For only $25 a pop, I decided it was time to upgrade both cars. The 2015 touch from the original v8.5 and the 2016 dial from 12.5 and installed both respective updates last night.
I played a bit with the 2015 and IMHO this upgrade is huge step up from the original v8.5. The result is like having a complete HU upgrade, here are few things I noted so far:
A - They definitely mucked around with the DSP settings, the sound positioning with the 3D sound enabled now closely resembles the ‘clarify’ features available on later models.
B - the sound is much ‘fuller’. I was able to listen to classical music at volume 5 with remarkable clarity, while the sound of some R&B music at 31 was a special unexpected treat.
C - The ‘monitor’ update is well worth it, with the addition of hue and contrast, plus all the Graphics updates, the screen can now be adjusted in multiple ways that makes the display really pop.
D - the ability to control which function is selected by using the steering
wheel control is very handy.
E - They have added granular sound priority controls which I found to be a very useful addition.
F - other obscure features, such as being able to use the tune nob to do a map zoom I found to be less useful, but a fun feature never the less...
What I find odd is none of the above added features are specifically mentioned anywhere that I could find!
All in all, I found this $25 upgrade to be well worth it, it’s almost like having a new head unit. I would certainly would have paid a bit more for it, but I am glad that they are almost giving these upgrades away, for the cost of an SD card back in 2015.
