RIDE ON | Solving Ducati Connect & Sygic Problems
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 лис 2021
- To: ducati.connect@ducati.com
Subject: Ducati Connect Won't Run As a Background Task
Hello, Ducati Connect.
I’d like to report a serious design flaw with the Ducati Connect phone app.
Problem: The Ducati Connect phone app will not maintain connectivity with the motorcycles TFT Ducati Connect menus, when it is being run as a background application. This is a severity 1 concern and does not look to be addressed in the planned January 2022 software update.
Example: When connected to the motorcycles TFT Ducati Connect menu, opening any other phone app, instantly drops the Ducati Connect connection.
This is different from BMW Motorrad’s Connected application for instance, which can be used for TFT displayed multi-waypoint navigation, while the phone is being used to display e.g. Waze A-B navigation and hazards ahead awareness.
This means that if the connection with Ducati Connect cannot be maintained when run in the background (not selected as the current app), no seasoned rider is going to use its navigation feature.
And if they’re not going to use that, then they’re not going to use the phone and music interface, when they can already do that with simple voice commands through their Cardo PackTalk, or similar, mesh intercom headsets.
A separate problem which is with the Sygic app, which I feel that you need to work with them to quickly resolve, is the fact that their app (unlike Beeline, Scenic, Calimoto, BMW Connected, etc) does not support import of GPX navigation files.
This means friends who share touring and rideout routes cannot load provided GPX files by the ride leader, neither via the Sygic website or simple Airdrop to the Sygic phone app. This is a serious omission of basic functionality. A priority one problem.
Additionally, if planning a long multi-waypoint route on their website, when the route is sent to phone, the Sygic phone app will display the waypoints out of sequence. I.e. The ‘waypoints' themselves will be in the wrong order compared with the website.
I’d like to respectfully request that the Ducati Connect app be enhanced to allow it run as a background app, while maintaining connectivity with the Ducati’s TFT display. And that you reach out to your Sygic business partners to request that they support import of GPX files (which the app used to do, via an MRA port, so is an easy fix). Being able to import a GPX route, from any provided source, into Sygic. And then being able to run Ducati Connect in the background, while using other phone apps, would improve the ownership experience 1000%.
Thank you for your time.
____________________________________________________________________
To: support@sygic.zendesk.com
Subject: Sygic Not Supporting GPX Import
Hello, Sygic.
I’d like to report a serious design flaw with the Sygic phone app, which I use with my Ducati motorcycle.
Problem: Unlike Beeline, Scenic, Calimoto, BMW Connected, etc, Sygic unfortunately does not support import of GPX navigation files. I believe this is a serious feature omission of a high priority, as the whole application is no use to me without this feature.
Example: Motorcyclist frequently share (via e.g. AirDrop) touring and planned routes in the form of generic GPX files, which can be instantly recognized by the app on receipt, and easily loaded/opened directly into any common navigation phone app. But neither the Sygic website or Sygic phone app supports this simple, but critical GPX import feature. My riding community considers this to be a serious omission of basic functionality.
Additionally, if planning a long multi-waypoint route on the Sygic website, when the route is sent to phone, the Sygic phone app will display the waypoints out of sequence. I.e. The ‘waypoints' themselves will be in the wrong order compared with the website. I’ve heard this problem is known and in development, but will it be in the next release of Sygic?
Many of my friends use the MyRoute-App (MRA) website for route planning and downloading the routes in GPX form. There is a feature in the MyRoute-app phone app to allow export porting of the route directly into the Sygic app. However a few months back the feature changed so that it would no longer recognize all of the waypoints in the route, and only recognize the start and first waypoint. MRA have reached out to Sygic a number of times to try to resolve what they believe has changed at the Sygic end, to no avail.
I’d like to respectfully request that the Sygic app be enhanced to allow:
1. Support GPX importing
2. Fix the waypoint sequencing bug
3. Fix the MyRoute-App GPX export into the Sygic app bug forum.myrouteapp.com/topic/13...
Thank you for your time. - Авто та транспорт
Done. I'll never consider one until its fixed!! I'm truly astounded by modern bike tech, though, being a time traveler from the 70s.
:)
Thanks so much, Roger - people power can make them listen and more importantly act. Profits are measured in your customer's applause!
You'll never have a bike then.
Great info thank you but wondering when connecting phone and headset in which order should they be connected as I can't hear music on .y phone when it's connected to the bike for sygic
Cheers bud
Hi Richard,
Thanks for yet another good appraisal of the V4S.
Today I have ordered a V4S sport with the higher screen and and the full option package, or at least that's what they call it here in Australia.
I am trading in my Rocket 3 GT as it is a bit cumbersome in the twisties at speed (though still a great bike), and having followed your videos have decided to switch to the Multistrada as a good all rounder.
I noticed on this video that your friend being interviewed has a GPS installed centrally behind the TFT screen.
Could please let me know details of the mounting system? Would it be suitable for an Zumo XT or is it specific to the BMW system?
Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
I think they will never fix it for current generation. And I assume the next gen ducati will also use some "own" technology instead of Apple/Android CarPlay. It's a shame that the Ducati Connect is so terrible. Also I don't understand why there is no open source projects to replace sigic or to improve usability of Connect feature in general. If they are not allowing us to modify it and create our own system, and they can't do it well on their own I think they better partner with a good company like Garming at least. But any way I would love to have Apple/Android CarPlay over any alternatives.
Thumb up from me for your efforts any way. You are doing the right thing.
Thanks, Yanas. I'm on my second MTS V4S now. I simply gave up and bought a Garmin Zumo XT and use MyRoute-App online site to create, save and file custom touring routes. It works perfectly. and can be moved from bike to bike. To be fair the Triumph and BMW systems are junk too. Honda and Indian have the right idea with CarPlay/Auto.
@@RichDunn @RichDunn Yes. I am thinking about buying XT2 as well and just mount it above the screen. Hondas CarPlay is a good idea but as I saw in NT1100 reviews it doesn't work, disconnects and sometime the whole screen is turning off during the ride. Honda also added touch screen to the NC1100 and it is cool but but what is the if it doesn't work 😂
Seems like bikes are build on another kind of electricity and it's impossible for bike manufactures to just copy the technology from cars 🥴
@@Yanas_OlyahMy biggest concern with CarPlay is that typically you'll only use Waze for navigation - I run that on my phone to see where the cops/accidents are, as well as the Zumo. And that's okay if you just want to go from A-B in the quickest time. But if you want to plan your route to take you down all the nice twisty side roads and avoid known congested areas, then you ideally need to plan it online (MRA) and then AirDrop it to the Garmin app on your iPhone. It'll then Bluetooth synch onto the GPS the next time it's powered on. It's so effortless, and nice to see in advance which way the road ahead is unfolding. Multiple friends have the Zumo XT and XT2 models, and are very happy. Touratech has a deal on the XT at the moment (discount and free locking mount). I hope that helps!
Hi Richard, I’m about to receive my Multistrada, just was wondering if Ducati have fixed your highlighted issues and what’s the name for a phone mount and bracket you’re using for your multi, thanks.
Hi. Unfortunately, they haven't. I've spoken to Ducati NA a number of times about it. And even to Phil Read Jnr in person. They're well aware of the general dissatisfaction, and apparently, even Claudio is aware of the issues that I've raised! They'll eventually move to CarPlay would be my guess. In the interim, I use a wireless charging anti-vibration mounted quad-lock system, for my iPhone. And I use a Garmin Zumo XT, mounted above the dashboard using an Iconic bracket from the UK. I cannot speak highly enough of that as an overall solution. If you don't want to spring for a new Zumo XT, a Beeline absolutely works IMPO.
Most frustrating thing about an amazing bike. At this price point...a simple apple car play and android auto connection would eliminate all this BS
Hi Richard. Thanks for the information and email suggestions. I think the Bluetooth connection should be addressed too. It seems to take much longer for the phone to connect to the bike than my phone connecting to the car. Once that is done the Ducati connect does not take long for wi-fi connection. As a test once I did create waypoints from Sygic web and sent it to my email. I only had 10 or so waypoints and it appeared to load them in sequence. It would be nice to be able to send and share my route files. Let’s hope some customer input will lead to these positive additions.
My Bluetooth connection is pretty instant. I have a 2022 bike, so maybe a later software version than yours? I have had a few successful routes from Sygic, but generally, I ride 250 miles and have maybe 45-50 waypoints. And it is on those types of routes where it gets all upset. I hope customer input will help - but it will only help if owners/subscribers reach out to them directly and tell them what's wrong and what we want - people power! Thanks, PJ.
@@RichDunn Hi Richard. I have not received a response from Ducati Connect. That's a little disappointing that they don't even acknowledge the email. I did get the below back from Sygic- so maybe moving in the right direction?
" Currently it is not possible to import GPX files. I have been informed that this feature is being worked on and should be available in the future.
Regarding the number of waypoints, there should not be a limit. As for the issue with the order of waypoints, I was informed that this issue should be solved in application version 20.9.1. Please make sure that you have the Sygic application updated. In case you would still experience the issue, please provide us with more information including either examples or screenshots (or both if possible) to help us understand the issue and provide you with assistance. "
@@pja9421 No response from Ducati Connect to me either. It's poor. If Sygic can resolve the GPX import issue, and have resolved the sequencing issue (they promised to inform me, but haven't/didn't), then they would be major wins. Ducati need only solve the successful running of the app in the background then, to actually have the system that we should have had from the get-go. I went to the Triumph Tiger 1200 Launch tonight, and it made me think that Triumph wouldn't have released something half-assed tested like that! ua-cam.com/video/jO7FkcHqwU0/v-deo.html
@@RichDunn I did hear back from Ducati. Does not appear there is any hope for the app to run in the background. Does look like they are working on the connection so a stop at the gas station will not require you to leave key on to maintain connection. That is a good thing. Here is the response- At the moment the requirement for the correct use of Ducati Connect is that the app must always be in foreground. In the next DSB SW updates, when Ducati Connect is active there will be the possibility to extend Bluetooth and WiFi even when the key is OFF. In this way, time of Bluetooth at the next key ON will be immediate.
I have heard this software update will be available after the new year. Feb?
@@pja9421 Thanks. That's as per their letter to current owners on the free update in the new year. It states they will provide the option to indicate if you want to maintain the connection for a little while after the ignition is turned off, which is okay when refueling. But no mention of running the app in the background. They've known about the app not running in the background problem for a year, so it's pretty poor overall.
When you posting the 0 fuel miles vid?…… I don’t know if I can get to the fuel station on my 3km reading yet 😃
I think that one is next Friday. But here's a heads up. We get about 150-160 miles and then the miles remaining countdown starts. We get to zero miles indicated, at normal riding speeds (speed limit, plus 10-15%) at 175 miles. We then stuck to the speed limit and it run out of gas at just under 15 miles (0.5 gal). So a real-world range of 190 miles. It's totally fine to run it down to zero range, but you'd better be pretty close to a gas station once you reach it!
Have you managed to turn up and down the music using the toggle ?
We gave up and bought a Zumo XT for both navigation and music control, with volume controlled via Cardo Edge. We also gave up on the surging issues and bought other bikes. I have a Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer and Street Triple RS at present.
Hey Richard, I assume you got the same email that I got from Ducati this week regarding the coming software update that will, hopefully, address these problems and also add some new improvements?
Never mind, just heard your reference to the January update at the end of your video! Fingers crossed.
@@bikegiant1376 Unfortunately it doesn't look like they've fixed the app so that it can run in the background. And really that's its only bug to fix as far as I'm concerned. Sygic needs a lot more work, and Ducati should (IMPO) put pressure don't them to sort those out, which currently reflects badly on Ducati (as people bought a 'Ducati' not a 'Sygic', right?). At the very least it should allow GPX import and not shaft the waypoints in the wrong sequence once imported. Just solving those two things would make it amazing to use, because the navigation interface is beautiful on the Ducati. But I don't see anybody using it until that's fixed, because if you just want to go from A-B, use Waze, it's unbeatable (and free). At the moment I rely on my Beeline, which never lets me down, whether sat in 100F all day or, drenched in a 300 mile monsoon. But I really would like to use the TFT's navigation too! 😀
@@RichDunn I hear ya.
Honestly, I haven’t even messed about with the Sygic app yet as I generally know the roads I’m riding on. Usually I’ll use a nav app when I go ride in Arkansas and for stuff like that I actually prefer to use the Calimoto app because of its route planning capabilities. I also like it for riding in the twisties as it’s really nice to be able to see how sharp a turn is before I enter it. I also like that it gives me somewhat detailed ride info (like lean angle) after the ride is over. As for the Beeline, I’ve investigated it a little bit, but it’s really not of much use to me as I generally know where I’m going and it doesn’t really tell you much about the corner you’re entering. If I ever take a longer trip I’m sure it would be much more useful.
@@bikegiant1376 Lots of the apps (MyRoute-App, Scenic, Calimoto, Waze) are useful in terms of providing a map to guide the way. The Beeline approach is to minimize the time you need to spend taking your eyes off the road. All have pros and cons, so whatever works! But for what we've paid, The Ducati system should 'just work' to coin an Apple phrase! 😀
@@RichDunn I totally agree with you there!
I have received an email saying Ducati have a software update. I'm not quite sure how good the update will be
Hi Alan. I think you must have missed the part of the video where I mention not being able to run the Ducati app in the background is not a planned fix for the Jan software release update. It's also mentioned in the proposed wording (see Description above) to them, for those that agree and just want to cut and paste my suggested text to them. Lets hope we can put pressure on them to do the right thing!
Has Ducati fixed this issue?
Sadly, they haven't. And given the fuel surging problems I was experiencing on mine, and the lack of Ducati NA and dealer support, I sold mine. I now have a 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer and I have had no problems with that. Although I simply bought the excellent Garmin Zumo XT, which solves all navigation issues, period. I think you are getting the Desert X - a friend has one and it's excellent, you're going to love it!
I am NOT happy about the Ducati navigation solution. Why can't Ducati use andoid auto?
I top man at Ducati told me that they should have gone the CarPlay/Auto route, but didn't, and had to live with it. they have moved to turn-by-turn navigation in a Ducati proprietary app for some new models like the Desert X. Yamaha has done the smart thing and linked up with Garmin to do the navigation on the revised Fazer 900 GT, which (one would assume) allows GPX imports, routes and favorites saving. But on a 30k bike, with widely experienced surging problems? Ducati must do better IMHO.
Forget Sygic and just use your phone instead and continue to enjoy the dynamics of the MS V4. Life's too short to be fretting about motorcycle nav apps....
Gordon I agree, but when a manufacturer brings a service to a customer, there is no excuse for issues, its only fair to point these out and then hopefully its sorted out, just don’t hold your breather, while waiting! 🤢😉 I’m sure Richard is thoroughly enjoying the dynamics of his MS V4. 👍😉
Listening to music and navigation is a big part of my riding experience though. I get my desert x on weekend and hope this is fixed.
this will not be fixed, because the app double your screen^^
They haven't even attempted to fix it. Hopefully when the Sygic contract ends they'll move to CarPlay or something.
Easier to just use your phone as sat nav ,too much faff with ducati connect ,phone does everything easy.
I totally agree. Although a phone and Zumo XT are an even better combo.
I have yet to use this, and seeing this UA-cam video would probably encourage me not to
Yep - buy a Garmin Zumo XT or Beeline Moto and be happy! 😀
I use Garmin anyway so the Ducati shit can be gone for me!
Garmin is good - but Basecamp is as nasty to use as Sygic!