While GM’s Mary Barra made waves at the Code Conference and Hyundai media exploded with reviews of Android Auto coming via an update to Hyundai 2015 Sonatas, Volkswagen announced availability of Android Auto, CarPlay and MirrorLink for in the United States and Europe.
“Volkswagen is using MirrorLink as a differentiator, porting applications to the platform without waiting for the support of the Car Connectivity Consortium that created MirrorLink,” wrote Strategy Analytics analyst Roger Lanctot on LinkedIn.
Volkswagen announced Android Auto, CarPlay and MirrorLink at CES, when Volkswagen demonstrated the Connected Golf. The e-Golf equipped with MIB II worked with multiple apps and connected to smartphones and tablets. Features and applications are organized into several clusters.
VW recently announced that the Car-Net platform will enable Apple Watch functionality for many new Volkswagen vehicles.
Many automakers are seeing their technology and compatibility with smartphones as being a selling point.
The release of Android Auto, CarPlay and MirrorLink seems to be quiet at this time, in California, because we called our local Volkswagen dealer who had not heard about the update, yet.
Lanctot noted that dealers should anticipate a wave of consumer confusion and questions regarding smartphone compatibility.
The VW dealer rep who answered the phone said, “You mean you want the cable? I’m not sure what you are talking about, I’ll have to call you back.”
We also are trying to contact the Volkswagen media contacts to see what’s going on.
We suspect, the update could arrive any time.
Android Auto hopefuls should note that you need the very latest version of Android for the system to work, Lollipop. There are compatibility issues with some popular Android models on different carriers. The Android Lollipop smartphone must be paired via Bluetooth and via a USB cable. Android Auto streamlines Android functions and adds voice commands for Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music. ndroid Auto also will offer third-party audio apps that owners have on their phones, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Skype, TextMe and many more.
CarPlay is simplified interface for iPhone uses 8.0+ via a lightning cable that allows for streaming media, voice calls, texts and “Siri” requests through the microphone and audio system.
MirrorLink mirrors what is on the Android smartphone to the car infotainment screen. The Car Connectivity Consortium announced that the new Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge and HTC One (M9) are enabled to work with MirrorLink in vehicles. The smartphones that support MirrorLink are Sony’s Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3, previous HTC One models, Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.
If you love your iPhone and want CarPlay, it has been reported that Volkswagen dealers are leasing Jettas for the same price as an iPhone on a major carrier $89 a month.
Are you Volkswagen owner who’s has MirrorLink, CarPlay or Android Auto? Please let us know in the comments below, you may need a special cable to connect.
Hello guys!
Sorry for my english.
I have a VW Car (Saveiro Cross is like a VW Gol) this car have a RCD 330G AudioSystem with MirrorLink feature , my smartphone is a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge with marshmallow OS.
When connect the phone tu audiosystem they give a error that say Mobile device is not certified and not work…
Any idea to solve this problem?
Thanks a lot!
Hi I am Using Samsung S6 with (Android version 6.0.1) on Polo GT TSI …it says Mobile device not Certified…what I need to do?
Hi Madhubabu,
Do yo find the solution of this problem? I have the same problem.
Thanks!
I have tried to use mirrorlink for a couple of times in Polo. The display goes blank while driving.
Pls check before your phone compatibility..and also check mirror link Web site you will get supported phone/apps/device6 Infosys….all the best or mail me to rafimmedia@gmail.com
Hey i have a MY15 polo gti and git installed with mirrorlink but need activation how and where counld i get it from thanx
Mirrorlink stinks they released it on Sony and pioneer units and never updated it for new versions of android. I paid 600 for a boat anchor that will never work again
Hi
I have a new Golf Variant VII 40 years edition from December 2015 with a Media Composer 6.5 ” with usb/aux .
I believe the Media Composer it is a MIB II since the car is new. ( The car was order in November 2015 with some extra equipment, adaptive cruise control)
System info on Media Composer.
Device part number :3Q0035819A
Hardware : H24
Software : 0245
Media Codec : 2101.0.0.10
I can´t find the app. connect in the Media Composer.
I am aware that I have to buy a special usb cable for the connection with my iPhone.
So my question is, when I buy this cable and connect my iPhone 6 will the app. connection show up in the screen/display in my media composer ?
I´m a little bit confuse because some people says it won’t work and other says that VW has to update the media composer.
I would like very much to know and off course I would like to use app. connect for my iPhone.
Thank you.
Michael
I would call Volkswagen to find out the details. The U.S. different systems are illustrated here the model with the iPod MDI cable connections are RNS 315, navigation RNS-850 which are not availabe on the Jetta. They are showing MirrorLink and Android Auto only. Someimtes playing your music on an USB driver or SD card is easier…
Just got a 2016 Jetta SE and I am disappointed to find out that you need to connect the iPhone with a cable in order to use CarPlay. You can still use Bluetooth without a cable, of course, and that works very well if you are only interested in audio. You must also tap on the screen to confirm the CarPlay connection every time you start the car which is extremely annoying and pretty much ruins it. I will likely just use the Bluetooth capability because it connects automatically without having to take my phone out of my pocket.
Mirror link on a new vw polo and apparently it dosent work or not fitted on the middle range model but its says online it should work says contact dealer for activation code what a joke for a 13000 brand new car!!!
Hello, probably I’m not in the right place because I bought my Passat 2015 In italy,I can’t find nobody that can explain to me right here, here is my question, on my discover pro 2 generation I only have MirrorLink, I’m so upset that I can’t connect my iPhone6, I was wondering there is no way no how to update my discover pro in a way a can use CarPlay for iPhone? Thank in advance for your support
I have lollipop and would like to try mirror link on my 2015 golf, what kind of cable am I missing?
MY 2016 only.
What do you think is the best to use?
Android Auto, CarPlay or MirrirLink
Try them out and see what you like. Android will only work with CarPlay and MirrorLink. If you have an iPhone you have no choice.
According to VW, all Polo constructed from June 1st could be used with android Auto 🙂
In Canada (and probably the U.S. as well), these three connectivity features will be standard for the large majority of the product range, and optional on only the most basic models. The only exception is the Touareg as it is based on the Cayenne platform. All 2016 model year Volkswagens will have it (again, except for Touareg).
Also, for 2016, Volkswagen has discontinued the proprietary MDI cable and gone straight to standard USB. No special cable will be required.
That’s exactly what I was searching why Touareg is not in the compatible car for Mirror Link. Is there an other option