Aston’s ‘Connected Car Services, the Aston App and Comms Ser
Discussion
Interested in hearing feedback from owners of the latest Astons (DB12, new new Vantage, DBX707 refresh, etc.) about their experiences of using Aston’s Connected Car Services, the Aston Martin App and the Communication Services.
I see this service is free for the first 3 years after the car is registered, followed by a subscription after that. Does anyone have details of subscription renewal costs or indeed whether folks who don’t want to pay the subscription miss out on anything important? Does it affect ability to receive over-the-air updates? (Here’s a link to the T&Cs (for anyone interested in details)).
https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/legal/am-connect...
I do worry about increased ‘tracking’ by these systems and how our data is used or sold. I’m afraid I’m not assured by meaningless phraseology designed to reassure us of no abuse of our data (e.g. ‘Protection of your data is our primary concern’)! Indeed, does this increase the possibility of opening up the car to hacking/control/theft by the ‘criminal fraternity’?
I also had a look at feedback of the App on the App Store - seems there’s quite a few people unimpressed with the App! Some comparisons to the JLR App, which I remember worked very well back when I had my F-Type Jag.
Interested from hearing from anyone on their experiences with this ‘connected service’ or anyone who’s using this App
I see this service is free for the first 3 years after the car is registered, followed by a subscription after that. Does anyone have details of subscription renewal costs or indeed whether folks who don’t want to pay the subscription miss out on anything important? Does it affect ability to receive over-the-air updates? (Here’s a link to the T&Cs (for anyone interested in details)).
https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/legal/am-connect...
I do worry about increased ‘tracking’ by these systems and how our data is used or sold. I’m afraid I’m not assured by meaningless phraseology designed to reassure us of no abuse of our data (e.g. ‘Protection of your data is our primary concern’)! Indeed, does this increase the possibility of opening up the car to hacking/control/theft by the ‘criminal fraternity’?
I also had a look at feedback of the App on the App Store - seems there’s quite a few people unimpressed with the App! Some comparisons to the JLR App, which I remember worked very well back when I had my F-Type Jag.
Interested from hearing from anyone on their experiences with this ‘connected service’ or anyone who’s using this App
I have a DB12, and use the app.
Access to the app had to be set up by my dealer, with most of the information pre-populated by them. So with regard to tracking, there's not much they already don't know.
The app works good enough mostly all the time. Sometimes I see a "service not available" error or similar. Sometimes I've had to "re-set up" the app (I think that's just when T&Cs change). The odd time it can't find my car's location – could be to do with signal/reception.
The app tells me all kinds of data about my DB12. I've used it mainly to check fuel level to see if I need to plan extra time to stop to fill up. It also alerts me if I've failed to lock the car etc. (When the car is in the dealer to get something sorted, I get spammed with loads of "door is open", "boot is open", "car is unlocked" notifications all day). I just hit the "Identify" button and it successfully honked from my garage.
You can also set a Geofence or "Protect Mode" (which is useful is someone else is driving your car).
I wouldn't say it works better or worse than any other car manufacturer's app – they are all a little clunky and sometimes unreliable but with some useful features.
My DB12 has a tracker in it, and for that I have a separate app, which unlike the AM app, shows me a full history and map of every drive.
Access to the app had to be set up by my dealer, with most of the information pre-populated by them. So with regard to tracking, there's not much they already don't know.
The app works good enough mostly all the time. Sometimes I see a "service not available" error or similar. Sometimes I've had to "re-set up" the app (I think that's just when T&Cs change). The odd time it can't find my car's location – could be to do with signal/reception.
The app tells me all kinds of data about my DB12. I've used it mainly to check fuel level to see if I need to plan extra time to stop to fill up. It also alerts me if I've failed to lock the car etc. (When the car is in the dealer to get something sorted, I get spammed with loads of "door is open", "boot is open", "car is unlocked" notifications all day). I just hit the "Identify" button and it successfully honked from my garage.
You can also set a Geofence or "Protect Mode" (which is useful is someone else is driving your car).
I wouldn't say it works better or worse than any other car manufacturer's app – they are all a little clunky and sometimes unreliable but with some useful features.
My DB12 has a tracker in it, and for that I have a separate app, which unlike the AM app, shows me a full history and map of every drive.
Edited by atrossity on Tuesday 21st January 10:40
atrossity said:
I have a DB12, and use the app……
Thank you atrossity- that’s very helpful - thank you also for the screenshots.Guessing the Geofence sends a notification only and doesn’t shut down the engine?
Do you know how much it is to renew the subscription after your first 3 ‘free’ years? Also, would you renew it, or just forgo loss of the features? Also, do you know whether if you don’t renew, does that mean loss of ‘over-the-air’ firmware updates?
Interested if anyone else has feedback/views, or is indeed concerned about the downsides of internet access of your car (malware, spying on your data (speed, location, etc), third parties’ ability to disable/shut down your car, etc……
VantageHead said:
Interested in hearing feedback from owners of the latest Astons (DB12, new new Vantage, DBX707 refresh, etc.) about their experiences of using Aston’s Connected Car Services, the Aston Martin App and the Communication Services.
I see this service is free for the first 3 years after the car is registered, followed by a subscription after that. Does anyone have details of subscription renewal costs or indeed whether folks who don’t want to pay the subscription miss out on anything important? Does it affect ability to receive over-the-air updates? (Here’s a link to the T&Cs (for anyone interested in details)).
https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/legal/am-connect...
I do worry about increased ‘tracking’ by these systems and how our data is used or sold. I’m afraid I’m not assured by meaningless phraseology designed to reassure us of no abuse of our data (e.g. ‘Protection of your data is our primary concern’)! Indeed, does this increase the possibility of opening up the car to hacking/control/theft by the ‘criminal fraternity’?
I also had a look at feedback of the App on the App Store - seems there’s quite a few people unimpressed with the App! Some comparisons to the JLR App, which I remember worked very well back when I had my F-Type Jag.
Interested from hearing from anyone on their experiences with this ‘connected service’ or anyone who’s using this App
If you look at the app store privacy section, you'll see they don't farm too much data. Compare it to something like facebook or instagram.I see this service is free for the first 3 years after the car is registered, followed by a subscription after that. Does anyone have details of subscription renewal costs or indeed whether folks who don’t want to pay the subscription miss out on anything important? Does it affect ability to receive over-the-air updates? (Here’s a link to the T&Cs (for anyone interested in details)).
https://www.astonmartin.com/en-gb/legal/am-connect...
I do worry about increased ‘tracking’ by these systems and how our data is used or sold. I’m afraid I’m not assured by meaningless phraseology designed to reassure us of no abuse of our data (e.g. ‘Protection of your data is our primary concern’)! Indeed, does this increase the possibility of opening up the car to hacking/control/theft by the ‘criminal fraternity’?
I also had a look at feedback of the App on the App Store - seems there’s quite a few people unimpressed with the App! Some comparisons to the JLR App, which I remember worked very well back when I had my F-Type Jag.
Interested from hearing from anyone on their experiences with this ‘connected service’ or anyone who’s using this App
Use the app since mid 2024, then it was really awful. Not easy to connect, every time login, etc.
Since a few months however, it is ok. It works always, and gives basic info you might need (like fuel level/range, doors open, lights on, etc).
Recently they add "Open/Close doors" that is a very handy feature when you want to access the boot or so and don't have the key at hand.
It is nothing more special than any other modern car app, but it does its job now.
Main thing missing imho: sending addresses to your car (was used to do this with almost every BMW and Mercedes: sending your destination from your smartphone to your car nav). Maybe this will come.
Since a few months however, it is ok. It works always, and gives basic info you might need (like fuel level/range, doors open, lights on, etc).
Recently they add "Open/Close doors" that is a very handy feature when you want to access the boot or so and don't have the key at hand.
It is nothing more special than any other modern car app, but it does its job now.
Main thing missing imho: sending addresses to your car (was used to do this with almost every BMW and Mercedes: sending your destination from your smartphone to your car nav). Maybe this will come.
VantageHead said:
I do worry about increased ‘tracking’ by these systems and how our data is used or sold. I’m afraid I’m not assured by meaningless phraseology designed to reassure us of no abuse of our data (e.g. ‘Protection of your data is our primary concern’)! Indeed, does this increase the possibility of opening up the car to hacking/control/theft by the ‘criminal fraternity’?
I'm not sure about using the app on our smart phones where location services are often enabled, but your car, and indeed most modern cars, are constantly sending data in the form of speed, position and direction, as soon as the ignition is switched on. This data is then collected by various third parties around the world and onward transmitted almost instantaneously to traffic analytic companies.Every time we use our cars, a unique identification number is generated and assigned to the car's stream of data for each trip. Because the id is unique each and every time the car is used, and cannot be directly linked to a specific vehicle, the data can not be used for tracking our individual movements. Obviously, if you subscribe to a tracking service like Vodafone then I guess that's an altogether different matter.
As you may appreciate, there is an astounding amount of data that is being collected. And not just from literally millions upon millions of private cars globally. Data is collected too from haulage and delivery companies' vehicles and taxis; from pressure pad sensors in our roads; from traffic cameras on our motorways and A roads. This speed, position and direction data then undergoes some incredibly complex and intensive processing that allows you to see the traffic conditions in real time (with minimal latency) on your satnav systems. This data, along with other data sources that collect traffic incidents, road closures, roadworks etc. can also be used to plan, and if necessary amend your journey.
We've come a long way from using our OS maps to plan our trips. How many of us use our satnav systems for journeys of just a few miles ? it's almost become second nature now. I'm not sure my dad would have approved.
Don't assume that when people say things like "random ids are generated for each trip" means that the data can't be correlated. It certainly can.
Unless a trusted third party is auditing exactly what was implemented and what is being done with the data, we are stuck simply trusting that these companies are not doing things we don't want them to do. But these companies fall into three categories: Those that are trying to do the right thing but nothing is perfect, those that say they want to do the right things but are incompetent, and those that are going to tell you what you want to hear and do whatever is in their own best interest. The problem is that its tough to know which category a company is in.
Unless a trusted third party is auditing exactly what was implemented and what is being done with the data, we are stuck simply trusting that these companies are not doing things we don't want them to do. But these companies fall into three categories: Those that are trying to do the right thing but nothing is perfect, those that say they want to do the right things but are incompetent, and those that are going to tell you what you want to hear and do whatever is in their own best interest. The problem is that its tough to know which category a company is in.
Jay_Davis said:
Don't assume that when people say things like "random ids are generated for each trip" means that the data can't be correlated. It certainly can.
I don't assume that. As I used to work in that sector for a while, I know that random id's are generated for each trip, just as I know that these random id's cannot be associated to a specific vehicle.Edited by Octavarium on Saturday 22 February 20:41
VantageHead said:
I do worry about increased ‘tracking’ by these systems and how our data is used or sold. I’m afraid I’m not assured by meaningless phraseology designed to reassure us of no abuse of our data
You remind me of a day out last year at a motor racing circuit.
On the journey there and back, my wife could continually see my location, refreshed every 2 minutes.
At lunch time, she knew exactly when I went back to the car, message pinged to her phone 'door unlocked', when I had finished lunch message pinged 'doors locked'. Then again when I was about to start driving home, message pinged 'doors unlocked'.
Not quite sure what we should be worried about though. I expect Xi Jinping knew about my day out as well, but how might the data be of any use to him?
Even without these apps, all sorts of data must now be recorded within the car's electronics, probably accessible by any dealer technician. Location, speeds, date, time etc.
With Voice Control systems, we know that the 'lady behind the dashboard' is listening to us all the time, waiting for us to say a particular word, then she starts talking.
I have given up on privacy. Perhaps best to lead a very ordinary life, of little interest to anyone else.
The Ratings and Reviews shown in your top image are amusing.
A dead heat for honours between 5 stars and 1 star. The written comments suggested that the App did not work.
As for the Developer Response. Possibly a Four Tops fan. Reach Out.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Saturday 22 February 21:47
Jay_Davis said:
Don't assume that when people say things like "random ids are generated for each trip" means that the data can't be correlated. It certainly can.
Unless a trusted third party is auditing exactly what was implemented and what is being done with the data, we are stuck simply trusting that these companies are not doing things we don't want them to do. But these companies fall into three categories: Those that are trying to do the right thing but nothing is perfect, those that say they want to do the right things but are incompetent, and those that are going to tell you what you want to hear and do whatever is in their own best interest. The problem is that its tough to know which category a company is in.
Interesting discussion and good to hear folk’s thoughts on this.Unless a trusted third party is auditing exactly what was implemented and what is being done with the data, we are stuck simply trusting that these companies are not doing things we don't want them to do. But these companies fall into three categories: Those that are trying to do the right thing but nothing is perfect, those that say they want to do the right things but are incompetent, and those that are going to tell you what you want to hear and do whatever is in their own best interest. The problem is that its tough to know which category a company is in.
I see that there’s additional info in the DB12 manual on data that the car stores, and who can access it……
…and there’s an abbreviated version of this in the 2018-2023 Vantage User Manual.
Simpo Two said:
If I ever have a car with any of that b
ks in in it I hope it can be disabled by a well-placed stab with a screwdriver.
…or have an exceptionally large Faraday cage in which to drive!! ks in in it I hope it can be disabled by a well-placed stab with a screwdriver.
You’re right though - this does add to be appeal of a VH (or earlier) Aston (as long as you leave your phone at home that is)!!
. Even then there still CCTV and ANPR. Maybe the Goldfinger DB5 revolving number plates will come back into vogue soon! 
BYD can dial in and listen to conversations in your lovely BYD car.
“ In the video, the owner dials the car’s SIM number and audio from inside the vehicle is transmitted to their phone – but there’s no indication to the driver on the touchscreen infotainment system or the digital instrument cluster that a call is in progress, and no apparent way to terminate the call from the vehicle.
The only indicator the vehicle gave that a call was in progress was by muting the audio. The issue also reportedly occurs when the vehicle is turned off.
I wasn’t able to hang-up the covert call from the car, even opening the phone app in the car or pressing the pickup/hangup button on the steering wheel didn’t terminate the covert call,” said the owner.
Even turning off cellular allowed a call to be taken, so there’s no way I can find that an Australian Atto 3 customer can have privacy in their own car if someone was spying on them.“
https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/byd-working-...
Oh yes, the issue they are “fixing” is stopping random people calling your car. Not the other obvious issue regarding privacy.
I’m sure comrade Keir will be wanting this in all vehicles sold in the UK soon.
“ In the video, the owner dials the car’s SIM number and audio from inside the vehicle is transmitted to their phone – but there’s no indication to the driver on the touchscreen infotainment system or the digital instrument cluster that a call is in progress, and no apparent way to terminate the call from the vehicle.
The only indicator the vehicle gave that a call was in progress was by muting the audio. The issue also reportedly occurs when the vehicle is turned off.
I wasn’t able to hang-up the covert call from the car, even opening the phone app in the car or pressing the pickup/hangup button on the steering wheel didn’t terminate the covert call,” said the owner.
Even turning off cellular allowed a call to be taken, so there’s no way I can find that an Australian Atto 3 customer can have privacy in their own car if someone was spying on them.“
https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/byd-working-...
Oh yes, the issue they are “fixing” is stopping random people calling your car. Not the other obvious issue regarding privacy.
I’m sure comrade Keir will be wanting this in all vehicles sold in the UK soon.
Edited by Davil on Sunday 23 February 02:30
AWV12 said:
Main thing missing imho: sending addresses to your car (was used to do this with almost every BMW and Mercedes: sending your destination from your smartphone to your car nav). Maybe this will come.
What would anyone want this feature though? I can do that on both my Astons using CarPlay which gives light years better navigation than any inbuilt nav system.
Do people still use in built Nav systems?
Davil said:
What would anyone want this feature though?
I can do that on both my Astons using CarPlay which gives light years better navigation than any inbuilt nav system.
Do people still use in built Nav systems?
In my German cars I mostly use the built-in Navs, since they give better nav instructions in complex situations and integrate better for example with the head up display and dashboard instrumentpanel. I can do that on both my Astons using CarPlay which gives light years better navigation than any inbuilt nav system.
Do people still use in built Nav systems?
For the DB12 this is both not the case, so indeed less of an issue. The built-in nav app has still many flaws, of which "sending destinations from the app" is only one. If they would improve this to come up to par with German car navs, I would use it already more. Now I use the Carplay/Android Auto nav apps also, but these interfaces look still very basic ("childish"?) and not in line with the rest of the car.
AWV12 said:
In my German cars I mostly use the built-in Navs, since they give better nav instructions in complex situations and integrate better for example with the head up display and dashboard instrumentpanel.
^^^ ThisAlthough I have CarPlay with Google Maps and Waze to hand, I always use the inbuilt Audi satnav for route guidance and traffic information. The information given I find is more accurate (perhaps it's because I know where Audi gets its data from). The map display, either in satellite or plain mode, or in day or night mode, is far easier on the eye too. I do wish I could change Grunhilda's voice though.
Simpo Two said:
Luddite question because I know nothing about the matter: if a car has CarPlay does it need a smartphone to listen to the radio?
I might have misunderstood your thoughts, but the car would have its own radio, so no.
The radio would mute (if set to do so) when CarPlay or Android Auto navigation guidance speaks.
Obviously need a smartphone for the CarPlay to work.
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