Update: This should get better with the update
The Wolfsburg promise with the golf update a significantly improved voice control, shorter response times, more performance and more reliability. In addition, certain controls are locked if necessary, which is intended to protect against incorrect operation. A large part of the functions should also be possible with previous Golf 8, newly produced vehicles also use new hardware.
After the update, the software version can be read off with the number 1890, and the Golf then updates wirelessly to 1896.
Structure of the update: new hardware and software for the Golf 8
VW splits the update into two stages. On the one hand there is the software update (status 4.3.:1896) and on the other hand a new chipset for more performance (hardware status: H58). Existing customers whose Golf was manufactured before calendar week 48 in 2020 will only be equipped with new software. Golf models produced after that up to week 48/21 should receive an update later, since their software version is somewhat newer. New Golf models since the turn of the year, on the other hand, are already using the new Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm and a faster graphics unit. While the new chip is said to be around 25 percent faster, the graphics card promises to work three times faster than before.
A Golf 8 GTI with 245 hp, manual transmission and the new chipset served as the test car.
Old stock: update also for existing customers
Everyday test: Golf 8 with new technology in the test
How To Cars makes the everyday test with the digitally lifted Golf. The system is generally smoother to use and runs very stably.
Response speed and booting: System is there immediately
Voice control: Helpers will work more reliably in the Golf 8 in the future
VW promises to be able to process up to 95 percent of all voice inputs after the update. In practice, however, this value cannot really be understood. The language assistant now allows more free formulations, which causes less frustration, especially when looking for a navigation destination. However, navigation announcements cannot be switched off via voice control. The assistant understands what is involved, but only points out the settings. New to the update is the possibility to interrupt the language assistant. This makes interaction more natural and less bulky.
The voice assistant can now be interrupted, which makes interacting with him seem more natural.
The intelligence of the voice assistant is still limited to functions in the vehicle, questions about the weather or the score of sporting events must still be made via the Alexa integration in the Golf. Nevertheless, voice control is a useful addition in everyday life. The feature is particularly helpful when it comes to operating different systems that would otherwise have to be controlled via submenus.
Protection against incorrect operation: Touch slider can be locked
As a new function, Volkswagen is introducing the temporary blocking of control panels that are not required. This prevents incorrect operation of the volume control. Anyone who has previously supported their finger on the touch field ran the risk of suddenly changing the volume.
VW has not changed anything on the user interface, the climate control is still hidden in the submenu.
The screen now recognizes when the hand is brought to the screen for typing and blocks input in the slider. This works perfectly in everyday life and without any problems. A useful addition without much effort, after all, VW has been using a proximity sensor on its large infotainment screens since the Golf 7.
Stability: No system crashes from CarPlay
If you wanted to pair your phone with a Golf, you had to deal with frustration. The connection to wireless pairing kept dropping, or the infotainment didn’t recognize the phone after the car started. With the new software version, these problems are history: In the test, the connection with an iPhone could be established without any problems, the connection was always maintained and was immediately restored when the Golf was started again. Mobile phone use in the Golf 8 is finally fun.
And what about Wireless connecting an Android-phone?
I cannot get the Android-auto/car app to work wirelessly with my VW Golf mk8 although it works via USB.
Comming Friday i get an upgrade to see level 1890. Hope that helps….