SAIC Audi’s E7X is receiving its inaugural Over-The-Air (OTA) software update, version AUDI OS 2.1.4, bringing a suite of enhancements across various vehicle functions. The update, which began rolling out on October 9th, touches upon car finding, phone-to-car connectivity, voice interaction, driving control, and passenger comfort.
Enhanced Car Finding and Connectivity
The car-finding feature on the mobile app now offers users a choice between ‘Flashing Lights’ and ‘Flashing Lights and Honking’ modes. Furthermore, these modes can be customized with selectable durations of 5, 10, or 15 seconds, providing greater flexibility in locating the vehicle.
Smarter Voice Interaction
A significant upgrade is the introduction of VAD (Voice Activity Detection) with intelligent sentence segmentation. This feature intelligently recognizes pauses in speech, automatically determining the end of a command. It spans across navigation, multimedia, and vehicle control functions, aiming for more natural and fluid voice interactions.
Complementing this, the system’s voice pronunciation has been optimized for a more emotional and human-like delivery. The system can adapt its speaking style to different contexts, such as storytelling or news reading. Users can test this by asking, “Hey Audi, tell me a suspense story.” The voice assistant also supports emotional responses, making casual conversations more engaging. For instance, trying “Hey Audi, I’m so happy about a new income today!” showcases the upgraded, more natural, and human-like interaction.
Optimized Driving Dynamics and Efficiency
The control strategy for the air springs’ height adjustment based on speed has been refined. In ‘Energy Saving’ and ‘Super Energy Saving’ modes, the system’s logic for air spring adjustment is optimized to better recognize driving scenarios. This prevents unnecessary air spring increases during brief speed reductions at high speeds, which could otherwise increase drag. Additionally, the criteria for lowering the air springs at high speeds have been relaxed, allowing the vehicle to adopt a lower profile more quickly, reducing drag and effectively boosting range.
Streamlined Driver Assistance Features
Adjusting the volume for driver assistance alerts is now more convenient, with a new voice control path. Users can simply say, “Hey Audi, turn up the driver assistance volume.” The interface for the driver assistance system menu has also been improved. Within the ‘Driving Assistance’ section, the left-hand primary menu is now divided into four categories: ‘Driving Assistance,’ ‘Active Safety,’ ‘Parking Assistance,’ and ‘Enhanced Reminders,’ making it easier and more efficient to find settings.
New Comfort and Safety Features
A standout addition is the ‘Zero Gravity Seat’ recline angle adjustment function. This upgrade allows for personalized seat recline angles, enhancing comfort and support for passengers, especially on long journeys. The adjustment can be made using the physical seat controls, specifically the second adjustment button from the front.
To improve safety during travel, the reminder logic for occupants reclining their seats to a large angle has been optimized. This enhancement balances the freedom of seat adjustment with passenger safety.
Digital Wellbeing and Aesthetics
A new ‘Screen Eye Protection Mode’ has been introduced, featuring a low-blue-light filter. This mode is available on the central control screen, the front passenger display, and the rear screens, helping to alleviate visual fatigue from prolonged use and protect eye health. It can be accessed through the path: ‘Vehicle’ > ‘System Settings’ > ‘Display’ > ‘Eye Protection Mode’, or via a shortcut in the ‘minus one screen’ dropdown for front and rear passengers.
The vehicle also gains new exterior lighting effects. An ‘door open warning light’ automatically triggers a flowing light alert when the door is opened and a fast-approaching vehicle or pedestrian is detected on the same side, reducing the risk of ‘dooring’ accidents. Additionally, a ‘suspension lift light’ effect synchronizes with suspension adjustments, adding a sense of occasion to the driving experience. These lighting effects can be managed under ‘Vehicle’ > ‘Exterior Settings’ > ‘Exterior Lights’.
Usability and Interactive Enhancements
The path for keyless entry via the car door has been adjusted for better organization. The ‘NFC Key Sensing Door Open/Close’ and ‘UWB Key Sensing Door Open’ settings have been moved from ‘Vehicle’ > ‘Exterior Settings’ > ‘Key’ to ‘Vehicle’ > ‘Exterior Settings’ > ‘Door & Lock Settings’. This consolidates functions for easier location.
Finally, the ‘Audi Assistant’ now features 12 new animated appearances, adding visual interest and fun to various interaction scenarios within the cabin.
