Audi’s LTE S3 Sportback at European dealers now, 4G A3 hits US next spring

We knew Audi’s 4G-enabled rides were coming, but not exactly when. That changes now, as the company has announced that the S3 Sportback is hitting dealer lots in Europe starting today. Us Yanks will have to wait until next spring to use long term evolution speeds with the Audi Connect infotainment system, and even then it’ll be in the A3 sedan, not its sportier cousin. According to GigaOM, Europeans can access LTE from any carrier they choose, whereas domestic options remain ambiguous. The German automaker said that stateside, 4G connectivity will most likely be tied to a specific operator, similar to how smartphones are optimized for each carrier. Negotiations as to which “carrier or carriers” will supply mobile broadband are still up in the air too, with an announcement promised for a later date. We’d like to have pricing info then, too.

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Source: Audi (UK), GigaOM

Audi’s eKurzinfo app uses augmented reality to sidestep A3 owner’s manual

DNP Audi ARG app tells you exactly what it all means

Ever read your car’s instruction manual? We didn’t think so, and apparently, neither did the folks at Audi. Not too long ago, the firm introduced a unique twist on vehicle documentation, offering A1 owners an augmented reality app that could tell them about the car’s basic functions at a glance. The eKurzinfo app’s initial release only recognized 65 elements of the vehicle — but has since been improved and is now available for the A3 sedan. Say you notice the car’s new-fangled temperature gauge, but don’t quite understand how it works. Point your phone at the instrument cluster, load up the app and it will explain that when the LEDs reach the top part of the display, the engine temperature is too high. Simple. The app will even show you where to find the coolant refill tank under the hood.

The app’s developer, Metaio, says the upgraded eKurzinfo can recognize over 300 individual aspects of Audi’s A3 — from the smallest details like insignias on the car’s windshield wipers to individual engine components. This should be more than enough data for drivers who are opposed to the traditional approach of RTFM (reading the freaking manual).

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