How bad IS the ipod/iphone integration?

[bushido_blade]

I've seen the petition. Is it really that bad? Every time I start my car, will my podcast or audiobook get set back to 00:00? Will it be more hassle than utility to use the texting features? What's it like to make calls through the sound system?

This could be a deal-breaker, no matter how awesome other features of the car may be. I'm trapped in my vehicle in heavy traffic for up to two hours each day, and I need the electronics to work.

 

[badself]

If those things are high on your list of priorities, then I would look elsewhere. The nav/infotainment system is pure junk, and although there's a lot of hype to get signatures for this petition, I'm not holding my breath. Even if Mazda were to put together a software/firmware revision, the hardware is obsolete and unsupported, so the results would be lackluster at best. I do like the car for the most part, but the infotainment and wind infiltration deficiences really detract from the car. I'm sure the diehard fanbois would disagree, and that's OK.

 

[jrabakker]

As far as calls go, I have no issues at all with it. It properly syncs with the car, and I have added the numbers I call frequently ot the quick dial list. You can access the whole database on your phone, but that takes a lot of scrolling thru the list. Call quality is just fine, even on noisy roads.
I never use the voice instructions to call people, as a lot of my contacts have european names and the system never gets it right.

As for music, I never use the phone's playlist, I always use pandora and that works just fine for me.

 

[Tyrdstorm]

I know for sure podcasts do not reset. They start off where you left off. I listen to podcasts every day with a 1hr commute each way. Pandora works just fine as well.

 

[ukulelecanadian]

Receiving a call is very easy, Making a call is kind of frustrating, but once you get good navigating the system it's not too bad.

I do not recommend getting text messages loaded because it's pure garbage and I could never get it to work quite right.

As far as music goes, yes it restarts the top of the album or playlist every time you turn the car on. I jut select my playlist at the beginning of my drive anyway, so it's not too bad. One serious pet peeve of mine is that only the standard music player on my iPhone is supported well. I can play songs through my Spotify, but for absolutely no reason it will switch back to the default player forcing me to manually switch it back.

As for podcasts, one fix would be to connect your phone via AUX instead of by Bluetooth. You will have to use your phone to navigate to your podcasts, but at least the phone will remember where it left off, and will automatically pause when your car turns off.

If it drives you too crazy, and you still really want the Mazda 6, you can always have a shop put in an aftermarket head unit.

 

[bushido_blade]

I drove the 6 yesterday on an extended test drive. All of the audio/tech stuff was a little off. Sometimes the skip button for Pandora worked on the touch screen, sometimes it totally ignored the presses. Podcast started where I had left off in a previous car but, like ukulelecanadian mentioned, my Downcast app worked only through a bit of "turn off X, turn on Y" and didn't remember when I restarted the car.

Phone -- do you always have to start with "Phone" then wait for the prompt of the phone commands before saying "Dial..."?

 

[palomatic]

I have had my 6 touring w/tech for more than 7 months now, have had no issues so far with anything. I love my sound system and the infotainment system. I did test drive a lot of different cars prior to buying mine and I didn't think others were any better. In fact Mazda infotainment system is elegant and adequate(however may not be for everyone).

I did sign the petition for a software update for the infotainment hoping to get just a little better than what we have so far. Let's see what happens there.

 

[Blackzilla]

i have Touring w/Tech as well and iPod integration sucks. i have an iPod classic that is very very slow to load up sometimes and the worst part is that it starts from the very beginning of the iPod so I've heard 100% in the B!+@h about a million times (good song just hate hearing it every single time). also i have an HTC One (Android rules) so Pandora i always have to start it on my phone then in the car and i have to start my music if im switching over from Pandora. im seriously considering getting a new head unit after a much needed exhaust and intake upgrade. other than that the car is pure gold its unique, sexy, and the fuel economy is shocking for a car this size and i still get compliments all the time. let us know what you decide