Golf 7 - No USB port - really?
Discussion
kambites said:
Ah if it can play MP3s from a standard storage device that would make a lot more sense. I'm not sure why you'd want to involve apps in the process anyway; the car's own head unit is much easier (not to mention more legal) to interact with while driving.
Agreed, but in my case the radio station I want is streaming only so I'd be using their app or something like TuneIn.I believe with some apps you can control the app on the phone from the head unit, in this case it's live streaming only.
A previous phone I had, a Nokia N86 as it happened, had a very clever bit of kit that you don't see on any car these days. It negated the requirement for USB or a cable or AUX port or any of that crap. A built in FM transmitter. You activated it inside the car and it emitted a low power FM signal that could easily be picked up by the car radio. I used it dozens of times but new phones don't seem to have them anymore. 
Definite first world problem, but I am constantly amazed how far behind the manufacturers are with this stuff. They seem intent on either ignoring it altogether, or cobbling together some bespoke interface which only works with certain things and which you can only operate with two buttons that also have about 15 other functions.
How about, a USB for charging, and a nice, simple, line-in jack. Then I can connect whatever device I want, I don't have to learn yet another interface, and it will cost less.
How about, a USB for charging, and a nice, simple, line-in jack. Then I can connect whatever device I want, I don't have to learn yet another interface, and it will cost less.
MissChief said:
A previous phone I had, a Nokia N86 as it happened, had a very clever bit of kit that you don't see on any car these days. It negated the requirement for USB or a cable or AUX port or any of that crap. A built in FM transmitter. You activated it inside the car and it emitted a low power FM signal that could easily be picked up by the car radio. I used it dozens of times but new phones don't seem to have them anymore.
Probably because it makes all your music sound like it's been played from the bottom of a fish tank.I have a Griffin iTrip which I use whenever I'm using a vehicle with no Aux/USB ports and it really is screws up the quality. I've heard FM quality is equivalent to using a 32kbps bitrate.
That just about sums VW up. Their cars are already far more expensive than they should be and they want you to pay even more for a bloody port.
I had use of a new Mazda 3 a few weeks ago. It had 2 USB ports, SD card slot and an AUX port. That car was probably a lot cheaper than a Golf when new too.
I had use of a new Mazda 3 a few weeks ago. It had 2 USB ports, SD card slot and an AUX port. That car was probably a lot cheaper than a Golf when new too.
ging84 said:
is this a serious thread?
this is not even a 1st world problem
this is just
there is no word for what it is, but there should be
You have no idea how much it fthis is not even a 1st world problem
this is just
there is no word for what it is, but there should be
ks me off when I can't just plug my iPhone straight into a car stereo either by USB, Aux-in or preferably Bluetooth, for the purposes of music playback.It would definitely stop me buying a car if that facilty wasn't present.
I've had to spend hundreds replacing the head units in my classic/older cars so that they have the correct connectivity.
Hardly anyone I know listens to FM radio these days, and we spend hours in cars, so wanting to be able to listen to our own music isn't really that much of an ask I don't think?
NinjaPower said:
Hardly anyone I know listens to FM radio these days, and we spend hours in cars, so wanting to be able to listen to our own music isn't really that much of an ask I don't think?
Interesting. Am I really that behind the times in never having even bothered with bluetooth/streaming until now?I'd assumed that 95% of listening in cars is still just FM/DAB via the onboard.
CarAbuser said:
MissChief said:
A previous phone I had, a Nokia N86 as it happened, had a very clever bit of kit that you don't see on any car these days. It negated the requirement for USB or a cable or AUX port or any of that crap. A built in FM transmitter. You activated it inside the car and it emitted a low power FM signal that could easily be picked up by the car radio. I used it dozens of times but new phones don't seem to have them anymore.
Probably because it makes all your music sound like it's been played from the bottom of a fish tank.I have a Griffin iTrip which I use whenever I'm using a vehicle with no Aux/USB ports and it really is screws up the quality. I've heard FM quality is equivalent to using a 32kbps bitrate.
Motorrad said:
kambites said:
Given that iPhones make up such a tiny proportion of the portable media type market, that would be really, really moronic if it's true.
Would be great if true. A tie up between the purveyors of the Emperor's new clothes seems like perfect brand synergy.
There is that. I suspect there's a pretty strong correlation between iPhone buyers and Golf buyers. 
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Bit late now I'm driving the bloody thing but it seems the Golf 7 doesn't come with a USB port to allow you to charge your phone.
It does have a media cable or something in the console in front of the gear selector - and from a quick Google it seems you can buy a cable which converts to USB from either VW or third party i.e. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004I9CXHW?ref_...
I just want to check I'm not missing something here and that's really how it is?
I've hunted everywhere and I can't see a USB port anywhere - dash has a couple of SDs and a CD but that's about it.
OPIt does have a media cable or something in the console in front of the gear selector - and from a quick Google it seems you can buy a cable which converts to USB from either VW or third party i.e. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004I9CXHW?ref_...
I just want to check I'm not missing something here and that's really how it is?
I've hunted everywhere and I can't see a USB port anywhere - dash has a couple of SDs and a CD but that's about it.
Sounds like the Golf you have has the Nav Pro option if it has the SD card slots in the glovebox. In the centre console in from of the gear stick there should be an Aux In headphone socket then just below it a vertical USB socket. VW don’t supply cables if you have the Nav Pro option (had a number of infuriating discussions myself when in a similar situation and they kept sending me out there own MMI cables) I use an iPhone and an old iPod Classic so just have spare charging leads for both with the 3 pin removed obviously in the front console and switch them accordingly through the USB input. I find this setup charges everything fine and works well.
If you don’t have this option then indeed you will need a VW cable which the dealer should supply as others above mention. The input for this should be under the armrest inside the bin below it on the front or rear side.
Hope that helps
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