Audi is sprucing up the in-car integration of smartphone features and internet services. A new app, Audi Music Stream introduces a new service in car known as Audi Connect.
The new smartphone app lets drivers tune into radio stations via the internet and store them in their Audi's infotainment system. A driver’s smartphone can be connected to an MMI (Multi Media Interface) navigation plus system via WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). If there is nothing worthwhile on the radio, just access the phone’s music library wirelessly via the MMI, choose a file and play it.
Navigation with Google Earth images and Street View means European-based Audi drivers can now view high- resolution aerial and satellite images, photos, land formations, streets and their names as well as business information in your car. The system pre-loads data for your selected route and merges them with information from MMI navigation plus. The Bluetooth online car phone’s UMTS module (connecting the car to a telco provided 3G service) makes true-to-life 360 degree panorama pedestrian’s eye-view images available in-car.
Audi connect stands for connected mobility combining all applications and developments linking existing and future Audi models to the internet, to their owner and to the surrounding infrastructure. A built-in UMTS module and a customer’s SIM card onboard the car integrate online information such as navigation with point-of-interest search, Google Earth images and Street View, weather, news, Audi traffic information online or Audi music stream, directly into Audi’s optional MMI navigation plus.
A WLAN hotspot connects mobile devices to the internet from the rear seats while driving or from all seats when the car is stopped.
The bad news? Audi Australia says Audi Connect system will not be immediately available Down Under, and that even once in place, may not be the fully fledged online system described above.
Details about what services and features will be offered locally are yet to be announced.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…