Disappointing Hyundai response re: iPod flaws

[cliffbig]

Got a call from John in Hyundai consumer affairs relating the crippled iPod features in the Genesis with the Lexicon 17 speaker system (tech package). Here's the summary of Hyundai's disappointing response:

(1) Hyundai has verified that some iPod features and functionality that work in the entry-level system do not work in the upgraded tech package, but they will not be doing any software adjustments to correct that;

(2) Hyundai verified that there is no official way to randomize the iPod at all using the Hyundai-made iPod cable, but they will not do anything to address that via software/firmware upgrades (and workarounds are not considered officially supported, so they don't consider it a problem if the workarounds do not consistently enable random play);

(3) Hyundai verified that, while there are some workarounds that will sporadically enable random iPod play from every song on the iPod, there is no known workaround that will ever enable random iPod play from within a playlist, but they will not do anything to address that via software/firmware upgrades;

(4) Hyundai acknowledged that their information to dealers (and thus dealer information to consumers) indicated that the Hyundai iPod cable would enable "iPod integration," but there is no integration with the cable, merely rudimentary connectivity--but Hyundai will not do anything to address that via software/firmware upgrades; and

(5) Hyundai acknowledged that nowhere do they indicate in their advertising or vehicle specs that the tech package will actually reduce iPod functionality, but they have no intention of addressing or modifying that.

Needless to say, I was most disappointed; had I been given correct information up front regarding the Hyundai and its crippled iPod support, I might have ended up going with the Cadillac or the Lincoln after all. Most of all, I'm disappointed by the uncaring attitude on Hyundai's end; they've verified and acknowledged problems, but their response is "too bad."

A real negative here, and it makes me wonder if Hyundai is going to respond so callously to other problems that arise. I'm much less likely to recommend the vehicle so long as the manufacturer's attitude is so consumer-unfriendly.

 

[jcs]

It appears that, in lieu of an iPod, you can simply plug in a USB thumb drive and have all the functionality you are looking for. I don't yet have a Genesis, but I think this is what others have indicated. You just create folders on the thumb drive and use them as playlists. You can then shuffle the songs within each folder. A 30gb thumb drive is less than $100 and takes up less room under the arm rest.

I'll ask others to verify my impression of how this works.

 

[Simonwpb]

Well I suppose Cliff's complaint begs the question, which car model really has the best iPod integration? Is BMW or Lexus any better? Also to what degree of functionality do you need to go to be considered "integrated"?

The Genesis allows you to select playlists, play music, and search by song, artist or genre. Cliff wants to Shuffle songs. I want to be able to search artists rapidly. How about the ability to add your star rating? Technology is going to continue to evolve in this direction, obviously we are not there yet to satisfy everyone.

Nevertheless I have to say in spite of any limitations I am very impressed with this system.

 

[gentau]

What's an iPod?

 

[Wilbur_the_goose]

Best integration? MS Zune and Ford Focus.

 

[zedbyers]

Also to what degree of functionality do you need to go to be considered "integrated"?

this is a good question. i would like to see the feature that Cliff points out, as once i have finished my podcasts for the day, it is on to my top rated list in shuffle mode.

having said this i purchased the bose docking station last month. i have to start the ipod in shuffle mode on the ipod itself and then dock it for it to play in the shuffle mode while docked in bose unit......

 

[cliffbig]

It appears that, in lieu of an iPod, you can simply plug in a USB thumb drive and have all the functionality you are looking for. I don't yet have a Genesis, but I think this is what others have indicated. You just create folders on the thumb drive and use them as playlists. You can then shuffle the songs within each folder. A 30gb thumb drive is less than $100 and takes up less room under the arm rest.

I have almost 90 gigs of music on my iPod, divided into 52 different playlists--some for me, some for my wife, some for both, some for holidays. Some songs are in multiple playlists, some are only in one. While a USB drive offers the option to choose a folder and to randomize within the folder or within the whole list, it still lacks the sophistication of an iPod in terms of playlist organization, etc.

It's very disappointing that Hyundai has no interest in improving this functionality; it's even more disappointing that they do not let customers or dealers know up front that their deluxe Lexicon system is actually less versatile and sophisticated in this regard than their very basic system.

Both the Lincoln and the Cadillac, from what I saw in my test drives, are far more versatile in terms of iPod integration. I know this isn't an important feature for everyone, but it is an important feature for me, and the dealers were misinformed by Hyundai as to what level of functionality was included. In fact, Hyundai's consumer affairs department was convinced, when I initially contacted them over a week ago, that I had to be doing something wrong because there could be no way the deluxe system was more limited in comparison with the basic system; today, when they called me back, they admitted that their own testing confirmed these limitations, but they weren't going to do anything to correct it or warn people through marketing that their superior system had inferior iPod integration.

 

[cabz]

It's very disappointing that Hyundai has no interest in improving this functionality; it's even more disappointing that they do not let customers or dealers know up front that their deluxe Lexicon system is actually less versatile and sophisticated in this regard than their very basic system.

In fact, Hyundai's consumer affairs department was convinced, when I initially contacted them over a week ago, that I had to be doing something wrong because there could be no way the deluxe system was more limited in comparison with the basic system; today, when they called me back, they admitted that their own testing confirmed these limitations, but they weren't going to do anything to correct it or warn people through marketing that their superior system had inferior iPod integration.

That is certainly a strike against Hyundai for me. It's one thing for the integration not to have every bell and whistle that you are hoping for, which is to be expected IMO. However, to me, it's an entirely different thing to deliver different functionality in different models (especially less functionality with an 'upgraded' audio system) and not inform your customers (or worse, to not apologize profusely for not making that fact clear).

 

[Wilbur_the_goose]

Does the tech package read MP3's written to a DVD? Could be an alternative.

But guys, keep pushing.

Honda had real issues with the '06 Civic Si. The computer was programmed incorrectly, resulting in some accelerator pedal issue. It took the owner community months of work, but Honda eventually capitulated and all were happy.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

That is certainly a strike against Hyundai for me. It's one thing for the integration not to have every bell and whistle that you are hoping for, which is to be expected IMO. However, to me, it's an entirely different thing to deliver different functionality in different models (especially less functionality with an 'upgraded' audio system) and not inform your customers (or worse, to not apologize profusely for not making that fact clear).

I'm not comfortable with the whole thing for these reasons as well..

Does the tech package read MP3's written to a DVD? Could be an alternative.

But guys, keep pushing.

Honda had real issues with the '06 Civic Si. The computer was programmed incorrectly, resulting in some accelerator pedal issue. It took the owner community months of work, but Honda eventually capitulated and all were happy.

This is what communities like this are for..

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[BaywayRic]

Does the tech package read MP3's written to a DVD? Could be an alternative.

All models will read/play a CD with MP3 files. No technical reason why the DVD should not work in the Tech, but you might want to give it a test first.

 

[GenFan]

"capitulated" - I admit it, I had to look it up! Learned a new word today!

Thanks Wilbur_the_goose.

 

[lux]

Well I suppose Cliff's complaint begs the question, which car model really has the best iPod integration? Is BMW or Lexus any better? Also to what degree of functionality do you need to go to be considered "integrated"?

The Genesis allows you to select playlists, play music, and search by song, artist or genre. Cliff wants to Shuffle songs. I want to be able to search artists rapidly. How about the ability to add your star rating? Technology is going to continue to evolve in this direction, obviously we are not there yet to satisfy everyone.

Nevertheless I have to say in spite of any limitations I am very impressed with this system.

I posted about my gripes with the IPOD before but I will highlight my negatives:
(1) Slow menu response when scrolling
(2) When you pick a song via artist list, you can't go back to the same point on the artist menu (takes you to the top of the menu--very annoying)
(3) No shuffle--but I'd rather have Hyundai fix #1 & #2 first

 

[jcs]

Cliff, just curious - can you shuffle songs within a "genre?" I have my songs on my iPod sorted into many different genres. If I could shuffle songs within each genre then I think I would be happy - even if I cannot shuffle within a playlist.

 

[cliffbig]

Cliff, just curious - can you shuffle songs within a "genre?" I have my songs on my iPod sorted into many different genres. If I could shuffle songs within each genre then I think I would be happy - even if I cannot shuffle within a playlist.

Alas, you can only shuffle all songs. No shuffling with genre, within artist list, within playlist... (and even the all-song shuffle is erratic; sometimes the same steps that worked once don't work the next time)

 

[jcs]

Bummer. I assume the USB input plays MP3 files that are stored on a USB drive? Do you happen to know? I guess I could take the time to create folders from my iTunes files on my computer and transfer them to the USB drive. Of course this would take time and mean continued maintenance as I add additional songs to iTunes. Not a perfect solution.

 

[BaywayRic]

Bummer. I assume the USB input plays MP3 files that are stored on a USB drive? Do you happen to know? I guess I could take the time to create folders from my iTunes files on my computer and transfer them to the USB drive. Of course this would take time and mean continued maintenance as I add additional songs to iTunes. Not a perfect solution.

The USB drive will support both MP3 and WMA formats. Hyundai appears to be much more closly attached to Microsoft than Apple, which may explain their reticence to offer 'enhanced' iPod support. I'm currently changing my thumb drive to a 3 level scheme, Artist-Album-Song. Once you create the folder structure on the thumb, it's just a drag & drop to move the music. Not too bad a job.

 

[BigElm]

I'm trying to understand something here....

The issue is that you're unable to shuffle within the Lexicon system vs. the iPod itself?

I guess this should be something Hyundai is going to have to address whether they like it or not. With enough complaints, they won't have a choice.

In the meantime, I always use my iPod to shuffle and I it setup to shuffle playlists now. I understand the convenience of doing it with the Genesis' interface. I guess I'm not there yet to be that bothered. But I agree that should have been cleared by Hyundai... give it time

 

[jcs]

One more thought. Most iPods have a dock to USB cable so that you can plug the iPod into a Windows machine (for downloading and charging). Any chance you can use this cable to connect the iPod to the USB connector on the Genesis (as opposed to the iPod connector) and get the needed functionality?

 

[C-Russ]

All I can say to this entire thread is OMG!
Seriously, OMG!