General Blue&Me

[courtster]

Blue&Me again....

Right, I now have read through the bluetooth & stereo manual and nowhere does it mention the USB in the glovebox Which kind of explains why it doesn't do anything when I plug a USB pen drive into it.

Now when looking at the end of the manual there is a EULA (End User Licence Agreement) for the Bluetooth Kit, and even though it has 'Fiat Auto SPA' all over it it looks identical to a Microsoft EULA that you get when you buy MS Windoze. Same font, same wording etc.

Which leads me to presume that perhaps the system is updateable, as Blue&Me is a Microsoft/Fiat partnership. So I'm gonna ring Fiat UK (again) and not settle for any palming off till I have spoke to someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

It just seems strange that the USB port is there and it is live as the light comes on my device but it doesn't do anything.

 

[courtster]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Still none the wiser - they stated that the USB port is for updating etc. But cannot be used for a memory stick and the like.

They said that the information is incorrect on the website quoted here:

Among audio functions, it is possible to listen to preferred music stored on a mobile phone, in the newest smart phones, and in MP3 readers or USB removable sticks. All this thanks to a USB port, in the glove box, which enables the connection to any digital device with the correspondent port.

Sounds like a palm off to me.

They say I can open up a case with their customer relations team, but they're only open till 5pm. So will call Monday and see what happens...grr I'm angry

 

[custard]

Re: Blue&Me again....

well if its stated on the site like that then its not as advertised for sure. i would save a screenshot of the page ihncase they change it

 

[Screwy]

Re: Blue&Me again....

I think the USB port has been poorly advertised all round, as the FIAT dealership I spoke to, stated it is for plugging in a USB device to play mp3 files through the stereo, not once did they say it was only used for updating the system.

I think Fiat needs to re-think its sales rep training packages.

 

[courtster]

Re: Blue&Me again....

From the EULA in the manual...

UPGRADES AND RECOVERY MEDIA

If the SOFTWARE is provided by Fiat Auto S.p.A. seperate from the DEVICE on media such as a ROM chip, CD ROM disk(s) or via web download or other means, and is labeled "For Upgrade Purposes Only" you may install one (1) copy of such SOFTWARE onto the DEVICE as a replacement copy for the existing SOFTWARE, and use it in accordance with this EULA, including any additional EULA terms accompanying the upgrade SOFTWARE.

Gives me hope that they will provide an update to allow the USB port to be used properly in the near future....

 

[MattCupra]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Still none the wiser - they stated that the USB port is for updating etc. But cannot be used for a memory stick and the like.

Hope this isn't true as the wife has just brought me a Ipod video because I told her I could use it in the new car.

Courtster, have you tried a different device like a ipod or mp3 mobile phone as a few weeks ago I found a list of compatible devices for Blue & Me and I don't remember seeing any usb sticks being listed.

I'll try and find the link to the page.

Matt

 

[Bob in disguise]

Re: Blue&Me again....

oooo please get that link!!

 

[diablo_NL]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Pen drive should work:

Blue&Me™, based on Windows Mobile™, uses an open, updatable system with modular contents that can be associated with a service offer: with the support of Magneti Marelli, a platform has been developed that is compatible with the vast majority of mobile phones, music players or other personal electronic devices.
In addition, it is safe and simple to use: the voice command system, which is completely integrated with the steering wheel controls and information display, allows customers who own a Bluetooth® mobile phone to use the phone even when it is in the pocket of a jacket or in a handbag, without having to take your hands off the wheel.
Thanks to the advanced voice recognition system, it immediately displays and reads incoming SMS messages out loud, without the need for a voice learning phase.
Among the various audio functions on offers, you can listen to all your favourite music, whether it is stored on your mobile phone, on a new smart phone, on an MP3-player or on a USB pen-drive: a USB port located in the glove compartment allows you to connect any digital device fitted with an appropriate connection.
The collaboration with Microsoft has enabled Blue&Me™ to be based on an open platform, compatible with the widest possible range of devices, on top of which it can be constantly updated, and can be integrated perfectly with your car, at an affordable price.
In the near future, it will also offer a simple navigation system and access to a set of services such as a personal assistant to look for addresses, weather and traffic information, satellite positioning of the vehicle in the event of it being stolen, an SOS service, and lots of others currently being developed. It really is a completely integrated technology, with a one-to-one relationship with the user, just as the name Blue&Me™ suggests.

 

[MattCupra]

Re: Blue&Me again....

I'm looking, I remember it was a link from fiat.com to info on the Geneva Motorshow and then to a load of info about the launch of Blue&Me

 

[diablo_NL]

Re: Blue&Me again....

According to a lot of Dutch sites Blue&me works with USB pen drives.

Couple of questions:

1) How big is your key?
2) How is it formatted (FAT)?

 

[MattCupra]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Every page I find about Blue & Me, both Fiat and non fiat site all state that mp3 music can be accessed through the USB connection, so whats going on

 

[courtster]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Trust me Diablo, i've been an IT specialist for 13 years now, I know what I'm using is correct

I worry for iPod users though, as the way the iPod stores its data is different to any other portable device due to the way it forces you to use iToons. You add music to the majority of other devices simply by dragging and dropping mp3's onto them. So the system would read the mp3 data like it does a mp3 CD.

I also found that link about compatible devices but now it seems to have vanished, I'll keep checking though...

 

[diablo_NL]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Trust me Diablo, i've been an IT specialist for 13 years now, I know what I'm using is correct

I worry for iPod users though, as the way the iPod stores its data is different to any other portable device due to the way it forces you to use iToons. You add music to the majority of other devices simply by dragging and dropping mp3's onto them. So the system would read the mp3 data like it does a mp3 CD.

I also found that link about compatible devices but now it seems to have vanished, I'll keep checking though...

OK

You could have a point on iPod's because their way of storing MP3's is in the least weird and isn't Blue&me a Microsoft product. Would surprise me if an iPod (Bill's nightmare) would be supported. But then again it could have been a demand from Fiat to support it.

 

[MattCupra]

Re: Blue&Me again....

OK

You could have a point on iPod's because their way of storing MP3's is in the least weird and isn't Blue&me a Microsoft product. Would surprise me if an iPod (Bill's nightmare) would be supported. But then again it could have been a demand from Fiat to support it.

The Xbox 360 supports the Ipod so I see no reason why they wouldn't include it with this.

 

[diablo_NL]

Re: Blue&Me again....

The Xbox 360 supports the Ipod so I see no reason why they wouldn't include it with this.

I didn't know that. In that case maybe it will be supported.

 

[neutral]

Re: Blue&Me again....

As far as I can see from the press release 'Blue & Me' (where do they get these names from ) is effectively a Windows CE device (without a screen) built into the car, and media files would get played by a version of Media Player.

In that case what happens when you connect a USB pen drive to a standard Win CE PDA? Can it see the storage device straight away?

 

[courtster]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Well most Windows CE devices, including my XDA Exec with WM5 don't have a USB port on them.

Mine has a mini USB port for syncing and charging but (excuse the tech) it does not have a host controller on board so couldn't detect or access any USB devices.

Luckily I've quickly learnt to live without it, the MP3 CD's I've burnt so far are keeping me happy

 

[neutral]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Microsoft press release on what hardware is used for the reference 'Blue & Me' platform.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/feb05/02-24TelematicsCollaborationPR.mspx

Also says that

'Drivers and passengers also will be able to enjoy digital music in the car through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port on the dashboard that will enable easy connectivity to personal electronic devices'

 

[courtster]

Re: Blue&Me again....

So, i've got Fiat UK on the case now.

They are trying to find out what the issue is as no one knows their bum from their elbow at Fiat. But they did say that the system is upgradeable so perhaps it will come as an update...

More soon..........

 

[Screwy]

Re: Blue&Me again....

Just been informed that my car was on the production line this week, and that they have upgraded the Blue & Me device to accept MP3 players free of charge.
So it looks like you guys that already have you cars, may have to take it back to the dealer at some point to get your software upgraded.