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TFT and General stuff on the latest TFT/App update

198504 Views 1716 Replies 109 Participants Last post by  Eric1121, 
DavidMcK
This will change as I and others learn about the new bike, so, if we put the pieces of knowledge in a common location we can all collectively become wiser.

What I know so far, the four buttons have permanently assigned functions.

Button Assignment
1 Pause or play music, when you stop the bike the music is paused. When you start it again, you have to navigate through the TFT to music to start again
or push button 1

2 Heated grips and seat, not played with this.

3 Change audio output, this will switch from Radio to music on bike with a radio, if you don't have a radio it will bring up the music screen so you can push
the wonder wheel to move to a different track.

4. Displays Map in full screen, don't really use this.

TFT
Its pretty straight forward to navigate down to menu's and left to right. When you have a sub menu, say music open and you push the menu button up to return to the main screen, pushing the down menu will return you to your last sub menu.

There is no temperature gauge on the TFT all you now get is a warning light if you are too hot, engine temperature is shown on the vehicle sub menu.

There is nothing to show the damping on the TFT, if you push the right button on the handlebar to change engine modes, dynamic will change the damping to dynamic, sometimes when I go over bumpy roads I want to change the damping to Road, this was easy on the older bikes and K16 as it was the first option on the menu button, but now I have to go through menu's to find the damping and change it, when I do change it there is nothing on the TFT to tell you what you have set it to, BTW there is only Road or Dynamic damping as on previous bikes.

When on the main screen pushing the wonder wheel right will open up the split screen and there are four displays for the split screen, trip 1 and trip 2 then map and music.

Pushing the menu button up shows user info e.g. fuel left, tyre pressure etc. You can choose from a list of options.

Music.
Its playing fine from my phone, but you have to remember to switch on your music app. I had a problem with my Sena SRL getting the volume high enough to hear it, I also have a Sena RC 3 remote on the handlebar to change volume, the wonder wheel does not do this. I contacted Sena and they said the wonder wheel is propriety to BMW and that's that. I know BMW said they made the API available, but who knows. Anyway, I think I have the volume fixed, when you have it all connected and working push the volume on you phone to max volume. I had to push the volume up button on my Galaxy S10 to do this.

Phone
I had an issue with making and receiving calls, as in, the phone connected, but no audio or mic. However, it worked yesterday, so a leprechaun must have fixed it when I wasn't looking.

Reference phones, we all now have a dilemma. We used to have dedicated Sat Nav's that could play music and could be locked into the bike when we had a lunch break, coffee etc. Now we have our mobile phone's locked in a cupboard. I like my phone on my person when I go for a coffee etc. Maybe phone my wife or check emails. Now, I have to remember to take the phone out of its hidey place. Yesterday when I went to the dealer he took the bike to check the TPMS and the phone went with him, so that was that, twiddle thumbs time.

So, I am contemplating getting a second phone for the bike, (bit of back to the future), since my phone is now my sat nav etc.it is essentially my old Nav Vi and I don't want to be putting in in and taking it out of its hidey hole all of the time, in addition, what happens if I drop it and break it.

Of course there is a benefit here, I will have two phones on my trips so if I break one, my backup will be in the cubby hole.

To be continued by me and I hope others.........................................................................
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S
To the extent it is helpful, thought I would share the email I received yesterday from BMW about connectivity issues:

We would ask you to update your iPhone to the latest iOS-Software (16.1). Please note that some individual settings of an iPhone will be resetted in case of an update. Please check
  • that no power/battery-saving modes are switched on during the use of the Connected App.
  • that the app has permanently access to your location (Settings > Location > Always).
If a change in the settings of your mobile were necessary please start the app again.

Then we ask you to reset the Connectivity/TFT display (call up the >Settings< menu. Select >Reset all< and confirm) and delete all pairings at you cell phone and your communication system. Then set up the pairings completely new (please note in this context that both your cell phone and your communication system may only be paired with the Connectivity/TFT display. An additional direct pairing between helmet and cell phone can cause problems/malfunctions).

Recommended best practice WiFi iPhone settings:
Go to settings on your iPhone > WiFi. Tap your home WiFi name or address and set “Auto-Join” to OFF Also, set “Ask to Join Networks” to OFF. In addition, please put any other smart devices you may be carrying (such as an Apple Watch) in flight mode.

Phone Location:
The location of your iPhone is important because the WiFi signal from the bike only has a very short range. The bike’s WiFi is designed to only connect with a iPhone that is located in the immediate vicinity of the Connectivity/TFT display. Location options include the charging compartment and handlebar mounted RAM or similar system. Note that the iPhone cannot be kept in the side or top cases, nor should it be in a jacket, pant pocket, or tank bag as those locations result in disturbances.

Recommended Startup Sequence. When connecting a iPhone to the bike before a ride, the recommended procedure is as follows:
1) As a general practice restart the iPhone prior to each ride. This clears and closes any open apps, which reduces the potential for interference from any open/running apps. Sometimes there are many apps opened, which can potentially be a source of conflict for the WiFi signal or the operation of the iPhone with the bike. After restarting the iPhone, open any apps that will actually be needed during the ride.
2) Turn on the Connected App, set it up on the bike, and then turn on the bike.
3) Wait for the iPhone’s Bluetooth to connect to the bike. “Connecting to bike” will be indicated on the iPhone and when the bike is connected it will then indicate “connected to
bike” on the iPhone screen. This normally takes about 10 - 15 seconds.
4) After the Bluetooth is connected, wait for the bike’s WiFi to connect to the iPhone. When it starts to connect, "Starting Map Mode" appears on the iPhone's screen, typically with a "Spinning Circle" in the upper right quadrant on the iPhone's screen. If WiFi does not connect within approximately 10 - 15 seconds (consider that to be too slow), tap on the spinning circle. A small rectangular map icon will appear in its place. Tap on the rectangular icon and it will ask to "join WiFi.” Tap "Yes". Usually this will result in a connection in 5 - 10 seconds. If not, tap the spinning circle again, then tap the rectangular map icon when it appears and try to “join WiFi” again. This should not be needed more than once but if the connection feels too slow, repeat the process. We refer to this process as “forcing” the WiFi connection, but we find that it results in an improved connection which does not fail. A number of others customers been using this procedure and have reported that it works well and as described here.
5) We usually do not turn on and connect the headset to the bike until we can see the maps on the Connectivity/TFT display. The helmet icon will appear on the screen and you will hear a message saying “phone connected”.
6) The whole process normally takes only 1 - 2 minutes or so, but it sometimes varies. We never try and wait out the WiFi connection process if it appears to be too slow without trying to “force” the connection using the above mentioned procedure. In our experience, a slow connection is indicative of a weak connection, so we repeat the process until we get a faster connection as we feel necessary.
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SvFiat
I think there's going to be another firmware update coming down the road. I try to use button 1 to mute the radio and it only allows me to turn the radio on/off. The automatic volume control setting doesn't get remembered you have to set it every time you start the bike. The distance setting for the mapping doesn't get remembered. The distance setting for the ACC doesn't always get remembered. So I'd say there's still a few bugs to be worked out.......................but other those few things I'm very pleased with the performance of the bike.
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jono
SJM_NJ said:
To the extent it is helpful, thought I would share the email I received yesterday from BMW about connectivity issues:
......
Click to expand...
Really surprised they are still missing one of the most important issues with the iPhone - notifications that displace the active app, e.g. BMW Connected, which likely will drop mapping to the TFT (at least it does on my iPhone 13).

To turn off notifications while you are riding:
  1. Go to Settings and tap Focus
  2. tap Do Not Disturb
  3. In the section labeled “Turn On Automatically” tap Add Schedule or Automation
  4. tap App, select the BMW Connected app
The phone will still "beep" when a notification comes in so you can check the phone when you stop. You can also allow important notifications if you want the alert and can deal with losing the TFT mapping to take the notification. For example, I have mine set up to except notifications from my spouse which allows her to contact me even with notifications turned off.
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PadG
There was supposed to have been a firmware update, I think in August, but I see that we are still on the _50 version. Anyone hear anything about upcoming update?
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DavidMcK
I got this from Steffen, no mention of a firmware update, but hints of version 4.3 on the App. I know they just released 4.2.2. The reference to the tunnel below is the Duplex tunnel in Paris that I was directed to and motorcycles are banned from using it.

BMW MOTORRAD CONNECTIVITY SUPPORT
Ihre Anfrage (66129) wurde aktualisiert. Um zusätzliche Kommentare hinzuzufügen, antworten Sie auf diese E-Mail.

Your support request 66129 was updated. To add further comments please reply to this e-mail.

Steffen Kraft (BMW Motorrad Connected)
20. Sept. 2022, 15:32 OESZ
Dear David,

Thank you for your e-mail.

1. + 2. We expect improvements at the voice prompts of the navigation within the update to version 4.3 of the Connected App, which probably will be released in October 2022. Until then, please be patient.

3. We passed on your information on the tunnels to our map partner TomTom for further processing. Hopefully the error can be corrected within the next update of the maps. Normally the maps will be updated every 3 to 4 months.

Kind Regards,

Steffen Kraft
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T
PadG said:
There was supposed to have been a firmware update, I think in August, but I see that we are still on the _50 version. Anyone hear anything about upcoming update?
Click to expand...
I don't wish to be hasty and put a spanner in the works, BUT, I would be hesitant to install another update. The reason being that since the _50 version was installed, for me, the App has been faultless. The connection loss issues have not re-occured and initial connection, though not lightning fast, is acceptable. Yes, the mapping resolution is still quite dire but other than that I have been more than happy.
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D
Tyke1 said:
I don't wish to be hasty and put a spanner in the works, BUT, I would be hesitant to install another update. The reason being that since the _50 version was installed, for me, the App has been faultless. The connection loss issues have not re-occured and initial connection, though not lightning fast, is acceptable. Yes, the mapping resolution is still quite dire but other than that I have been more than happy.
Click to expand...
Both dealerships that I frequent are now saying that unless you are experiencing a specific issue that is addressed in the update, they do not recommend performing updates. Aka if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The one service manager did say that the updates are generally much faster / easier for them at least.
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60Aviator
dpickens said:
Both dealerships that I frequent are now saying that unless you are experiencing a specific issue that is addressed in the update, they do not recommend performing updates. Aka if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The one service manager did say that the updates are generally much faster / easier for them at least.
Click to expand...
The problem is no one knows what is in the updates, not even the dealer! Even they don't know of a release too, the last 3 I told my dealer from info obtained here.
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Rovol
DavidMcK said:
I got this from Steffen, no mention of a firmware update, but hints of version 4.3 on the App. I know they just released 4.2.2. The reference to the tunnel below is the Duplex tunnel in Paris that I was directed to and motorcycles are banned from using it.

BMW MOTORRAD CONNECTIVITY SUPPORT
Ihre Anfrage (66129) wurde aktualisiert. Um zusätzliche Kommentare hinzuzufügen, antworten Sie auf diese E-Mail.

Your support request 66129 was updated. To add further comments please reply to this e-mail.

Steffen Kraft (BMW Motorrad Connected)
20. Sept. 2022, 15:32 OESZ
Dear David,

Thank you for your e-mail.

1. + 2. We expect improvements at the voice prompts of the navigation within the update to version 4.3 of the Connected App, which probably will be released in October 2022. Until then, please be patient.

3. We passed on your information on the tunnels to our map partner TomTom for further processing. Hopefully the error can be corrected within the next update of the maps. Normally the maps will be updated every 3 to 4 months.

Kind Regards,

Steffen Kraft
Click to expand...
If you experience problems with the maps, roads, missing roads, speed limits etc you can give the feedback directly to TomTom. Mostly in 3-6 months you see the result on the tft.

TomTom | Login page

www.tomtom.com www.tomtom.com

Just register and you can start. The same password is used to create routes, or pick some nice routes from the data base.

mydrive.tomtom.com

TomTom MyDrive

Weet altijd de snelste route en synchroniseer eenvoudig je favoriete plaatsen met de TomTom MyDrive-routeplanner
mydrive.tomtom.com mydrive.tomtom.com
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Johna11
jono said:
Really surprised they are still missing one of the most important issues with the iPhone - notifications that displace the active app, e.g. BMW Connected, which likely will drop mapping to the TFT (at least it does on my iPhone 13).

To turn off notifications while you are riding:
  1. Go to Settings and tap Focus
  2. tap Do Not Disturb
  3. In the section labeled “Turn On Automatically” tap Add Schedule or Automation
  4. tap App, select the BMW Connected app
The phone will still "beep" when a notification comes in so you can check the phone when you stop. You can also allow important notifications if you want the alert and can deal with losing the TFT mapping to take the notification. For example, I have mine set up to except notifications from my spouse which allows her to contact me even with notifications turned off.
Click to expand...
This is really great! I have been setting it manually, but this will mean I don't have to remember. Thanks for the tip.
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Hors Piste
Slight problem is that under "Do not disturb" there is no section labelled “Turn On Automatically” ?
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jono
Hors Piste said:
Slight problem is that under "Do not disturb" there is no section labelled “Turn On Automatically” ?
Click to expand...
I see they have changed the menus in the latest iOS release. It's now labeled "Set a Schedule".
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Hors Piste
Ah OK thanks
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Hors Piste
Tried a search but not found an answer to this question - has anyone used a phone in the cubby when it is in a Quadlock case? If so, does the wireless charging still work? I'm thinking of using my bike phone on another bike but don't want to keep swapping cases.
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T
Hors Piste said:
Tried a search but not found an answer to this question - has anyone used a phone in the cubby when it is in a Quadlock case? If so, does the wireless charging still work? I'm thinking of using my bike phone on another bike but don't want to keep swapping cases.
Click to expand...
Never tried it with a Quadlock case but I would think it is doubtful. Mine won't charge with a standard, quite thin case.
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Kickstart
I have a Huawei P30 with a quadlock case, and though its a very tight fit, i also use a magnetic coaxial charging lead with a 90 degree head.
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R
Hors Piste said:
Tried a search but not found an answer to this question - has anyone used a phone in the cubby when it is in a Quadlock case? If so, does the wireless charging still work? I'm thinking of using my bike phone on another bike but don't want to keep swapping cases.
Click to expand...
I’m using an iPhone X with a Quadlock case and the wireless charging does still work in the cubby hole. I‘ve got no scientific evidence either way but my impression is that it may be charging very slightly slower than my older non Quadlock case - but it works.
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Hors Piste
OK guys, thank you. My phone does at least charge with an Apple leather case on it. Might give the Quadlock a go.

On the other hand, having watched this guy
I've decided to save my cash and put a Zumo XT mount on the other bike.
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T
Connected no longer has connectivity issues with my '21 RT. But it took a while to get here, and the biggest improvement came from an unexpected source.

I tried all the tricks and advice (thanks McK!) but it was still pretty bad. My android phone didn't do well.

The dealer first pretended there was no update. When I showed them the latest version number from this forum, two versions newer, they switched their approach, and said there were no real improvements. When I didn't go away, they relented, but warned me it could take hours. And indeed it did! They took me back into the shop after I'd been waiting two hours and showed me the screen on the update computer - it said "one minute remaining" - and it had been showing that for 45 minutes. I can see why they don't like to do updates. It did finish 30 minutes later.

Well it was better - sorta. On bike restart, it had been connecting only 1 in 5 times; now it connected 1 in 3 times. This was disappointing. I messed with every setting on my Samsung Galaxy phone but nothing improved.

Then as it happened, the Galaxy developed charging problems. This wasn't my first Samsung phone with that issue, the charging port is too delicate for the way I treat phones. I decided to go with a Google Pixel 4a instead. Android is Google's creature, so it's no surprise that Android works much better on their phone. I installed Connected on it, and took the bike out. By jove, the phone and the bike reconnected every single time I restarted the bike!

I knew I needed the latest TFT firmware. But the final missing piece turned out to be the phone itself.

The other happy benefit of the TFT update was the ability to customize the buttons. My bike came through with the audio delete, back when there was a chip shortage. I don't miss the audio, but the default button programming reserved two of the buttons for audio, so they had been wasted.

For charging, I buy inexpensive wireless charging pads which stick to the back of the phone and plug into its charging port. The wireless charging built into the bike's phone cubby keeps the phone well charged. (but not when I have a case on the phone, sadly.)
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PadG
This thread is far too large for you to have read much, but I have often stated that the Pixel is the ideal phone for this application. I also had that wireless charging add-on, and just want to warn you that if you ride in hot climate, you may want to think about a short USB cable for charging inside the cubby, because with the wireless charging, your phone will shut down from over heating when ambient temperature, as shown on your dash, is about 90°F. The immediate solution, if you run into that is to open the lid of the cubby before the ambient temperature has reached that point, and you will be good to go. Just make sure it's not raining hard!!! ;)

You should look at what I had posted, post #1523 TFT and General stuff on the 21 including Sept/Dec 21... for reference.
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