Live Internet onto the Navigation screen ?

[dominicR8]

did anyone ever think about having online Internet on the R8 navigation screen ? with the new mobile generation 3G (and 4G coming), and the fact that it is possible to view TV onto the screen already, Audi should be able to provide shortly such new firmware ?

I'm wondering what we exactly need to display Internet Explorer pages today ? I guess that the R8 has some sort of a PC inside to run the DVD navigation system already.

Mobile live Internet in cars is closer that we think. BMW is now launching this option in 7 series.

[ianerrid]

Not going to be a firmware change, and the R8 most definitely doesn't have a PC in it, the closest it has is CPU or two. I have seen a splitter module you can attach to the video input that Apline uses to add proper iPod integration but not what your after, except if esteemed forum'ers know differently....

[Davey_Dee]

I don't see the point in having so much to do in a car that isn't driving. TV in the back seats (not in the R8 obv) for long trips, fair enough, but TV and internet in the front is just bizarre to me

[ianerrid]

You probably have to be a working stiff, or a business to run, to understand why you would need internet in a car ;-) Try working on that teeny-tiny screen on your phone for very long... More of an issue is how you would drive the 'keyboard' that rotary controller on the MMI is way clunky and a only jusy usable UX IMHO

[dominicR8]

Well, I see plenty of good reasons to have Internet onboard: I can see it as being a great tool for travelling to start with. Tie the GPS in with google Maps and other search engines. Search for addresses of friends and families while on the road. Hungry? Do a search for the closest Cafe to your location and make your choice looking at their web sites. Could be good for music too as you can stream in your favourite station...

Also useful for intervehicular communications. If someone in one vehicle takes a picture, it can be shown to everyone. Navigators in all vehicles can discuss the best route.

Stucked in a traffic jam ? or waiting for someone in a parking ? enjoy a movie while waiting...

I would love seing a very important email with PDF prior visiting a customer. At home I have a few Internet cameras that can be seen online while travelling.

Just to name a few. I'm sure there must be tons of opportunities.

[SDR8]

The screen rez and interface is very limited. You are better off just getting a simple netbook and wireless service. Then you have a fully usable computer that you can take wherever. They are small and can be stored pretty easy. I know their screens are not great, but for just a few hundred dollars, what do you expect. Consider it a disposable toy that can be functional.

[harrison]

People who use their phones for internet make me laugh. And internet on the R8 would REQUIRE a passenger to operate. I am sooo happy taking my laptop everywhere with me (broadband card). I have actually uploaded pics and chatted on this forum while the G.F. was driving 100mph and me doing business on internet as shotgun passenger. The ONLY way to fly!!!!!!!!! Sure the internet is indispensable, But hard to use while driving.