VCDS (Ross-Tech/VAG-COM) now available as an App for Android/iPhone - anyone try it?

[BlazinB5]

well, not entirely an "app," but you get the idea. it does look like a pretty solid replacement to the version used via a laptop, but has anyone here tried it yet?

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-mobile/

this is one of their sample videos:

[imnuts]

I posted about this in chatterbox before it was even available. I'm waiting until they begin their upgrade program before getting it. Also, it's not an app, it's a hosted webpage on the OBDII adapter, at least, that's what I got from watching the many videos and reading about it's functionality.

[SJorge3442]

I posted about this in chatterbox before it was even available. I'm waiting until they begin their upgrade program before getting it. Also, it's not an app, it's a hosted webpage on the OBDII adapter, at least, that's what I got from watching the many videos and reading about it's functionality.

if thats the case, I will be all over this. I dont have a laptop as I have a desktop, but if this can be down via smartphone, I will be all over it. Since you said its a hosted page, androids should be able to use it too (probably much better as well).

[Matt Devo]

it's really unfortunate that they're the only game in town, and until someone else comes onto the scene, their UX will probably continue to look (and work) like it was designed in 2003, just like their desktop app.

[SlickFix]

That's looks great! Must be using bluetooth from the OBD-II adapter, then via wi-fi or cellular to the web app.

I don't see a mobile kit for sale in their store, though. Unless it's bundled in their unlimited or 10-VIN kit?

[CyberPMG]

They are still in Beta testing. I was given the chance to try it out, but didn't want to pay the full price to Beta test. Waiting for the upgrade program. I believe there will be 2 versions - a single car limited use, or a "pro" version that will allow you to scan multiple cars and do basically everything that the currenty VCDS does on a laptop.

[SJorge3442]

Is this not the part in discussion?
http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHN_10.html

[walky_talky20]

it's really unfortunate that they're the only game in town, and until someone else comes onto the scene, their UX will probably continue to look (and work) like it was designed in 2003, just like their desktop app.

They can't change the interface too much. So many "old guys" that use the tool for actual work. They will be unwilling/unable to learn a new interface. They want something familiar, something that works, stays up to date with new models, and doesn't cost ridiculous money. Ross-Tech has it on lock down.

That said, they could probably afford to dress it up a little bit. The "Blue Steel" look is so old, it's almost new again. lol

[Matt Devo]

They can't change the interface too much. So many "old guys" that use the tool for actual work. They will be unwilling/unable to learn a new interface. They want something familiar, something that works, stays up to date with new models, and doesn't cost ridiculous money. Ross-Tech has it on lock down.

That said, they could probably afford to dress it up a little bit. The "Blue Steel" look is so old, it's almost new again. lol

I'm not talking about radical changes (eg, Windows Metro UI), I'm talking about basic things, such as:

- UI lockups due to communications issues with controller/module. That should be in an entirely separate thread
- pop-up "hints" for coding modules that are either in the way, disappear too quickly, or disappear and don't return
- the completely horrible way that logging/graphing is handled
- dumping literally thousands of module definition files onto my computer. It's 2014, you should have been using a database for a decade now, FFS.
- hanging for ~3 minutes at startup when it can't contact the RT servers to check for an update, even with that option disabled

As for their mobile solution, they had a chance here to start fresh and design the UI in a way that makes sense for multiple layouts (desktop, tablet, phone) and multiple user inputs (mouse, touch), yet instead decided to stick with something that looks impressive for 2007.

[widgget]

i'll be selling my VCDS cable and getting one of these once they are available. the laptop is a pain in the ass.

[imnuts]

It works via WiFi and can operate in Ad-hoc or Infrastructure mode, so it will work with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc., as long as you can connect to it wirelessly. I believe it also has a cable input option for use with a laptop as well. There are two options available, a 10 VIN model and an unlimited model. The 10 VIN is for "home" use and will let you use it with up to 10 unique vehicles. The unlimited is essentially the same as the current HEX-CAN cable.

I was told that there will be an option to update a 10 VIN to an unlimited at some point as well. I guess ideally, one would upgrade from HEX-CAN to the 10 VIN HEX-NET, then just wait until you use up the 10 VIN limit and pay to get the unlimited. That way you could spread out the upgrade over as long a period as possible. I just want the beta period to be over so I can upgrade to it.

[audinaut]

It works via WiFi and can operate in Ad-hoc or Infrastructure mode, so it will work with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc., as long as you can connect to it wirelessly. I believe it also has a cable input option for use with a laptop as well. There are two options available, a 10 VIN model and an unlimited model. The 10 VIN is for "home" use and will let you use it with up to 10 unique vehicles. The unlimited is essentially the same as the current HEX-CAN cable.

I was told that there will be an option to update a 10 VIN to an unlimited at some point as well. I guess ideally, one would upgrade from HEX-CAN to the 10 VIN HEX-NET, then just wait until you use up the 10 VIN limit and pay to get the unlimited. That way you could spread out the upgrade over as long a period as possible. I just want the beta period to be over so I can upgrade to it.

^^This^^

They've had this available in beta for quite a while now. Here is the FAQ page for it. Can work either stand-alone (limited functionality) or cloud-based (full functionality). I'm also waiting/hoping that they will offer a trade-up discount for current VCDS users.

I hear what you are saying about the old and tired interface. The way I look at is they are engineers and not designers. Yes, UX-design is extremely important (for those companies that get it) to modern apps and interfaces. But co-existence of strong engineering and strong UX are hard to realize at most companies. In VCDS's case, I happily pay for a strongly engineered product that works reasonably well from a UX perspective.