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Audi of America sent us a 2018 Audi Q5 with the built-in Audi Connect Green Light Optimization Speed Advisory (GLOSA) to test out their Audi Prime Traffic Light System. This is a vehicle that is equipped with an infrastructure (V2I) communication system. A technology, where the car communicates back and forth with its surroundings. Which means the car talks to things like traffic signals and soon other aspects of the built environment to know what to expect as it drives through.

This system is then able to alert the driver on what to expect, be it an oncoming red or green light. For those of us who drive in an urban environment, that can be a lot better than having to watch to see if the pedestrian walk countdown light is about to flash the yellow hand, indicated that the light will be changing soon.   Am I at 20 seconds or 3 seconds until the light changes?

While it all seems pretty complicated, the basic premise is that the vehicle communicates through the cellular data network, the same one your mobile device uses to connect to the internet, and you use to update your status on social media, stream music, and make reservations via apps.  Audi vehicles (if equipped and turned on in an area that is enabled) then get real-time data about the traffic light ahead.

 

How will this help drivers

First of all, this is not a system that controls the vehicle or the traffic light. There is nothing to switch on to make the lights ahead of you green, nor does the traffic light turning red stop your vehicle automatically.

This informs the driver by way of an alert light on the dash or the heads-up display of what to expect. Being knowledgeable of what to expect as you come upon an intersection, makes you a better driver. Will the light turn red just as you get there?   Drivers have long had to rely on watching the pedestrian walk countdown as well as the traffic light. Am I at 20 seconds or 3 seconds until the light changes?

The GLOSA will provide a recommended speed to minimize stopping at red lights, helping the driver by eliminating the speed up | Slow down cycle that is often experienced on signal controlled streets.

GLOSA is part of an overall U.S.expansion of Traffic Light Information (TLI) technology. Available on Audi vehicles equipped with Audi Connect Prime Feature (on select 2017, 2018 and newer models.) Available in thirteen US cities, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia, Denver, Colorado, White Plains, NY,  Gainesville, Florida,  Orlando, Florida.

Audi Connect is more than just using a Smart Phone

While the smartphone is one component that is the center of most automotive tech these days. While the debate over which operating system will the car connect to, Android or Apple is no longer much of a debate.  And many manufacturers have apps that connect you through your phone or AI devices like Alexa or Google Home to your car.  Audi has the myAudi app which provides access to the vehicle and an array of features from finding the car, to keyless locking and unlocking of the car.

Today having directions at your command, making reservations, or controlling your home’s lighting, heating and more in preparation for your arrival is all about being better connected.

 

Where Audi Excels

Using Google Earth ™ seeing your route in 3D has been a staple in Audi’s tech toolbox for years. With the myAudi Navigation route guidance which starts from when you first leave and continues with you upon starting y our vehicle and til you end and exit your vehicle. Guiding you all the way to the final steps of your destination.  Natural voice recognition, using your normal speaking voice, Audi’s system recognizes what you are talking about, and assists you. Audi connect ® CARE A suite of assistance and security services that includes SOS calls¹¹, Online Roadside Assistance², Stolen Vehicle Locater¹²and Audi Service Request¹³. Available without a subscription for a limited time.¹⁰

 

 

WIFI connection is key to being connected

Be it the myAudi App, Audi connect CARE, in-vehicle 4GLTE® and upcoming 5G connectivity through the cellular data system provides the ability to support wifi-enabled devices as well as the cars internal devices.

 

New vehicles equipped with Audi connect®

The following vehicles come with Audi Connect service, with a complimentary six-month free trial period. After that, they require a prepaid subscription. Plans start at $199 for a basic one and go up from there depending on services included.

2019 – A6 | A7 | A8 |Q8

2018 – A5 | Q 5

2017 – Q7 | A4 Allroad  | A3

2015 to 2018 A3 Sportback e-tron

 

What’s Next?

Audi will continue to be a leading innovator when it comes to in-vehicle technology. With the soon to be on the market etron all-electric Audi expect expanded services and technologies like the integrated toll module (ITM) a transponder built into the vehicles rearview mirror, eliminating windscreen clutter, and the need to manage multiple toll accounts. This system will operate on select toll roads in the U.S. and Canada.  While toll transponders have been available for a generation, they have been addon boxes affixed to the car. Audi will integrate this digital tool with the V2I technology allowing the vehicle to communicate and interact with the toll authority.