[atomic80]

I just noticed in the MP4-12C options PDF file that the interface for the IRIS system is different than what we actually have. Was this multi-setup what the interface was like when the 12C first came out?

Currently, my IRIS just shows one thing at a time...the nav, the iPod interface, phone, etc...not several things at once. Just wondering.

 

[jmt]

If you are viewing the nav screen you can get music overlay on the lower section of the screen. At the bottom/center area of the touch interface you'll see an arrow style symbol you can press to open the mini display.

 

[jkheit]

Agree with JMT, however, the interface above shows 3 things layered. Nav, phone and media. That's not doable on our current system. Plus, the graphics on the nav are showing 3D perspective and better turn indicators. This seems new.

 

[jkheit]

Atomic, could you post the options PDF or a link to it? Thanks!

 

[atomic80]

I'm aware of that feature where you can bring up the controls for the music interface in the nav screen but as John pointed out...that's exactly what I was curious about. 3D perspective, 3 controls, etc..maybe it was just a prototype overlay that McLaren was using back then. Labeille mentioned a new interface in the works for the IRIS in his factory visit thread. Hopefully it's available to us current users too.

Attached the options PDF file as requested..

 

[jkheit]

I'm aware of that feature where you can bring up the controls for the music interface in the nav screen but as John pointed out...that's exactly what I was curious about. 3D perspective, 3 controls, etc..maybe it was just a prototype overlay that McLaren was using back then. Labeille mentioned a new interface in the works for the IRIS in his factory visit thread. Hopefully it's available to us current users too.

Attached the options PDF file as requested..

Thanks so much Atomic. Wow, there are quite a number of differences from the current system! From the brochure:

The ultimate in onboard entertainment
MP4-12C’s portrait touch-screen gives you access to the car’s on-board entertainment, media and communication systems, every element of which has been intelligently designed by McLaren.
The 12C features a Meridian 2-channel, 4-speaker sound system, hard drive with media player, radio, electronic user manual and Bluetooth telephony accessible via the touch-screen. USB and audio jack ports allow you to connect media players, with integrated support for Apple iPod and Microsoft Zune.
IRIS Upgrade with Satellite Navigation & Meridian Surround Sound System
The IRIS option gives you a significant upgrade to the 12C’s media system. You can use voice-control to access an advanced navigation system while driving. The hard drive is increased in capacity and additional features include a picture and video viewer. The upgrade also gives your 12C WLAN connectivity, allowing you to transfer tracks and files remotely to your 12C from your laptop, or home or office computer when the car is parked within range.
We’ve partnered with world-renowned audio specialists Meridian to design a truly bespoke sound system for the 12C. Using the very latest Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, it delivers the ultimate sound, in a compact, lightweight package. It also continually assesses the driving conditions and adjusts to maintain a consistent, high-quality output. Choose the IRIS option and your 12C’s 2-channel, 4-speaker sound system is replaced with a 7-speaker surround sound system for a superior, pure and vibrant audio experience. Giving you the ultimate in audio and communication, we have called our upgrade system IRIS, named after a messenger to the gods in ancient Greek mythology.

So the system differences include:
-Bigger hard drive
-WiFi (maybe cellular? not sure what WLAN will mean, likely just WiFi)
-Voice control
-View pictures and Video (wonder if this finally includes rear, and dare I dream, front camera)
-New multi panel UI (not clear if this will be downward compatible with current systems)
-Remote music syncing

I like the remote music sync'ing; no need to keep lugging the iPod back and forth for updates! Not sure, if the 7 speaker part is an upgrade. So we're talking about a serious hardware upgrade.

My hope is that that we'll have an option to get this; the WiFi abilities alone open up a lot of capability. iOS in the Car could work over WiFi with zero configuration, which would be great.

Ug, but then at the bottom of the document is this...

Issue Date: December 9, 2010. The availability of options may vary from market to market due to local restrictions and regulations.
For information on standard and optional equipment, please consult your McLaren Retailer. All information is correct at the time of issue. McLaren Automotive reserves the right to alter specifications and other product information without prior notice.

I checked the metadata of the document and it was created on "Dec 14, 2010 7:24 AM" last updated on "Mar 10, 2011 5:50 PM" so this was likely what was on the roadmap and didn't come to fruition. Who knows though, perhaps they'll eventually make good on this. For all we know, we may have WiFi in the car and it's just not been enabled yet, much like the dormant hard drive...

Thanks again Atomic!

 

[Jerry]

IRIS as described is what we were all originally promised (and in some cases paid several thousand bucks for) ... unfortunately we are all still waiting for it!

It has been mentioned by others that the hard drive exists but doesn't actually work yet (must read posts fully before responding, I see you also mention the dormant hard drive).

 

[labeille]

My car just came off the line this week. Hopefully It'll be delivered next month. As soon as I get the car, I'll be posting lots of interface pics and owner's manual info for you to compare with your current system. For now this close up of my car's IRIS on the production line doesn't appear different from the current hardware except for the icons painted on the 2 upper buttons. The top left button icon looks like a "return to previous page" icon.

Cheers

 

[timborama]

My car just came off the line this week. Hopefully It'll be delivered next month. As soon as I get the car, I'll be posting lots of interface pics and owner's manual info for you to compare with your current system. For now this close up of my car's IRIS on the production line doesn't appear different from the current hardware except for the icons painted on the 2 upper buttons. The top left button icon looks like a "return to previous page" icon.

Cheers

That is definitely a departure, as those 2 buttons are meant to serve "soft" buttons. If they're now adding permanent icons to them, that's a good indication of definite UI changes.

 

[Peloton25]

From someone 'in the know' there will definitely be new hardware - not sure yet whether upgrades will be coming for all.

Button configuration will be - from top left: Back, Voice Recognition, Mute, Settings.

>8^)
ER

 

[labeille]

From someone 'in the know' there will definitely be new hardware - not sure yet whether upgrades will be coming for all.

Button configuration will be - from top left: Back, Voice Recognition, Mute, Settings.

>8^)
ER

Sources will remain nameless... hehe... I did hear some mumbling about possible software upgrades for all. Nothing confirmed...

 

[Declan]

That brochure is the pre-launch brochure showing what the first idea of the "Iris" system was. Never went into production.

 

[chrisca]

Gosh, I hope they don't orphan us earlier buyers with expensive, relatively useless, systems....

 

[andy c]

Gosh, I hope they don't orphan us earlier buyers with expensive, relatively useless, systems....

That's the problem,as there is hardware to be changed as its not a software upgrade as everything was before.Its your point that they have to make difficult management decision on,we know what we want and they are aware of keeping us onboard,is it worth one last big financial hit or can they live without our expectations, its a balancing act for sure !!
Not forgetting that many didn't pay in the first place,but again they have had to live with an unfinished product,what to do eh!!!

 

[Jerry]

Not forgetting that many didn't pay in the first place,but again they have had to live with an unfinished product,what to do eh!!!

A lot of us paid full price for it though Andy, if I don't get the upgrades then I'll be expecting them to either make the current system function correctly or give me a refund.

I'll admit that this would be a point of principle rather than a burning desire to have a working sat nav. Out of curiosity, I tried the nav for the first time ever Friday for the commute from the office to home. Storing the office location as a favourite was simple, inputting my home address also very simple (not often the case with other systems in Dubai) and the system calculated the route correctly and gave guidance at the correct time. A minor complaint (which others have mentioned) would be the abrupt way in which the music is cut and the electrical click before the guidance voice kicks in. Anyway, everything was working very well and I was starting to wonder what all the fuss was about. Turned into my road, 200m from my house and the system froze solid, could not even reset it by keeping the home button depressed .... I understand what all the fuss is about

 

[andy c]

A lot of us paid full price for it though Andy, if I don't get the upgrades then I'll be expecting them to either make the current system function correctly or give me a refund.

I'll admit that this would be a point of principle rather than a burning desire to have a working sat nav. Out of curiosity, I tried the nav for the first time ever Friday for the commute from the office to home. Storing the office location as a favourite was simple, inputting my home address also very simple (not often the case with other systems in Dubai) and the system calculated the route correctly and gave guidance at the correct time. A minor complaint (which others have mentioned) would be the abrupt way in which the music is cut and the electrical click before the guidance voice kicks in. Anyway, everything was working very well and I was starting to wonder what all the fuss was about. Turned into my road, 200m from my house and the system froze solid, could not even reset it by keeping the home button depressed .... I understand what all the fuss is about

That's the problem Jerry,those that have paid for it should get a working one,those that haven't have had to live with nothing to start with then a sub-standard system,you could also argue that those that were in at the beginning and have stuck with it are the loyal customers who shouldn't be dumped on.Thats why its a very delicate situation and the answer will be difficult to please everyone,unless they take a big financial hit,the question is ,is it worth it to take that risk??

 

[Mikeyb]

As a freebie, I would be prepared to pay for it now...after all I was prepared to pay for it before... I think the solution would be if you got it for free and want the upgrade then you have to pay... If you paid full price already then you should get it without question (if you're still the original owner) .. If guess the difficulty is the second hand cars.

 

[Jerry]

It'll be interesting to see how they handle it. I shall just keep calm and carry on until everything is clear

 

[andy c]

As a freebie, I would be prepared to pay for it now...after all I was prepared to pay for it before... I think the solution would be if you got it for free and want the upgrade then you have to pay... If you paid full price already then you should get it without question (if you're still the original owner) .. If guess the difficulty is the second hand cars.

Its easy enough to put into second hand cars that are sold through a dealership as they can adjust the price accordingly.Other secondhand cars should not get it if they are sold though a non-franchised dealer,and,maybe original owners should be offered it at cost ,,but are there not owners who paid for 1/2 of it to cover the sound system,there are many different sectors now that have different situations ,how do you keep them all happy without damaging what was promised to start with?

 

[Mikeyb]

There are a number of permutations but i suspect they'll get there...