It can apparently be used to update the map version, possibly update the infotainment software version, and create an enhanced WiFi hotspot (albeit using the phones hotspot as a piggy back) that uses the cars antenna instead which is much more powerful than just using the phones hotspot. Good for kids/passengers to use for tablets etc

You can update the map by downloading the latest version from Skoda's website. Quicker and easier than using a WiFi hotspot.

 

It can create a WiFi hotspot but it's using your phone as a hotspot... just use the phone. What do you think is enhanced using it via the Columbus system? We've seen examples where a taxi driver might prefer to use the Columbus, It will not use the car's antenna to connect to the phone network - it relies on your phone still.

 

I still think you think it will be better than just using the phone as a hotspot. To use the car's antenna for the Internet connection you need to use the Bluetooth rSIM profile for the unit in the glovebox to use the phones SIM to connect to the mobile network. But you don't have the version that has the SIM slot so rSIM is not an option.

You have looked here for updates for maps etc.?

 

http://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/en-GB

 

Next update due in November for my car.

Edited 26 October, 20187 yr by rtj70

I turned on the Hotspot on my Superb (2017 with Columbus and no SIM slot today). I then enabled the Hotspot on my Galaxy S9 phone so it had an Internet connection.

 

I then connected a second phone to the WLN hotspot of the Columbus and it had Internet connectivity. I then ran a speed test using the Onkla Speedtest app for Android. It was only about 3.7Mbit/s via the car WLAN hotspot and more like 8Mbit/s using the Galaxy S9 hotspot directly. But at least it worked.

 

I was connected to 4G at the time so it should have been faster than that but that was not the main purpose of my test.

 

But if you let the phone providing the working Internet hotspot connect to the car's hotspot then it obviously would fail. The phone would be using the car for WiFi. The car is using the mobile for it's Internet. So it obviously couldn't work then but you could have it connected like this.

Yeah it seems a breeze on newer models, does yours have the new glossy Columbus screen?

1 hour ago, rtj70 said:

I turned on the Hotspot on my Superb (2017 with Columbus and no SIM slot today). I then enabled the Hotspot on my Galaxy S9 phone so it had an Internet connection.

 

I then connected a second phone to the WLN hotspot of the Columbus and it had Internet connectivity. I then ran a speed test using the Onkla Speedtest app for Android. It was only about 3.7Mbit/s via the car WLAN hotspot and more like 8Mbit/s using the Galaxy S9 hotspot directly. But at least it worked.

 

I was connected to 4G at the time so it should have been faster than that but that was not the main purpose of my test.

 

But if you let the phone providing the working Internet hotspot connect to the car's hotspot then it obviously would fail. The phone would be using the car for WiFi. The car is using the mobile for it's Internet. So it obviously couldn't work then but you could have it connected like this.

I'm doing exactly that and I am experience with hotspots etc as I had to do it religiously with my MK1 and a Pioneer HU. Admittedly, I've only Syed once, but will try again. 

 

In the above, how was your phone connected to the car? Usb cable, or just as the WiFi hotspot? That's the only thing I can think of, IE that if the phone is connected to the car by cable, then it disabled the data somehow. 

Edited 26 October, 20187 yr by syanide

Yes. Hence having the connected services such as the improved TomTom traffic, ability to send destinations, area alerts, remote alarm, access vehicle info etc. That's why I said it was a 2017 car.

 

If I were you I'd stick with a mobile phone hotspot and try updating map data using a USB stick or SD Card. Assuming you can access the area on the website I mention with the updates. Could be linked to paying for extended services.

20 minutes ago, syanide said:

In the above, how was your phone connected to the car? Usb cable, or just as the WiFi hotspot? That's the only thing I can think of, IE that if the phone is connected to the car by cable, then it disabled the data somehow. 

 

I just used the phone as a hotspot - not plugged into USB port of car for Android Auto. If I have time tomorrow I will retest that.

 

As I say if the phone knows about the access point of the car it might connect to that for WiFi... and be providing itself with Internet access via the Columbus... i.e. that could never work.

Rtj70 I suppose this was the whole reason I started this thread, as my older Columbus has the functionality to do what you’ve described but there seems to be little or no benefit from it - hence my original question why is it there? Lol... 

 

I’ll ask Skoda when I’m there next for their opinion - I need to go back for a new “waggly foot boot opening sensor” as they want to replace it under warranty despite it working perfectly since the last visit - no idea what they did but it’s kicked back into life

1 hour ago, rtj70 said:

 

I just used the phone as a hotspot - not plugged into USB port of car for Android Auto. If I have time tomorrow I will retest that.

 

As I say if the phone knows about the access point of the car it might connect to that for WiFi... and be providing itself with Internet access via the Columbus... i.e. that could never work.

nope, definitely two phones. My MAIN phoen as a hotspot that Columbus connects to and my wife's phone connected to the Columbus Hotspot - but saying "connected, no Internet"

6 minutes ago, syanide said:

nope, definitely two phones. My MAIN phoen as a hotspot that Columbus connects to and my wife's phone connected to the Columbus Hotspot - but saying "connected, no Internet"

Do you know what the build or delivery date was for your car? Some issues in the past have been down to the version of kit fitted, thinking maybe cars from around the same age have the same problems

4 minutes ago, drewellis said:

Do you know what the build or delivery date was for your car? Some issues in the past have been down to the version of kit fitted, thinking maybe cars from around the same age have the same problems

I'll post Delivery date tomorrow - its in the glove. I've got SD card out to update the old fashioned way.

 

Assuming the above doesnt' work for internet FROM phone - how would one then update the firmware for Columbus? (Maps, I can do via the SD card)

1 hour ago, drewellis said:

Yeah it seems a breeze on newer models, does yours have the new glossy Columbus screen?

it is very reflective in the sun, if thats what you mean?

Edited 26 October, 20187 yr by syanide

Is there even an update for the firmware available?

1 minute ago, rtj70 said:

Is there even an update for the firmware available?

Don't know, I was just asking. 

 

I'm just on the website on the update portal - seems to take ages!

Ha ha....update tells me that the Maps downloads is 24GB, but the built in SD card is only 16GB in size!! Muppets!

Why are they muppets? The map data is 24GB so you need a 32GB card. Quite simple. Why blame them for you having a card that cannot hold all the maps. The Columbus unit does not use an SD card for maps. Where did the 16GB card come from?

 

Of course if you can connect to WiFi and have connected services licence then it can update over WiFi and downloads only the parts of the map that need updating.

Edited 26 October, 20187 yr by rtj70

27 minutes ago, syanide said:

it is very reflective in the sun, if thats what you mean?

Yes that’s right the older one that I have has a smaller matt effect screen. Attached are photos of old vs new

1 minute ago, rtj70 said:

Why are they muppets? The map data is 24GB so you need a 32GB card. Quite simple. Why blame them for you having a card that cannot hold all the maps. The Columbus unit does not use an SD card for maps. Where did the 16GB card come from?

 

Of course if you can connect to WiFi and have connected services licence then it can update over WiFi and downloads only the parts of the map that need updating.

The SD card that I have is the one that came with the car with the current maps already one. It's a Skoda banded "Skoda Navigation SD CARD".  Tats where Columbus gets its maps from. My point was, how an update can be double the size of what it is updating! 

9 minutes ago, drewellis said:

Yes that’s right the older one that I have has a smaller matt effect screen. Attached are photos of old vs new

mine looks like the top one physically  -ie two knobs either side.

5 minutes ago, syanide said:

mine looks like the top one physically  -ie two knobs either side.

Yours could be the new Amundsen unit though, I’m pretty sure they fitted those to some of the newer car specs too:

Just now, drewellis said:

Yours could be the new Amundsen unit though, I’m pretty sure they fitted those to some of the newer car specs too:

nope, definitely the same as the top pic. Hard buttons all the way round.

40 minutes ago, syanide said:

The SD card that I have is the one that came with the car with the current maps already one. It's a Skoda banded "Skoda Navigation SD CARD".  Tats where Columbus gets its maps from. My point was, how an update can be double the size of what it is updating! 

 

The Columbus unit stores the maps internally on it's own flash storage. It does not use the SD Card. Believe me when I say you can remove it and sat nav will still work.

11 minutes ago, rtj70 said:

 

The Columbus unit stores the maps internally on it's own flash storage. It does not use the SD Card. Believe me when I say you can remove it and sat nav will still work.

I'm happy to believe you, but that then begs the question as to what is on the SD card that apparently came with the car and has only one folder on it, called "Maps". I'll try tomorrow without the SD card - but it would be interesting to see why this SD card exists.

3 hours ago, rtj70 said:

 

The Columbus unit stores the maps internally on it's own flash storage. It does not use the SD Card. Believe me when I say you can remove it and sat nav will still work.

+1

Columbus does not use the sdcard for navigation.

It only uses it for updating the Maps.

 

I suspect @syanide has the older Amunsden, which uses the navigation card like he showed.