I would hope that Mazda releases, at a minimum, a bug fix. Mazda is obviously trying to inch into the higher end market with the styling of the CX-5 (and the new 6 for that matter). Also, there are competitors (Ford, etc) that issue updates to their systems. They need to show they are taking this seriously and support the previous model...or should I say the current model which I own that is soon to be the previous one!
Infotainment Software Update?
- Thread starter CX_CO
- Start date
I would be disappointed if they didn't have a software update, which personally I feel should be free while under warranty. One of the big selling points in cars now is the technology, and cars are designed so that even on-board "computers" can be upgraded with firmware updates, it would be nice if they included these under warranty. After warranty there can be some price structure.
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- Mazda CX-5 Touring w/bose-tech
there's no reason the system couldn't be user updated thru the usb or the cd drive most headunits have had that functionality for years
unless of course they don't want to deal with having to offer it as a free "under warranty" item like sxa mentioned that a lot of people would demand. I have trouble seeing it as a warranty item since they aren't defects in the way it operates they are just different features. And it wasn't represented as having those features when the car was sold.
and if it is the same head unit with the new features then it might be more likely but if they updated it to a new part number to handle the new features (like more memory or processing power) then it would be less likely. For example the iphone was supposed to be forever updated with software to never be obsolete and yet a complete new phone still comes out every year that can do things the old ones can't even with an update.
It would be really cool if they did give us an update but car companies don't tend to look back at prior years of cars when they do things so if it is a new part for the head unit then they may not even want to invest the time to test it in the old one. Imagine if they update the old one and then it runs into some type of problem.
I could see a backwards compatible update happening more for the fancier, bragged about, sync and cue type systems where it is a strong selling point for the cars which is highlighted in commercials and generates a lot of bad press when they are hard to work. Ours are much simpler, basic systems
and if it is the same head unit with the new features then it might be more likely but if they updated it to a new part number to handle the new features (like more memory or processing power) then it would be less likely. For example the iphone was supposed to be forever updated with software to never be obsolete and yet a complete new phone still comes out every year that can do things the old ones can't even with an update.
It would be really cool if they did give us an update but car companies don't tend to look back at prior years of cars when they do things so if it is a new part for the head unit then they may not even want to invest the time to test it in the old one. Imagine if they update the old one and then it runs into some type of problem.
I could see a backwards compatible update happening more for the fancier, bragged about, sync and cue type systems where it is a strong selling point for the cars which is highlighted in commercials and generates a lot of bad press when they are hard to work. Ours are much simpler, basic systems
There is a big difference with an iPhone ($750 MSRP on the iPhone 5) and a car (~27K if you want the features which I am advocating the updates for).
While there are people that do keep phones for 5-10 years, a LOT of people seem to replace them every couple of years. I am on a 2-3 year cycle myself with my phone. For cars the cycles do vary based on person, but my history this been as been an average of 5 years.
So where am I going with this? Your points are valid; however, in this day in age the idea that you can buy the hardware and get updates for a period of time is a really big selling point. I don't know what car companies are doing software upgrades for their infotainment systems, but I think it would say great things about Mazda if they decided to do it. While the handling the vehicle, fuel consumption, styling and of course quality are more important factors than on-board tech, the on-board tech is a selling point and it would make sense, IMHO, to throw in upgrades to that system for the first 3 years/36,000 miles.
While there are people that do keep phones for 5-10 years, a LOT of people seem to replace them every couple of years. I am on a 2-3 year cycle myself with my phone. For cars the cycles do vary based on person, but my history this been as been an average of 5 years.
So where am I going with this? Your points are valid; however, in this day in age the idea that you can buy the hardware and get updates for a period of time is a really big selling point. I don't know what car companies are doing software upgrades for their infotainment systems, but I think it would say great things about Mazda if they decided to do it. While the handling the vehicle, fuel consumption, styling and of course quality are more important factors than on-board tech, the on-board tech is a selling point and it would make sense, IMHO, to throw in upgrades to that system for the first 3 years/36,000 miles.
I don't disagree that it would be cool, I just think our 'infotainment system' is so basic that Mazda may not even think of upgrading older ones.
Like I mentioned, the GM and Ford systems are actually advertised as reasons to look at their cars. And as such are also one of the reasons their cars have dropped in the surveys of late so it is of great interest to them to try to improve people's opinions and perceptions of their systems. If the 'technology' in Mazda's bluetooth and radio was a selling point for this car then you have low demands on those systems. I bought the car in spite of it having a very basic system.
and while there is a big difference in price between an iphone and a car, the radio is just one small portion of the car.
Like I said, updates would be cool but to demand them for free or criticize the company for not offering them is silly to me. I knew what the radio could and couldn't do when I bought it and I just don't expect Mazda to foot the bill for updating it. Because nothing is free, someone has to pay the tech at the dealership to do it. It would be like saying they should replace our steering wheel for free if the new model has one that is more comfortable.
Like I mentioned, the GM and Ford systems are actually advertised as reasons to look at their cars. And as such are also one of the reasons their cars have dropped in the surveys of late so it is of great interest to them to try to improve people's opinions and perceptions of their systems. If the 'technology' in Mazda's bluetooth and radio was a selling point for this car then you have low demands on those systems. I bought the car in spite of it having a very basic system.
and while there is a big difference in price between an iphone and a car, the radio is just one small portion of the car.
Like I said, updates would be cool but to demand them for free or criticize the company for not offering them is silly to me. I knew what the radio could and couldn't do when I bought it and I just don't expect Mazda to foot the bill for updating it. Because nothing is free, someone has to pay the tech at the dealership to do it. It would be like saying they should replace our steering wheel for free if the new model has one that is more comfortable.
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- 2023 CX-5 Premium; 2018 Mazda 3 GT hatch
Fine; so just offer a software upgrade for a reasonable fee. Problem solved!
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I'm not criticizing Mazda, just asking them to adress whether or not they plan on supporting their earlier releases. Honestly though, you'd think that it wouldn't be hard for them to add features to "older" vehicles since their just building on the existing software.
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- Mazda CX-5 Touring w/bose-tech
sorry but this software was half assed
wonky mp3 support, myriad bluetooth issues, its like the only thought they put into it was 'lets add very basic features just so we can say we have them' with out fleshing them out better
if its just a software difference between the '14 model then there's no reason mazda couldn't allow for it to be upgraded at the dealer, thats just customer service
wonky mp3 support, myriad bluetooth issues, its like the only thought they put into it was 'lets add very basic features just so we can say we have them' with out fleshing them out better
if its just a software difference between the '14 model then there's no reason mazda couldn't allow for it to be upgraded at the dealer, thats just customer service
mikeregister
Member
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- 2013 Mazda CX-5 GT
I see no reason why it couldn't be updated if I remember correctly in the diagnostic mode there is an option to update via usb.
SayNoToPistons
Wheels, not rims...
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- CX-5 GT AWD w/ Tech, RX-8 GT 6spd w/ 'goodies'
As I said before, the TomTom system is modular. It is the same as the 2014 Mazda6 and obviously the 2014 CX-5. Waiting for someone to get a hold of one of the 2014 with tech and make a copy of their SD card.
SayNoToPistons
Wheels, not rims...
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- CX-5 GT AWD w/ Tech, RX-8 GT 6spd w/ 'goodies'
I see a few people i the CX-5 lounge section are taking deliveries of the 2014 CX-5's... Would any of you care to chime in on your 2014 infotainment system?
Anyone verify that it has an option for updating yet?
that's a good idea. Wouldn't hurt for everyone that is interested to contact them as the more request they get about updating it the more they will know it is something people want.
When I click on the Contact Mazda by Email link I get this:
"Thank you for your interest in Mazda. We are currently experiencing delays and apologize for the inconvenience. For immediate assistance, we encourage you to contact your local Mazda dealership. Thank you again for contacting Mazda."
Guess I'll have to keep checking back.
When I click on the Contact Mazda by Email link I get this:
"Thank you for your interest in Mazda. We are currently experiencing delays and apologize for the inconvenience. For immediate assistance, we encourage you to contact your local Mazda dealership. Thank you again for contacting Mazda."
Guess I'll have to keep checking back.
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- 2023 CX-5 Premium; 2018 Mazda 3 GT hatch
Response today from Mazda C/S:Thanks for contacting Mazda. We are excited to hear that you are planning to upgrade your 2013 MAZDA CX-5. We have updated our website www.mazdausa.com with the vehicle specifications for the 2014 CX-5. In the 2014 CX-5 Pandora is standard for the Touring and Grand Touring models and it can be purchased in a package for the Sport model.
According to the specifications that are listed for the 2013 CX-5, I do not show Pandora as being available. Additionally, we do not have any information on an upgrade for Pandora to be available in the 2013 CX-5.
According to the specifications that are listed for the 2013 CX-5, I do not show Pandora as being available. Additionally, we do not have any information on an upgrade for Pandora to be available in the 2013 CX-5.
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- Mazda CX-5 Touring w/bose-tech
o.0
