So what did you do about the TFT and BMW App?
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I have never had a major problem with it. The odd connection hiccup when starting but otherwise like any other imperfect satnav. I have had a dedicated Tomtom sending me literally round in circles and down tracks unsuitable for vehicles so the BMW app doesn't do a bad job!
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Mine also works like it should with an iPhone. But I still put a XT on it due to it's lack of resolution, pulse The XT it just all around better and does more.
2022 Triple Black R1250rt. Previously 2009rt, 2011K1600, 2017RT, 2019RT
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345 Posts
The same but could only select 1. I have dedicated Android as well as XT.
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The TFT and dedicated iPhone works (version 50) but still takes quite a while for the wi-fi to re-connect after a stop. Garmin XT on the bars so much easier to use. (Poll needs another line for those of us who use both). As for those who put the TFT into "night mode" - well I guess your eyes must be much better than mine, I can see bugger all during the day if I do that.
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You should now have multiple selections so if you have done both a Garmin and a phone you can check both boxes.
I guess most guys who put an XT on the bike did it last year (I almost did). If you have experience of the XT and App (particularly with a dedicated phone) would you have made the same decision or run with the App?
I guess most guys who put an XT on the bike did it last year (I almost did). If you have experience of the XT and App (particularly with a dedicated phone) would you have made the same decision or run with the App?
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Put XT on like ealdous34 because of App shortcomings and just so much better.
2022 Triple Black R1250rt. Previously 2009rt, 2011K1600, 2017RT, 2019RT
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345 Posts
Im definately happy with the dedicated phone. I leave it on the bike and dont have to think about it. It works perfectly every time. My phone is in a case and wont fit anyway so was just to hard from day 1. I just divert calls when on a long trip and all works fine.
I also have the XT. Funny I often put the map on the TFT also so i get instructions, but for me the clarity of the map is an issue. If I know where I'm going OK but otherwise Im not happy with the quick glance result. I find I have to keep looking and thats dangerous. Maybe its my eyesight.
I also find that the quick change is a lot more difficult on the TFT other than adding previous or POIs. (that is easier on the run) But a whole map change is not that easy.
Guess Im used to Garmin and not Tomtom. I remeber choosing Garmin years ago over TT and I haven't had a reason to change my mind since.
I add that my XT addon is completely temporary and I can remove it at any time. No screw holes. Just velcro strips. Hasnt moved in 20k kms.
'22 RT I got in March. Chose both dedicated Android and dedicated SatNav. My personal phone wouldn't fit in the cubby and the wi-fi connection sucks the battery dry, so I gave it a dedicated phone for a while. Connection issues and poor map resolution drove me to mounting my Zumo XT. Cancelled the data plan on the bike phone, and now just use it to stream music/podcasts I have downloaded and act as a backup to the Zumo if ever needed. Connection issues seem to be somewhat better with .40 update, but still has random wonkiness requiring me to restart the phone or play with the bike audio settings to resolve. Will get the latest update when I take it in for the annual in March, but plan to keep the Zumo mounted.
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Here in Germany most problems went away after the 2 firmware updates. Reconnecting after a stop is not a problem for me, the initial connection takes awhile.
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Regarding the NAV portion of the TFT:
Most of my complaints are on the graphics and what is displayed. I live in a rural area and ride many rural roads and route on backroads as much as possible.
1. Color selection of the screen elements are mostly pastels (gray added to subdue) and this is very poor for differentating with quick glances. They make river streams blue on a gray backround which is easy to make out but make roads in the middle of no where white on a gray background. Great I can make out a stream and lakes which has no navigation opportunites but I cannot see roads. Maybe when zoomed in a road could be "black". The color selection along with lack of element contrasts is "unsafe" as you spend more time glancing to make out screen information.
2. Garmin has decades of experience in accepting map data from a wide variety of suppliers and setting up colors, contrasts, and screen fields / data for a multiture of GPS devices for aviation, marine, automotive and outdoor recreation. It appears to me BMW threw that out the opportunity to collaborate for the benefit of the users.
3. Data Display - with my current software they do not use Exit Numbers in the USA on highways when on route. They give me a long text version of a highway name - in crowed traffic in cities takes time to comprehend while driving - unsafe. Tom Tom gives them the same data as they give Garmin but for whatever reason either the BMW safety or navigation group leads decided not to employ.
4. I am planning to mount a NAV VI somewhere in the future . . .
Most of my complaints are on the graphics and what is displayed. I live in a rural area and ride many rural roads and route on backroads as much as possible.
1. Color selection of the screen elements are mostly pastels (gray added to subdue) and this is very poor for differentating with quick glances. They make river streams blue on a gray backround which is easy to make out but make roads in the middle of no where white on a gray background. Great I can make out a stream and lakes which has no navigation opportunites but I cannot see roads. Maybe when zoomed in a road could be "black". The color selection along with lack of element contrasts is "unsafe" as you spend more time glancing to make out screen information.
2. Garmin has decades of experience in accepting map data from a wide variety of suppliers and setting up colors, contrasts, and screen fields / data for a multiture of GPS devices for aviation, marine, automotive and outdoor recreation. It appears to me BMW threw that out the opportunity to collaborate for the benefit of the users.
3. Data Display - with my current software they do not use Exit Numbers in the USA on highways when on route. They give me a long text version of a highway name - in crowed traffic in cities takes time to comprehend while driving - unsafe. Tom Tom gives them the same data as they give Garmin but for whatever reason either the BMW safety or navigation group leads decided not to employ.
4. I am planning to mount a NAV VI somewhere in the future . . .
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FWIW the display looks identical to the wife's Subaru nav system - which is also Tom Tom based. I expect the mapping visuals are the domain of Tom Tom and since they are a competitor to Garmin, wouldn't expect them to look the same. My previous bike had a Garmin unit and while the Tom Tom doesn't look as crisp, it has given me better directions than I got from the Garmin. From what I remember from the launch - that's what BMW product managers said drove their decision on picking Tom Tom.
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275 Posts
Some comments on the Gold Wing satnav you may be interested in -
Dont waste your money on a Nav VI got for the Garmin Zumo XT . I have both and while the NAV VI is a good unit the XT blows it away. Better screen, much faster when calculating, easier to use, I could go on and on. Oh and also much cheaper. You can buy them for $399
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Bets on how long before someone mounts a dedicated Tom Tom on their RT?
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I have a Zumo XT on mine (not quite sure what you mean by dedicated, as I can take it off for other bikes) - I'm sure there are folk with Tom Toms.
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