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What was your solution to the 21 TFT and BMW App

  • I could not live with it and put a dedicated Sat Nav on the bike

    Votes: 28 42.4%

  • I can live with it and I gave it a dedicated Android phone

    Votes: 9 13.6%

  • I can live with it and I gave it a dedicated iPhone

    Votes: 3 4.5%

  • I can live with it and I use my Android phone

    Votes: 9 13.6%

  • I can live with it and use my iPhone

    Votes: 22 33.3%
  • Total voters
    66

So what did you do about the TFT and BMW App?

7117 Views 85 Replies 30 Participants Last post by  SvFiat, 
DavidMcK
Lets see what we did
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DavidMcK
Hors Piste said:
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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Basically I meant you use an external GPS as opposed to using the TFT and App. Perhaps some use both.
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T
jono said:
Bets on how long before someone mounts a dedicated Tom Tom on their RT? :p
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One nice thing about a TomTom, they come with worldwide maps (you connect to the mother ship and download what you need). I still prefer Garmin and that is what I use in the States. YMMV.....
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SvFiat
There was a recent map update and I believe the contrast between roads and background are much better. Also the name of the next street to be taken looks like they're using a bolder text font to make it more easily read. Other then the rare occasion in which the GPS picks a dirt road, which by the way happens when using the shortest setting, the GPS always gets me to within 50 ft of my destination target. The only thing I don't like about the setup is the time it takes for the GPS to connect itself up for use. I did find that setting the destination up in the phone app first then turning on the bike seems to shorten the connection time. Maybe by 2023 they'll get this running as intended .................................
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dfinazzo
reg26 said:
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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Currently an owner of a 5 year old NAV VI and swap between a R1200GSA and a K1600GTL - however will look at the Zumo XT - will keep the NAV VI since a Zumo XT will not be as compatable on the GSA . . . :)
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SvFiat said:
There was a recent map update and I believe the contrast between roads and background are much better. Also the name of the next street to be taken looks like they're using a bolder text font to make it more easily read. Other then the rare occasion in which the GPS picks a dirt road, which by the way happens when using the shortest setting, the GPS always gets me to within 50 ft of my destination target. The only thing I don't like about the setup is the time it takes for the GPS to connect itself up for use. I did find that setting the destination up in the phone app first then turning on the bike seems to shorten the connection time. Maybe by 2023 they'll get this running as intended .................................
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After updating the maps, I don't see any difference in map readability. It's still terrible. Can you elaborate? I tried it on my iPhone and Pixel and don't see a difference.
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The_real_hati
DavidJax said:
It's still terrible. Can you elaborate?
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I'm with you. I also updated maps the other days and see no change in presentation, iOS or Android.
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SvFiat
If you have the full view map up on the TFT what distance do you have it set at. I usually have mine set at 800 sometimes less.
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Tieflaar
I have two iPhones with the Connected app.
One has a map update and the other does not.
I've had them both connected to the TFT and see no difference.
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D
Version 4.3 was just released for the Connected App. I've been complaining since I picked up my RT and after the 4.3 update the side roads are now visible. No new maps were downloaded so I'm assuming the app has full control over the map theme. Try it out, I think you'll be happy.
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TiedendJones
Hi DavidJax
You mention App version 4.3 has been released. I can see that you have an Android phone so I'm assuming that 4.3 has been released in the Google store.
Here in the UK the Apple App Store doesn't have 4.3 available. Still 4.2.2 here.
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The_real_hati
TiedendJones said:
Here in the UK the Apple App Store doesn't have 4.3 available. Still 4.2.2 here.
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Same for Australia. The dedicated bike phone however updated fine from the Google Store.
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DavidMcK
This is what they say they have added/fixed etc.

Rectangle Font Parallel Screenshot Paper product


Typical Mushroom tactics (keep them in the dark and feed them shi*.)

I did notice a new Music checkbox beside volume apart from that I can't see anything else new.
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D
TiedendJones said:
Hi DavidJax
You mention App version 4.3 has been released. I can see that you have an Android phone so I'm assuming that 4.3 has been released in the Google store.
Here in the UK the Apple App Store doesn't have 4.3 available. Still 4.2.2 here.
Click to expand...
I use a dedicated Pixel 3 with 4.3 that I use that shows the map improvements. I also have an iPhone SE (2020) and it also updated to version 4.3 but I haven't tried it on my RT yet. I don't think it matters but I'm on 013_013_020.
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darrell
DavidJax said:
Version 4.3 was just released for the Connected App.
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Does this update happen automatically or do we to activate it on the iPhone?
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jono
darrell said:
Does this update happen automatically or do we to activate it on the iPhone?
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It's an update through the App Store. Depends on how you have your App Store is configured whether it's automatic or not. Mine was updated (in the US) automatically last night.
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TiedendJones
My App update showed last night. The map detail is quite different with easier to see local roads & with some colour as well that helps make them easier to see. At least it appears so after a quick look on the bike.

Will be going for a ride tomorrow so will check it out in more detail to see how it looks on a route in both full map view and pure ride view.
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S
Mine has also now updated and mapping appears clearer. Need to check it out in action.
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S
I ordered a Zumo xt today and want to explain why. And then listen to opinions. I have a 2022 RT. I very seldom use a gps for true navigation. Mostly I use it to see where I am at the moment. I like knowing the cross streets. I plan the routes in my head. Typically if I know I’m gonna make a turn then I like to keep an eye out for the street before my turn. With the TFT I can’t see the street names so I can’t always tell I’m coming up to my turn.
I keep the map on the small screen because otherwise I lose my tach. I believe I have the updated version and the street names are just too small to read. I also like to see what the road ahead is gonna do. How sharp is the curve ahead? Does the road curve on the other side of the hill? Garmin gives much better detail for this info. I also don’t like having to reconnect every time I start the bike. My system does connect but it can take a few minutes When I ride with friends, when they’re ready to go, they go! No waiting. If I was going to plan a trip and really wanted to map it out and use my navigation to get there, then the BMW system would be absolutely fine. But that’s just not how I typically use a gps. So I decided to bite the bullet and get the XT. Does my logic make any sense?
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The_real_hati
sgl0226 said:
And then listen to opinions
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You don't have to, what matters is what works for you. I, personally, am happy with the built in system using a dedicated Android phone to run it, but I am a techie and can handle it. I can also see why people need more sophisticated GPS and the fruit that goes with them (way points, POI etc.) I don't need those so for me the simple system is enough. Don't think though that the XT is perfect. I had one on my old RT and while it was good, it came with its own set of problems, especially early on. I had one of the first XTs sold in Australia. They improved it though but to keep it in context, Garmin's motorcycle GPS business is minuscule so they spend commensurate amount of development and bug fixing times on it.


sgl0226 said:
When I ride with friends, when they’re ready to go, they go! No waiting.
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Maybe you need new friends ;) I do ride in a group from time to time. That kinda behaviour is not on.
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Mellow
sgl0226 said:
I ordered a Zumo xt today and want to explain why. And then listen to opinions. I have a 2022 RT. I very seldom use a gps for true navigation. Mostly I use it to see where I am at the moment. I like knowing the cross streets. I plan the routes in my head. Typically if I know I’m gonna make a turn then I like to keep an eye out for the street before my turn. With the TFT I can’t see the street names so I can’t always tell I’m coming up to my turn.
I keep the map on the small screen because otherwise I lose my tach. I believe I have the updated version and the street names are just too small to read. I also like to see what the road ahead is gonna do. How sharp is the curve ahead? Does the road curve on the other side of the hill? Garmin gives much better detail for this info. I also don’t like having to reconnect every time I start the bike. My system does connect but it can take a few minutes When I ride with friends, when they’re ready to go, they go! No waiting. If I was going to plan a trip and really wanted to map it out and use my navigation to get there, then the BMW system would be absolutely fine. But that’s just not how I typically use a gps. So I decided to bite the bullet and get the XT. Does my logic make any sense?
Click to expand...
Plus... and a big one for those that tour... you get weather along your route and weather radar...

Zumo has been doing this for years and very good at it.. BMW just started so they have a way to go before they catch up.. if they even can. Just connecting being such a hassle is a killer for me, music controls, etc.. basic stuff zumo figured out many years ago.
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