used for phone calls).
Well, it has been over a year, and no update. Moreover, I have been told by Audi Customer Service that they are now no longer "aware" of this issue. Perhaps the fact that the 2013 Audi MMI 30+ version has the functionality might have led to this update being dropped. Updating the MMI 3G is important for several reasons. First, it was a capability that was envisioned for the 3G MMI. Second, it is an important ergonomic issue--the MMI cable interface is located in the glove box. which means it is inconvenient with an iPhone or Blackberry other than on a longer trip. since connecting the device and placing it in the glove box is unworkable. The Bluetooth streaming capability would allow one to keep the phone in your pocket or in the center armrest and still get the benefit of the phone and music player. As some Audi drivers frequently note. there are far cheaper and far less technically capable cars in the market that have had this capability built in for several years. It should also be factored in that there is an element of safety here· an iPhone or Blackberry that has to be connected to the glove box may lead to a driver doing some unsafe contortions to access it while driving.
Could you please look into this and if you find that the situation is as I am suggesting, advocate internally to Audi to develop and roll out a solution for its thousands of customers (there are apparently many Audi drivers in Germany who are also disappointed in this missing functionality). I believe many Audi customers will be prepared to pay for such an update. I was certainly prepared to do so when I purchased my car and planned to buy the USB dongle solution (over $240) to have this capability. Moreover, I know many Audi customers on the Internet forums (Audiworld.com and Audizine.com) that have spent $I00-$200 for makeshift solutions using other company's products that nevertheless do not provide the same function or compromise the MMI ability to play back from an iPod in the glove box.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional information. - I can also recommend that you look at the Audiworld.com and Audizine.com websites for additional information and corroboration of what I am describing. Most of all I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing Audi come through for its customers.
07-09-2012, 03:31 PM
#2
It's not a design flaw, it's the way it was built. Bluetooth audio streaming is available for the 2013 models and requires a new MMI system with new hardware and software. Audi is not going to retrofit it to previous models.
Waze works, but it's a hack to to get audio streaming to work. To get A2DP certified so you can work with any compatile A2DP device requires hardware and software certification. That's why Audi can't just give you some sort of software update and say "OK good to go." becuase the hardware isn't certified for A2DP.
Waze works, but it's a hack to to get audio streaming to work. To get A2DP certified so you can work with any compatile A2DP device requires hardware and software certification. That's why Audi can't just give you some sort of software update and say "OK good to go." becuase the hardware isn't certified for A2DP.
Last edited by JohnEnglish; 07-09-2012 at 03:34 PM.
07-09-2012, 05:34 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Balt-DC Area
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is also a hardware issue as buffering and memory capacity would be part of this as well. There are more things that would be necessary, but I have found people get bored with in depth technical explanations.
07-09-2012, 06:08 PM
#4
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is odd that in upgrading the MMI from 2G to 3G, Audi managed to make it less capable in one area, for one year, until the 2013 MMI 3G+ rolled out.
07-10-2012, 03:27 PM
#5
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Boston
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
100% in on this plan, audi should have remedied this situation years ago. in reality they should not have passed up this feature that everything with a modern audio system from a ford focus on up has. every competitive vehicle has it and has had it for a while. Considering it was originally part of thier plan to add via software update, and the 2G MMI can do it using a dongle this really should be just a software issue. The fact they didnt update with a dongle for the 3G system indicated they planned on adding the feature with software. If you look at the devices that can handle bluetooth audio I cant imagine this system cant.
I am firmly in the camp that audi needs to bite the bullet and get the software update written and distributed.
I am firmly in the camp that audi needs to bite the bullet and get the software update written and distributed.
07-10-2012, 03:52 PM
#7
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Boston
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At the very least those of you out there who believe it is a hardware issue should want audi to provide an explaination to get to the truth, this is a missing competitive function that was orginally intended to be available. As the OP put in the letter to audi there have been numerous indications that it is not hardware but in fact software to activate the function that needs to be written. We wont know exactly until audi makes it known. And if it is just software they should shell out the cash to get the update out there.
Trending Topics
07-10-2012, 03:59 PM
#8
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Detroit Metro Area
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I don't have a 2010-2012, and even if I did I wouldn't use Bluetooth streaming. However...
Is there some official correspondence from Audi out there somewhere stating the feature would be added in the future by a software update?
Is there some official correspondence from Audi out there somewhere stating the feature would be added in the future by a software update?
