Multi Media Interface
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Audi Multi Media Interface, commonly abbreviated to MMI, is an in-car user interface system developed by Audi, and implemented in most of its latest series of cars/automobiles since 2004.
It is similar to BMW's iDrive system, though MMI has generally been better received by the motoring press.
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[edit] Concept
MMI consists of a single interface, which controls a variety of devices and functions of the car, thus minimizing the vast array of buttons and dials normally found on a dashboard. The system consists of the MMI terminal and the MMI display screen.
The central element of the MMI terminal is the control dial. This dial can be rotated, to navigate up and down through menus, and pressed to activate a selected highlighted function. Four or eight function buttons surround the control dial (dependent on MMI specification installed in the car), which can be used to call up a corresponding on-screen menu. The MMI screen is available as a 5-inch monochrome black & red or 7-inch 16:9 full colour display, depending on the variation of MMI fitted in the car. MMI uses Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) technology to interconnect the various systems. Harman Becker manufactures the system, utilizing QNX Neutrino's Real Time Operating System (RTOS) software.
[edit] Variations
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On the A6 and S6[1], MMI comes in a choice of 3 systems, MMI Basic, MMI Basic Plus and MMI . The features of the 3 varieties are as follows:
- MMI basic
- 5-inch monochrome display (red and black)
- optional CD-ROM based satelite navigation (with single country street-level maps)
- radio tuner (with RDS Traffic Programme (TP))
- single CD player
- MMI basic plus - all features of MMI basic, plus:
- DSP 10-speaker sound system
- ability to store (TIM) RDS Traffic Announcement messages (TA)
- MMI - the features of MMI basic plus, and the addition of:
For the current A8 and S8[2], and the forthcoming Q5[3] (although this may change when the car is widely available with a finalised full specification and options list), the MMI only comes as a complete "one size fits all" package.
On the current Q7, it is available in two specifications, the standard MMI (with 8 speakers, monochrome display, and radio/CD player, and 4 function keys), and the optional MMI High (7" hi-res colour monitor, double tuner extended radio, DSP sound system, and separate CD changer - but NO navigation, which is an extra option).
[edit] Functions
MMI operates a large number of in car entertainment components, car electronics, and other functions. The list below indicates the scope of systems controllable by MMI. However, depending on the actual car model, along with which version was specified (MMI basic, MMI High, etc), only some, and not all functions will be applicable or available.
- Satellite Navigation, including traffic management (TMC)
- Radio tuner
- CD Changer
- TV Tuner
- Telephone & Directory
- heating, ventilation, air conditioning / Climate Control, and seat heating
- Car Setup (e.g. central locking and convenience function (comming home/leaving home, power sunroof and windows) options, global audio settings, suspension settings[4] etc.)
- Driver Information (e.g. fuel economy statistics (often encompassed by "trip computer" functions), battery level, tyre pressure monitoring, etc.)
- User Manual (full on-board car user manual, displayed on screen)
[edit] Cars
Audi models featuring MMI are:
- A4 (B8) 2008 onwards
- A5
- A6 (C6) 2005 onwards
- S6 (C6) 2006 onwards
- A8 (D3) from the 2005 facelift onwards
- S8 (D3) 2006 onwards
- Q7
[edit] Criticisms
While intuitive and user-friendly, MMI can be difficult to operate when driving. A sequence of menus may need to be accessed in order to change a particular setting, such as radio station, rather than having a dedicated button designated to such a function. This can make changing a setting both time-consuming and arguably hazardous under certain circumstances, where the driver is distracted from the road. It must be said, however, that this concern can also apply to other dashboard interfaces and even conventional dashboards.
[edit] Other Information
- The MMI systems firmware can be updated, either by a dealer, or by a more recent release of navigation software. Bug-fixes, and enhancements can be added in this process, and on first installing a new navigation DVD, the firmware version is updated and system altered.
- MMI featuring DVD based navigation has a DVD disc drive located in the boot/trunk. This is used exclusively for navigation and contains the navigation software DVD.
[edit] Pseudo-MMI
Certain Audi cars have a "pseudo" type of MMI. These are the A3, A4 (B6 and B7), and the TT - when fitted with the RNS-E DVD based "Audi Navigation Plus" system. Whilst appearing to be a similar layout, and operating in a similar manner, these two systems are very different, are unable to share mapping discs or software, and are not able to control non-ICE functions (such as Climate, convenience or suspension settings).
[edit] Competing Technologies
Other car manufacturers use similar technologies in their car, including BMW with its iDrive system and Mercedes-Benz with its COMAND system.
[edit] References
[edit] See also
- Audi
- Audi Navigation Plus
- Global Navigation Satellite System
[edit] External links
- Audi.com Audi corporate site
- Audi MMI in Audi UK Glossary
- NAVplus.us online forum dedicated to Audi Navigation plus (and Volkswagen systems)
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