kyledamron1 Posted April 25, 2018 Report Share Posted April 25, 2018 Checking the Ford navigation site. The A8 chip is out of stock, and it is saying that a new update will be available starting on May 1st. So, for those of us who have nav, and like to use, keep this in mind if you're looking for updated map information! http://ford.navigation.com/product/Catalog/Catalog_Ford_C-Max_2013/U.S.-AND-CANADA-SYNC-NAVIGATION-SYSTEM-MAP-UPDATE-VERSION-A8/sku/GM5T-19H449-AB/en_US/FordNA/USD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raadsel Posted April 26, 2018 Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 Or you can still buy the A8 from eBay for only about $45. Depending on the card you are currently using, it can be a nice update at $100 off. When the new card comes out, you should still be able to buy it from eBay cheaper than your Ford Dealer, with the price dropping as more people buy the SD card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted April 26, 2018 Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 Yep. Never bought directly from the navigation.com site. Usually buy either from Amazon or eBay. Both will usually have the cards listed around the $50 price point not too long after relase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyledamron1 Posted April 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2018 Trust me, I don't buy them directly from Ford. That's what eBay is for. I'm still on A3. But I'm waiting for A9 to come out before I get a new card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArizonaEnergi Posted May 20, 2018 Report Share Posted May 20, 2018 Just got a letter from Ford offering to sell me the new A9/B9 Map Update release for only $149 with, wait for it, free shipping! With free nav apps available these updates are worth about $19.95. Sorry Ford et.al. - get with the new reality - I will never buy an update at your ridiculous price! kyledamron1 and cbharvest 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestevens Posted May 21, 2018 Report Share Posted May 21, 2018 I just got a letter in the mail announcing availability of A9 if that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestevens Posted February 20, 2019 Report Share Posted February 20, 2019 I just received notice today in the mail that A10 is available. The price quoted for the official version is $149. They'll generously pay for shipping if I order by May 31 2019. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markd Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 I got the letter too, wait until fall and it will be half price on eBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptjones Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 Just ordered a A10 NAV Card on ebay for $59.99 and give my Wife my A9 NAV Card. She has a A7 NAV Card in her Explorer. :) Paul kyledamron1 and cr08 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 Yep. Noticed this morning they had them already at greatly lowered prices on eBay. Will definitely be picking one up before our road trip in May. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icanhazc-max Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 In-dash, integrated OEM Nav units are antiquated by the time they make production anymore. Far less costly and more feature-filled are smartphone options that it boggles the mind why anyone would opt, no less PAY such an exorbitant/extortionate fee, for the OEM update, time and time over at that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 Personally I much rather use the built in nav especially on longer road trips rather than tying up my phone, letting it cook itself running nav plus whatever else, etc.. The ~$50 eBay cost every other year or even once a year is worth it IMHO. Plus having accurate speed limit displays is nice, not to mention at least in my neck of the woods there has been a lot of new construction and new roads lately. If I had Android Auto available I would readily change my mind but without any easy way with Sync 2 to fully integrate a phone's nav into the audio system, the convenience of the built in nav is worth it to me to do the regular updates. kyledamron1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptjones Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 I haven't found cell phones that reliable determining routes as apposed to in car or portable GPS's and have seen them all pick different routes. :headscratch: :shrug: I would think cell phones should have the most current info, but do really crazy directions. :sad: Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 Waze has always been great for me especially when dealing with unusual traffic. Even with an active Traffic subscription with Sirius, the nav doesn't seem to take advantage of it other than an OCCASIONAL alert along the way when an occurrence is up ahead on the route. But still not enough of a benefit in my personal use cases to use it over the built in nav. Built in nav for road trips: Traffic and other issues aren't that big of a deal as any reroute is going to likely be impossible or add more time than the slowdown.Short trips to unfamiliar locations in town: Waze or Google Maps. More updated info and reroute around traffic which matters more in the city. ptjones 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icanhazc-max Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 (edited) Personally I much rather use the built in nav especially on longer road trips rather than tying up my phone, letting it cook itself running nav plus whatever else, etc.. The ~$50 eBay cost every other year or even once a year is worth it IMHO. Plus having accurate speed limit displays is nice, not to mention at least in my neck of the woods there has been a lot of new construction and new roads lately. If I had Android Auto available I would readily change my mind but without any easy way with Sync 2 to fully integrate a phone's nav into the audio system, the convenience of the built in nav is worth it to me to do the regular updates. A device with features that are designed to be used -- use them. Perhaps not placing the phone continuously in direct sun? I've placed mine in the cupholder at times to avoid the perils of heat. Get creative: look into a device with better thermals/more efficient processing, craft a shroud, etc. It's possible. Google Maps, for one, now has the speed limit of the currently traveled roadway displayed within it's interface -- no longer a plus for the SYNC unit. Additionally, a fee-free real-time traffic and road condition alert system whereas the SYNC solution is yet another fee-based option from a satellite radio provider -- nickle 'n' dime, every time. Furthermore, smartphone options like Google Maps are continually updated with data garnered from a multitude of sources and likely far more up-to-date than the static database of these once-every-so-often "A cards". Logic. Again, proof in pudding of how integrated fails. Reliance upon the OEM to implement and continue to support an ever-changing ecosystem of platforms and features -- they don't and won't, but encourage you to replace the entire vehicle with an albeit pricey ($2,000+) NAV option that, as aforementioned, is dated by the time it hits production and isn't supported long after. Not to mention the possibility of a failure in the system necessitating replacement/repair. Now, it makes that $700+ top tier phone that you want to baby look far more practical, efficient and useful. To each their own, but it's very hard to make a valid case for factory NAV units. What's more frustrating is the deep integration of all the various other vehicle functions that make replacing/upgrading with an aftermarket unit virtually impossible. You don't want to know what it cost and the trouble I went through just to add A2DP bluetooth audio streaming to my former 2004 Lexus LX470. It has bluetooth hands-free for voice calls, but no factory possibility of A2DP outside of a thankfully existent 3rd-party solution that, again, entailed a great expense for what the feature is and invasive installation. Looking forward to the day, if ever we see it, where integrated vehicle infotainment is nothing but a mirror/dumb terminal for our evermore capable portable devices. Though, that's not in the manufacturers immediate [financial] interest so... Edited February 21, 2019 by icanhazc-max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icanhazc-max Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 (edited) I haven't found cell phones that reliable determining routes as apposed to in car or portable GPS's and have seen them all pick different routes. :headscratch: :shrug: I would think cell phones should have the most current info, but do really crazy directions. :sad: Paul A few more variables to identify and investigate here before broadly generalizing the cellular (mobile) solutions. It's been my experience that while the mobile option, like Google Maps, offer the most expeditious route based on algorithmic data, it does also provide the ability to choose from [usually] 2 more potential routes, complete with variances in ETA and road conditions for the user/traveler to select from or even modify. Perhaps you're not familiar with that feature or haven't explored this further? Though, I will say for empathetic anecdote, there was a time Google Maps took me through a farmers field, indicating a viable pathway to avoid traffic congestion on a heavily traveled arterial -- it was most definitely not as my vehicle (Honda Fit at the time) became more a plow on the muddy and rutted "road". This has been far and few between and was several years ago, so I'd chock it up to say continuous improvements have been made to this relatively new option on an equally new platform. I will also say that these connected mobile solution also frequently invite user feedback and data submission to improve the reliability and validity of data used, more than can be said of the OEM NAV. I'll take my chances with this over an outdated map that knows far less than a real-time, connected system. Edited February 21, 2019 by icanhazc-max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icanhazc-max Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 (edited) Waze has always been great for me especially when dealing with unusual traffic. Even with an active Traffic subscription with Sirius, the nav doesn't seem to take advantage of it other than an OCCASIONAL alert along the way when an occurrence is up ahead on the route. But still not enough of a benefit in my personal use cases to use it over the built in nav. Built in nav for road trips: Traffic and other issues aren't that big of a deal as any reroute is going to likely be impossible or add more time than the slowdown.Short trips to unfamiliar locations in town: Waze or Google Maps. More updated info and reroute around traffic which matters more in the city. This. Though, I find these mobile solutions more suitable every and anywhere one would utilize OEM NAV with reason being that, even on the longer trips via interstate, there are seemingly impromptu road improvement projects, weather/seasonal road closures, etc that the OEM unit would fail miserably at informing of or providing useful and actionable data to the user concerning. Further, ever try voice commands with these integrated units? What a cludge! If ever you're frustrated with Google Assistant/Siri/Alexa et al, remember there are far more frustrating systems out there... SYNC being one of them. Edited February 21, 2019 by icanhazc-max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 A device with features that are designed to be used -- use them. Perhaps not placing the phone continuously in direct sun? I've placed mine in the cupholder at times to avoid the perils of heat. Get creative: look into a device with better thermals/more efficient processing, craft a shroud, etc. It's possible. Google Maps, for one, now has the speed limit of the currently traveled roadway displayed within it's interface -- no longer a plus for the SYNC unit. Additionally, a fee-free real-time traffic and road condition alert system whereas the SYNC solution is yet another fee-based option from a satellite radio provider -- nickle 'n' dime, every time. Furthermore, smartphone options like Google Maps are continually updated with data garnered from a multitude of sources and likely far more up-to-date than the static database of these once-every-so-often "A cards". Logic. Again, proof in pudding of how integrated fails. Reliance upon the OEM to implement and continue to support an ever-changing ecosystem of platforms and features -- they don't and won't, but encourage you to replace the entire vehicle with an albeit pricey ($2,000+) NAV option that, as aforementioned, is dated by the time it hits production and isn't supported long after. Not to mention the possibility of a failure in the system necessitating replacement/repair. Now, it makes that $700+ top tier phone that you want to baby look far more practical, efficient and useful. To each their own, but it's very hard to make a valid case for factory NAV units. What's more frustrating is the deep integration of all the various other vehicle functions that make replacing/upgrading with an aftermarket unit virtually impossible. You don't want to know what it cost and the trouble I went through just to add A2DP bluetooth audio streaming to my former 2004 Lexus LX470. It has bluetooth hands-free for voice calls, but no factory possibility of A2DP outside of a thankfully existent 3rd-party solution that, again, entailed a great expense for what the feature is and invasive installation. Looking forward to the day, if ever we see it, where integrated vehicle infotainment is nothing but a mirror/dumb terminal for our evermore capable portable devices. Though, that's not in the manufacturers immediate [financial] interest so... I'll just leave my final response to this wall of text as 'to each his own'. I've already explained my uses above. For me it is worth the relatively small cost to keep the built in nav updated once a year or every other year. I actually quite enjoy using the Sync system, voice commands and all. 3.8 and 3.10 have made it plenty usable and the voice commands work every time. YMMV though but for me it just works. ptjones 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markd Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 I couldn't pass it up for seventy dollars, thanks for the heads up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raadsel Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 Waze has always been great for me especially when dealing with unusual traffic. Even with an active Traffic subscription with Sirius, the nav doesn't seem to take advantage of it other than an OCCASIONAL alert along the way when an occurrence is up ahead on the route. But still not enough of a benefit in my personal use cases to use it over the built in nav. Built in nav for road trips: Traffic and other issues aren't that big of a deal as any reroute is going to likely be impossible or add more time than the slowdown.Short trips to unfamiliar locations in town: Waze or Google Maps. More updated info and reroute around traffic which matters more in the city. I've largely quit using Waze because of some of, at least what I found to be, flawed routing. Not that they were giving wrong directions -- just that often their response to "unusual traffic" ended in too many people on surface streets -- and causing the surface streets to run slower than the main road with the congestion -- or ended up wanting me to turn left across heavy traffic, onto a major artery (3 lanes each direction) with a high speed limit. I've found Google Maps to be far better at routing through traffic, particularly since Google owns Waze, and uses the data reported by Waze users, in routing people through unusual and heavy traffic. I also find that the in-dash nav has a place, like ptjones said. My strategy is to use my cell phone for everyday driving locally. On a trip, I'll tend to map out my own route in advance -- based on the route I want to take -- using navigation software to help find the best route (which includes construction and road closure information) -- then use the in dash navigation for rural driving. Though, when going through larger cities, or areas where I expect congestion (such as if I can't avoid road construction), I'll switch over to Google Maps, to route me the most efficient way through those areas. ptjones 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plus 3 golfer Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 Agree Google Maps better than Waze, IMO. I run ForScan and Maps on Smartphone. I have Ram window suction mount on side window which is easier to see than looking down in center of dash. Power always connected. Never had a “heat” issue. Backup is Garmin 3490LMT ($100 from Pawn shop in 2012) for places with no cell service as one would have to save a map section and use saved map when no data service available - PITA when traveling long distances. So, I saved the initial cost of in car Nav system plus map update cost. Another $70 saved!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icanhazc-max Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 Agree Google Maps better than Waze, IMO. I run ForScan and Maps on Smartphone. I have Ram window suction mount on side window which is easier to see than looking down in center of dash. Power always connected. Never had a “heat” issue. Backup is Garmin 3490LMT ($100 from Pawn shop in 2012) for places with no cell service as one would have to save a map section and use saved map when no data service available - PITA when traveling long distances. So, I saved the initial cost of in car Nav system plus map update cost. Another $70 saved!!! These use cases are what the OEMs need to pay attention to, giving us useful features and systems that we WANT and not just the status quo offerings. The software developers on the mobile side are innovating far more quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively, with the better devs incorporating feedback such as this into their offerings. While Google Maps, for one, will cache an entire route front gathered data whilst connected to a network, the ability to cache a much larger geographic area inclusive of waypoints, etc. is sorely needed, especially with data stores on devices doubling every successive generation or two. +1 for the ODBII software also available on smartphones. No justification for why ForScan couldn't have been an "app" available for SYNC systems. Yet another compartmentalized money-grab by the Manufacturers and Stealerships, but I've digrressed beyond the scope of this thread. Hope some have found my experience, knowledge and perspective useful and empowering. plus 3 golfer and JAZ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestevens Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 (edited) I prefer using the in dash nav because my phone inevitable loses reception, falls on the floor, screen is locked, battery runs down, etc. while I am driving but I do wish that ETAK or whoever is providing the maps would at least make the upgrade price competitive with the price of a new GPS unit - I can buy three standalone whole GPS systems with lifetime free map upgrades for the price of one "official" upgrade. I wonder if the software in SYNC 2 GPS will be affected by the GPS Time reset that is going to happen in April? I guess we'll find out. Edited February 22, 2019 by jestevens kyledamron1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyledamron1 Posted February 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 Gotta be careful with those "lifetime" map updates. There was a news story here a few months back. A man bought a GPS with "lifetime" map updates. It's not actually for the life of the product, but what the manufacturer determines is the "life". In the case of the unit, it was 3 years. It's a big scam I think. Also, if anyone is selling/getting rid of their old maps card I'd like to discuss that with you. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icanhazc-max Posted February 22, 2019 Report Share Posted February 22, 2019 Gotta be careful with those "lifetime" map updates. There was a news story here a few months back. A man bought a GPS with "lifetime" map updates. It's not actually for the life of the product, but what the manufacturer determines is the "life". In the case of the unit, it was 3 years. It's a big scam I think. Also, if anyone is selling/getting rid of their old maps card I'd like to discuss that with you. Thanks! Indeed. An issue that is gaining more publicity as of late. The term "lifetime" being attributed to the expected/anticipated useful/supported life of an item, component or service. It's marketed in a way that buyers interpret the language as qualifying for the biological life of the buyer, not the aforementioned definition of the term. A bit of a bait and switch for the unwitting. Knowing the truth will at least give those knowledgeable the opportunity to factor the variable into their budget. kyledamron1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.