Nav VI with Garmin VIRB Camera
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:56 pm
Initially I was thrilled to find the VIRB remote control app included with my Nav VI. Using it though proved frustrating and illogical. I was concerned with the level of distraction caused each time I access the app, and wrote to Garmin support. The team responded quickly, and I paraphrase:
"The VIRB remote is only accessible from the Apps menu on the BMW Navigator. Currently this is the software design and layout that BMW has requested for this product. I can take note of your concern with it and this might be something they look at changing with a future software update, there would be no guarantee of this. There is no work around for this, as it is by design."
I replied to Garmin this morning. For me it's an important safety issue that needs support from other users as well.
"Firstly, I fully appreciate the design constraints are imposed by BMW. Unfortunately, there is no forum or way to interface with the design team responsible for the specifications.
For me, the issue that really needs to be pushed with BMW is the VIRB app. Anything that causes distraction and can be potentially dangerous should be changed. IMHO there is more than one way to deal with the issue, bearing in mind the problem is the number of screen taps needed each time. Here are my suggestions:
1. Implement the Garmin slit-screen
2. Allow VIRB shortcut to be added to either the home screen or the map screen.
3. Allow the app to remain open and responsive to the ‘Wonderwheel’ ‘Page’ command (currently cycles home-map-compass-info)
4. Allow re-ordering of the apps (eliminate 2 screen presses)
The reason I find this so important is due to the way I use the GPS. By default I like to have the map displayed, but during road-trips I like to capture footage throughout my ride. This means that every time I want to record I have to:
A) Use the Wonderwheel ‘Page’ to display the ‘Home’ screen
B) Press the Apps button
C) Page down x 2 to reveal the VIRB app
D) Press the VIRB app
This procedure has to be repeated many times during a ride causing unnecessary distraction.
I’ve expanded on my observations in the hope you may be able to pass this on to BMW and make the issue very clear to them"
Anybody have anything to add?
"The VIRB remote is only accessible from the Apps menu on the BMW Navigator. Currently this is the software design and layout that BMW has requested for this product. I can take note of your concern with it and this might be something they look at changing with a future software update, there would be no guarantee of this. There is no work around for this, as it is by design."
I replied to Garmin this morning. For me it's an important safety issue that needs support from other users as well.
"Firstly, I fully appreciate the design constraints are imposed by BMW. Unfortunately, there is no forum or way to interface with the design team responsible for the specifications.
For me, the issue that really needs to be pushed with BMW is the VIRB app. Anything that causes distraction and can be potentially dangerous should be changed. IMHO there is more than one way to deal with the issue, bearing in mind the problem is the number of screen taps needed each time. Here are my suggestions:
1. Implement the Garmin slit-screen
2. Allow VIRB shortcut to be added to either the home screen or the map screen.
3. Allow the app to remain open and responsive to the ‘Wonderwheel’ ‘Page’ command (currently cycles home-map-compass-info)
4. Allow re-ordering of the apps (eliminate 2 screen presses)
The reason I find this so important is due to the way I use the GPS. By default I like to have the map displayed, but during road-trips I like to capture footage throughout my ride. This means that every time I want to record I have to:
A) Use the Wonderwheel ‘Page’ to display the ‘Home’ screen
B) Press the Apps button
C) Page down x 2 to reveal the VIRB app
D) Press the VIRB app
This procedure has to be repeated many times during a ride causing unnecessary distraction.
I’ve expanded on my observations in the hope you may be able to pass this on to BMW and make the issue very clear to them"
Anybody have anything to add?