Audi A4 & Q7 MMI now connects to Apple Watch, myCarManager & myService

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audimanagerAlthough we may never see an Audi diesel vehicle on the market due to the recent NOx testing scandal, Audi expanded its range of online services for its MMI system which does not include ways of tampering with the emissions controls for the Audi Q7 and A4 models.

The new Audi connect myCarManager for remote car functions and myService for emergency, roadside and mainatence. The new services are available immediately. The system is noted for its strong security. The Audi MMI connect app now works with an Apple Watch and compatible iPhones.

The latest version of the “Audi MMI connect” smartphone app now also includes myCarManager. Owners of the new Q7 and A4 can use their smartphones to lock and unlock the doors, operate the optional heating and view an up-to-date status report of their car. They can also check where the car is currently parked and how long it has been there. .Drivers can see the status of the windows and doors (i.e. open/closed), the distance reading, the fuel level in the tank and the car’s operating range, service information, engine oil level and any warning messages and get directions to where the car is parked.The myService features include the emergency call, online roadside assistance and Audi service request.

When there is an accident with the emergency call service, a specially trained service employee attempts to obtain further details from the driver and passengers in their native language so that arrangements for the best form of assistance can be set in motion without delay. If the accident victims are not capable of voice communication, the service employee contacts the rescue coordination center which dispatches an emergency ambulance to the accident scene straight away.
The driver or front passenger can also activate the emergency call manually using a switch in the roof module. The control unit fitted remains capable of establishing a voice connection with the Audi Service Center even if the car’s power supply has failed. When a roadside assistance call comes in, the Audi Service Center is again sent the position and the relevant data on the car’s status automatically.With the Audi service request function, two weeks before servicing is due the car sends service-related data to the service partner. This is the partner that the customer has previously specified in the myAudi portal. The workshop can now contact the customer to arrange their upcoming appointment.There is no extra charge for the services in Germany and most European countries for a period of ten years from the date of delivery.

The optional Audi connect safety & service equipment package is available with immediate effect for all new Audi Q7 and A4 models at a one-off price of EUR 250.

The new version of the Audi MMI connect app is available to download free of charge in the online portal myAudi and on the Apple and Google store platforms.

There is security via a firewall  The data is encrypted using the current TLS 1.2‑standard. Added authentication takes place between the Audi server and the car before the action is performed. The car would not respond to a command from an unauthorized third-party server.

An extra PIN must be input via the smartphone to enable the remote actions to be carried out. The customer chooses this PIN themselves in the myAudi portal. They can also grant access rights to a maximum of five people and manage up to five different automobiles from a single account.

The data and voice connection for the services is established via a mobile communications module with built-in SIM card; this module is quite distinct from the one used for everyday mobile communications by the customer. The costs arising for data and voice connections are included in the package price. Two buttons in the roof module for emergency and roadside assistance calls are also part of the package.