The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf debuted in October 2019, and since then, it has been chastised for its MIB3 infotainment system. On occasion, the MIB3 infotainment system appeared to have problems and performed slowly. A second recall, impacting about 56,000 vehicles constructed through June 2020, was issued due to concerns with the infotainment system and the reversing camera. If you go to any VW forum, you'll discover that many Mk8 owners are still grumbling about how sluggish the MIB3 is.
To solve these concerns, VW announced a hardware and software upgrade for new vehicles that will improve the voice control function while also making the system respond faster.
Starting with the hardware, the system is given a boost in performance. This, according to VW, leads to a quicker navigation response, with results appearing in less than five seconds after inputting the desired route and faster scrolling through menus.
VW claims that after inputting a route into the navigation system, the list of results will appear in less than five seconds thanks to the upgraded technology. Another significant improvement is the new voice control feature, which is up to four times faster than before. According to the carmaker, the voice control's understanding rate has increased significantly to approximately 95%.
For places like underground parking garages where there is no internet connection, voice control ideas come from the cloud and/or the vehicle's database to be active at all times.
Finally, anytime the user's finger reaches within a few millimeters of the screen, VW has blocked the buttons around the hazard warning light. When the finger contacts the display, the volume, and temperature sliders are immediately disabled to prevent accidental activation.
The volume and temperature sliders are also disabled when the finger touches the screen, preventing unintended activation.
Unfortunately, the improved infotainment system will only be available in newly manufactured vehicles, leaving existing owners with the previous system. Beginning in early 2022, VW will contact owners to explain the optional service process.
These software and hardware updates are expected to be adopted by other VW Group vehicles that are connected to the Golf 8.