Lets see what we did
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.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.
Does this update happen automatically or do we to activate it on the iPhone?Version 4.3 was just released for the Connected App.
Same for Australia. The dedicated bike phone however updated fine from the Google Store.Here in the UK the Apple App Store doesn't have 4.3 available. Still 4.2.2 here.
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.And then listen to opinions
Maybe you need new friends I do ride in a group from time to time. That kinda behaviour is not on.When I ride with friends, when they’re ready to go, they go! No waiting.
#3. You probably already know this but you can show distance & time to next waypoint or destination. The problem is that you have to go into settings on the TFT and set your preference.So after a ride the map detail is clearer with subsidiary & local side roads a lot clearer.
The update came from BMW central with no real info as to what had been changed which is very poor. You'd think they'd want to trumpet improvements.
There do not appear to me to be any other major changes especially things that I would like e.g.
1. Access to routes via the TFT. You have access to favourites so why not routes? I fully understand BMW trying to avoid distractions while riding but if that is the objective why allow access to favourites & POI's?2. Waypoint names announced. The app just says 'you have reached your waypoint'.3. As well as distance & time to destination distance & time to next waypoint as well.4. Tracks to be tracks & not routes that recalculate.5. & most important to me to be able to turn off automatic recalculation. There are times when on tour with others my experience has shown it is best to have recalc turned off.These 5 were available in all the Garmin based BMW Nav's so why not in the app.
So what did BMW think when they looked at replacing the Garmin based Nav's with the TFT & App. Having at least what the Garmin Nav's had should have been a starting point.
Rant over.
It should be said that I am using an iPhone & I am assuming that the items I mention are not materially different on other phones.
Happy to stand corrected if I've got anything wrong.