Adapting 2014 multimedia software (Pandora) into 2013's unit.

[SayNoToPistons]

I've been looking into a possible way to update our multimedia unit (w/ or w/o TomTom navi) to adapt features included with the 2014's Touring and GT unit. The 2014 unit comes with app expansion and includes the Pandora internet radio app and a voice controlled SMS app. I am more intrigued by the Pandora app of course as I am a frequent user of Pandora streaming.

What I have discovered is that the 2014 does not require the TomTom navi expansion unit to include such apps. So I am doubting that the software is stored in the SD card that comes with the TomTom reader unit located to the left of the steering wheel. It is a guarantee that both the 2013 and 2014 headunit is the same (hardware) and is modular. That leaves me wondering how one can possibly access the software to update it. I am unsure if access to the headunit software can be done via the USB connector or somehow using the TomTom SD card unit.

Any informative input is appreciated. I guess this is where the electrical and computer science engineers come into play .

 

[nizzy1115]

Trust me we all want to know, but no one has answers yet.

 

[paris1]

Are you old enuf to remember the "$64,000 question"?

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Trust me we all want to know, but no one has answers yet.

Figured dedicating a thread just for this cause will benefit productivity (rofl2)

 

[popeyecahn]

Figured dedicating a thread just for this cause will benefit productivity (rofl2)

I wouldn't count on much in that regard. If the info can be obtained as to the software injection method and the ROM for the '14 radio secured, I guess it would only be a matter of the qualified individual hacking said unit. Finding all three may turn into a Holy Grail proposition... Let me just state this: It would be far cheaper, quicker and a better end result just to trash the OEM deck and get a higher end unit from Alpine/JVC/Pioneer etc that has all that and more.

 

[paris1]

It would be far cheaper, quicker and a better end result just to trash the OEM deck and get a higher end unit from Alpine/JVC/Pioneer etc that has all that and more.

I would question the economics of such a move. BTW: I'm always amazed by owners who buy a $25k vehicle and then go out and spend another $5k replacing half of the OE equipment!

 

[popeyecahn]

I would question the economics of such a move.

Indeed, but compare that against trying to upgrade the software on the OEM radio sans Mazda assistance. I mean if one has the skill, warez and time to sort out the upgrade and any associated bugs, then by all means, but a quality HU as I mentioned installed couldn't be more than 5-600 samolians.

BTW: I'm always amazed by owners who buy a $25k vehicle and then go out and spend another $5k replacing half of the OE equipment!

Which is another reason I opted out of all that mess and got the stripper model (plus I wanted a manual transmission), I may change out the radio , I may not but the speakers had to go! lol

 

[Snacks]

A friend of mine is a parts manager at a Mazda dealer in Ohio. He is checking to see if a "software update" is possible.

 

[shadowfiber]

If a software update was possible, I would be absolutely thrilled. I'm sure most dealers can flash the hardware in the case of an issue. So it could be possible.

 

[rcs914]

The Gracenote database in the headunit can be updated through the USB port. One would assume that this would mean that the rest of the software could be updated too - how is a different question. I love the Pandora App, but I probably would do without it just to have my USB stick MP3's resume after I restart my car, which you have in the '13 and I'm missing in the '14 due to some programmers oversight.

 

[jtcx5]

I would also like to have the USB interface resume playback on the '14. If anyone figures out how to update software and can get files, please post!

 

[paris1]

I love the Pandora App, but I probably would do without it just to have my USB stick MP3's resume after I restart my car, which you have in the '13 and I'm missing in the '14 due to some programmers oversight.

That's the same issue I have when I try to stream Pandora using bluetooth on my '13. It will pick up the phone part of the signal on engine restart, but I have to play with it so much to get it to restart the music side that I finally gave up and now just use the 3.5mm audio cnx for Pandora.

 

[rcs914]

The moral of the story is the same for all software - when there is a fix or a new feature, something else ends up broken.

 

[Snacks]

Got some info from my friend at the dealer.

Just got off the phone with tech support and there is no update through mazda other then changing to head unit, called the exchange place and there is no upgrade program as of now.. but maybe in the at a later date

 

[Kelseyx]

Got some info from my friend at the dealer.

Thank you for using your resources for us 2013 owners wanting the 2014 stereo updates.

 

[Caspan]

I would want to see if we could upgrade the firmware as well if the units are the same.

Now with that said replacing the unit is not the best idea because of all the built in car settings that could never be accessed again with an aftermarket stereo.

 

[popeyecahn]

...replacing the unit is not the best idea because of all the built in car settings that could never be accessed again with an aftermarket stereo.

Ahhh I see then, I have no knowledge of these things since I have the stripper model. I would think though that the Personalization features would still be accessible in the same fashion as mine are (a trip to the dealership to handle changes), no?

 

[SayNoToPistons]

There are too many settings that are usually made on the fly to be tampered with. That includes auto on/off wipers, headlight settings (timing, brightness activation), interior lights, and door locks.

 

[popeyecahn]

Indeed. I will shut my trap then. Yeah I truly had no idea about all that stuff, I apologize for the lame suggestion made prior.

 

[Caspan]

Indeed. I will shut my trap then. Yeah I truly had no idea about all that stuff, I apologize for the lame suggestion made prior.

Nope it is a good option you just need to weigh if the pros ought weigh the cons. For some that would be minor. I only go into my settings maybe once every 2 months so going to the dealership would not be a big deal for my next oil change getting them to make the change.