According to this Acura site a newer version of our NAVI DVD will be out this month.

https://iweb.alpine-usa.com/Acuradvdsales/naviorder.php

Whats going to be the big differences? Any changes in user interface? Or do you think it's just adding coverage for more cities?

Thanks!

 

No ideas yet what's new, but they did update the site today stating that you should check back towards the end of the month for availability - no pre-orders yet and no details on what's changed.

 

Since they are only going from 3.4 to 3.5, I would guess it's only fixes to reported problems, new road changes and new POI locations. If they were going to 4.0, I would think it might be a new interface/software. I got a survery from them recently and sent in a bunch of suggestions. Hopefully they will incorporate some of them on the next release.

 

how can I check my version, and what should it be? Had the car a week, but I've been so busy with school and exams to play around too much.

If I remember correctly, its in the setup screen right?

 

The easy way is to check the DVD - is in the trunk and should pop right out like a normal CD ROM. Car power should be on to do this. The two keys are the color and version. I got mine TL about 5 weeks ago and have the newest available - although sounds like in a couple of weeks I'll already be behind.

 

It looks like they can add features like restaurent guide just by replacing DVD. I belive that's what they've done on TSX. Now TSX uses white DVD instead of orange and it looks like exactly same disc a RL and MDX

 

how much do the update cost at the dealer???

 

$185

 

TL Navi is still a piece of crap compared to most GPS's now available!

Just plan stupid that I have to carry a handheld GPS if I want to navigate in western Canada which is mostly rural with small towns.
Don't understand why Acura is still using the current software when there are many programs availabe that have much better coverage and mapping.
It would be nice if I could use Mio Map or Tom Tom GPS Software and load it into the TL's Navi.

 

Jmark, Western Canada?

Im here in Calgary (above montana) and Navi is useless as soon as I get out of two major cities in province. Edmonton and calgary

 

Yup, just up the road from you in Red Deer.
Friggin' North West Accura told me Red Deer would be on the map. But off course we aren't.

When I drove to Kelowna (which is on the Map) I brought my Mio168 PPC with GPS. I was amazed at the amount of information the hand held provided during the trip, while the Acura Navi showed a black screen. Once in Kelowna the held held still had much more information that the Acura Navi.

Just seems crazy this day and age to use a GPS software that was obviously designed many, many years ago.

Come on Acura dump the current system and use a decent mapping program!!

John

 

HOPEFULLY, acura will incorporate the Zagats restaurant review guide in the new TL navi, but its doubtful. as well as everyone is hoping for more voice commands, i don't think we will get them either, i just think we'll get some upgraded graphics....and we'll get more POI aswell as there has been talk about something with the ON-RAMPS and OFF-RAMPS where its more detailed im not sure if u search ull find the thread.

IMO, being that the 06's are out already, i think they would have used new Zagats rating guide and more voice commands as a marketing ploy...just my 2 cents tho...i could be wrong

 

based on spending $185 on 3.30 > 3.40, I can honestly tell you:

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY.

There really were few, if any, differences. Complete waste.

 

yeah only if they add new featuers like restaurent guide and trip computer I might consider upgrade.

Jmark, I went banff today and I took 1A instead of highway 1. It had canmore in database which is suprising. Another frustration is when I try to go to the States. Hwy#2 ends at Fort Macleod and from there I have to use paper map until I get to the border. Then all of sudden US-89 pops up on screen. I carry my laptop with Microsoft Mappoint from work installed when I go on long trip.

 

yeh...i wish our navi was like the 350z navi w/ the bird's eye view. Looks so much nicer.

 

there won't be any major updates....if u look on the site it says so on the left side bar.....it will just be some minor software upgrades and more POI....ill definatly be getting it because i like to have the updated streets and phone numbers cause a few things have changed in jersey.....hopefully theyll be on the updated disc

 

I just got an 06 TL, which updated do we get mailed for free??? or do we?

 

the TL navi is not a stupid piece of crap.

Maybe you should move to the USA and solve your problem !!!

 

" the TL navi is not a stupid piece of crap.

Maybe you should move to the USA and solve your problem !!! "

Yea, right that's the solution LOL !!!

It seems to me a couple of states are also missing from Accura's GPS system as well! But then those states missing are comprised of black american's and I suppose they don't need a GPS in their cars.

If it's not a piece of crap as I suggest then tell me why I can buy just about ANY other GPS system and have ALL of North America ?
It's shameful that the makers of a $45k car can't put together a decent GPS system that meet's the needs of ALL their customers.
However as your message suggests the GPS was probably put together by U.S. personal and thus the lack full North American system.

John

 

But then those states missing are comprised of black american's and I suppose they don't need a GPS in their cars.

Now that's just a ridiculous comment.

 

Actually Acura is complimenting black american's on their excellent sense of direction.

 

I just find it crazy that I just bought the 3.4 and here comes 3.5; I am not going up upgrade it until 3.8 or 4.0. That is unless I can figure out a way to create a "backup" of 3.4 and use that skills to help others back up their v3.5?? Has anyone successful created a "backup" disk? There is nothing more painful than buying something from a company that does not offer a cheaper solution than a complete $180 per .whatever upgrade.

Let's work on this so that all those scratched bought disk can be replaced with a "backup"

 

u could go to the dealership and just steal the navi disc right from under their noses...lol

jk

 

that's not a bad idea..... maybe test drive one and buck the navi disc from the truck... rotflmao !!!

all joking aside, is 3.5 out now already?? from their site it doesn't show what version they are selling you..

also, is there no way to copy the dam thing... with all of the dvd-a copying etc.. no one here can make a copy of this disc so we don't all have to buy it???

where are all of you computer techies now ???

 

I agree, I'm black and instead of the navi directing me to my nice house in a prodomently white neigborhood, it always sends me to the nearest projects.

 

Hmmm... well I wanted to try out the 06... and a quick stop in a shopping center, 30 seconds in the trunk to swap disks, no-one will be the wiser.

 

Anyone know if the DVD is a dual sided DVD? Just wondering if they could get more in their POI database if they made it dual sided if it wasn't already.

 

that would be a horrible idea to make it dual sided, you would have to get out and flip the disc

if you meant dual layered, then yes they already are

 

Yeah tell me about it. My gf and I went to quebec this summer, and realised that there's nothing east of montreal. I mean, no QUEBEC CITY - you'd think they'd at least cover the major canadian cities if for no other reason then selling to customers there.

 

I just saw pic of IS350 navi and colors look much nicer. Acura, do better.

 

It'll get better... Next gen.. :P

 

how many of u are going to upgrade? i wouldn't mind the updated maps

 

people who have used the IS nav say its not as good. it looks nicer though because the screen is 852x480 resolution while all the acura nav screens are like 480x256 or something in that range.

functionally it doesnt matter, though i know the IS can play dvds while parked and a 480 line screen would help for that.

 

I will upgrade when I can rip the (piece of junk) Acurra GPS out and replace it with a system that is truly North American.


John

 

THE IS CAN PLAY DVD's??!??!?!

 

3.50 is now available on www.acuranavi.com!

Get em while their hot!

 

There is no reference to any enhancements like on the TSX. What the F!

 

there never was...it blatantly stated it on the sidebar...

 

OK, I just looked on the order site and checked the coverage. It still doesn't provide coverage for where I live, Montgomery Alabama. But yet when i look at the MDX 2006 coverage, not an update but the standard issue that comes with the vehicle, it does provide coverage for where I live. The version number is also 4.31 vs. the 3.50 update that they are selling for my 05 TL. So what is the deal? Why wouldn't they at least include the same coverage? Don't need the Zagat survey...I just want to navigate.

 

They have the same map coverage.

3.XX = 3rd generation navigation system (orange disc)
4.XX = 4th generation navigation system (white disc for US/gray disc for Canada)

If you have a 3rd gen navi system (04-06 TL), you can only install a disc with version 3.XX.

new features/upgrades of the 4th generation navi system:

- faster processor
- voice recognition - city/street name
- more voice commands
- Zagat survey - US restaurants
- waypoints

The 2007 TL will probably get the upgraded navi hardware/software with the MMC. The 2006 MDX, RL, TSX, Accord and Odyssey have it. I'm not sure about the others.