Hello Guys,

 

Greetings from Bulgaria!

 

I am waiting my first skoda - the build week is 25 hence MY16 model.

 

I am wondering if any of you has an information whether the SmartLink can be retrofitted after delivery. Because when I tried to add this feature couple of weeks ago my dealer wasn't aware what is this and now after this spec is finally available in our configurator (since yesterday) he told me that my car is locked for changes and I can't add it. With the regards of retrofitting - he didn't know whether possible and gave me the number of some other colleague (some "tech" guy I suppose) to discuss this. He also wasn't very helpful but he explained to me that it's not just a software upgrade or some hardware "plug-in" but rather that the MIB2 with SmartLink is different unit than the one without.

 

Does somebody know more details about this?

 

PS: I am trying to write directly to Skoda to get more details but I can't find some central customer contact mail (only dealers)

 

 

Best Regards,

Nikolay

Its all software as I understand it. Smartlink is activated by a licence key in the infotainment settings....if you order it from the factory then smartlink will be activated....if not I believe you'll probably have to buy a licence key from your local parts dept likely at a bit of a premium. Id wager the code is generated from the vehicles VIN number based on some algorithm.

The MIB1 units could probably do it via a firmware upgrade but they dont have the basic screen res for it, also the slower processing capability of the unit might make it cumbersome to use if it could be made to work.

You are takling about SmartGate or MirrorLink ?

They are two different things.

About MirrorLink - if I understand correctly MirrorLink includes different car-to-phone connectivity standarts (MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) - so its broader term I guess. But in the configurator I am able to add SmartLink only (no option called MirrorLink)

Mirrorlink is dead and buried. Its now called smartlink.

Mirrorlink is dead and buried. Its now called smartlink.

It is not, it is a trademark of the CCC.

Skoda adaptation SmartLink includes the Mirrolink license as it do the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.

I'm trying to get to the bottom of this with skoda UK as we speak. Have ordered a VRS with amundsen and Smartlink for delivery at end of July and keen to understand what I will actually be getting! Check the MY16 thread for my findings!

It is not, it is a trademark of the CCC.

Skoda adaptation SmartLink includes the Mirrolink license as it do the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.

But why have mirrorlink when you have android auto and CarPlay?

And what was the fuzz about in the Fabia forum where the early adopters more or less got something useless when opting for Mirrorlink?

But why have mirrorlink when you have android auto and CarPlay?

And what was the fuzz about in the Fabia forum where the early adopters more or less got something useless when opting for Mirrorlink?

All are different standards for different and equal purposes.

CarPlay is for Apple phones only, Android Auto is for Andoid Lollipop phones only and Mirrorlink is for the rest phone world. Mirrorlink is the only independent solution for connecting the car infotainment and phone.

Edited 2 June, 201511 yr by Grumpy Finn

All are different standards for different and equal purposes.

CarPlay is for Apple phones only, Android Auto is for Andoid Lollipop phones only and Mirrorlink is for the rest phone world. Mirrorlink is the only independent solution for connecting the car infotainment and phone.

But as I understood it, mirrorlink link is close to useless? Only a few apps will display onscreen while driving. If that is the case, its dead and buried in my book atleast.

But as I understood it, mirrorlink link is close to useless? Only a few apps will display onscreen while driving. If that is the case, its dead and buried in my book atleast.

90% of the Android space is NOT Lollipop, that's a lot of devices..... maybe don't write Mirrorlink off just yet.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2015/05/05/android-lollipop-share/

What is Android Auto?
- Android Auto is an app that integrates with your car to make it easier for you to use some of the main features of your Android phone while driving. You can control things like navigation, music, and your phone's dialer from your car's digital display so you can stay focused on the road.
 

What apps can I use with Android Auto?

- You can use Google apps such as Google Maps, Google Play Music, and your phone's dialer. Some of your other apps may work with Android Auto. To see a list of compatible apps, visit the Android Auto category on the Play Store app.

 

https://support.google.com/androidauto/#6140652

Edited 2 June, 201511 yr by Grumpy Finn

90% of the Android space is NOT Lollipop, that's a lot of devices..... maybe don't write Mirrorlink off just yet.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2015/05/05/android-lollipop-share/

I know, but that doesnt change the fact that mirrorlink doesnt seem very usefull.

Its like one nav-application that actually shows the map while driving.

I think it will die out. I dont see the manufacturers putting much effort in upgrading mirrorlink to just to make older phones work.

I know, but that doesnt change the fact that mirrorlink doesnt seem very usefull.

Its like one nav-application that actually shows the map while driving.

I think it will die out. I dont see the manufacturers putting much effort in upgrading mirrorlink to just to make older phones work.

Developers can modify maps to suit. The apps available are the early adaptors, once this becomes more mainstream in cars more apps will follow. I wouldn't write it off just yet.*

*from the guy that left nav off his order...

That's the thing. Apple and car play the 2 big players in the phone market have come out with their own systems. I don't think there is any space in the market left for a player not many people have heard about, and certainly not for something that is so weakly established as mirror link.

Developers can modify maps to suit. The apps available are the early adaptors, once this becomes more mainstream in cars more apps will follow. I wouldn't write it off just yet.*

*from the guy that left nav off his order...

But doesnt the apps have to be mirrorlink approved or something? The name itself is misleading if it only can mirror a select few obscure apps.

Just pray that the mirrorlink enabled headunits can be upgraded to support android auto.

* Im the guy who probably will have none of the above because of MIB1 Columbus.

But doesnt the apps have to be mirrorlink approved or something? The name itself is misleading if it only can mirror a select few obscure apps.

Just pray that the mirrorlink enabled headunits can be upgraded to support android auto.

* Im the guy who probably will have none of the above because of MIB1 Columbus.

They will, bit for now car play and android auto use apple and googles core apps. That will change but the certification loops developers have to jump through for them will be stricter than a mirrorlink app. Looking at my own phones I have loads of apps that are my default replacement for the makers ones. These type of apps are where mirror link will come to the fore.

A lot of manufacturers are members of mirrorlink.

http://www.mirrorlink.com/member-list

One good thing about Mirrorlink is the manufacturers might have some say in its direction.

Android Auto & CarPlay may be very restrictive to Google/Apples plans.

I have just purchased my first Skoda, and it seems like a nice car. Unfortunately mine was manufactured April 2015 and also missed the factory Smartlink. If any people with power from the Skoda Organisation read these posts - please release a Smartlink upgrade for the people who want it, even if it costs a little bit.  

I have just purchased my first Skoda, and it seems like a nice car. Unfortunately mine was manufactured April 2015 and also missed the factory Smartlink. If any people with power from the Skoda Organisation read these posts - please release a Smartlink upgrade for the people who want it, even if it costs a little bit.

Hear, hear!

CarPlay is for Apple phones only, 

 

I'm not sure what i'm doing wrong but i can't find the app anywhere to download. Any ideas?

Anyone know if a MY15 which don't have SmartLink is possible to get a upgrade? Is is really software based or is it necessary to swap out the whole headunit? 

Anyone know if a MY15 which don't have SmartLink is possible to get a upgrade? Is is really software based or is it necessary to swap out the whole headunit? 

You need a MIB2 unit.

 

I have seen settings for MirrorLink on the MIB1 units, but have not seen it enabled on a MIB1.

 

It is software based IF you have the correct hardware.

You need a MIB2 unit.

 

I have seen settings for MirrorLink on the MIB1 units, but have not seen it enabled on a MIB1.

 

It is software based IF you have the correct hardware.

And the million dollar question to that is, how do one know it's a MIB2 unit? Is a Colombus headunit a MIB2 unit?

OK, another question for you lot then,  does any of this work with a  Windows 8 Phone?