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NissanConnect (2015) NissanConnect
NissanConnect (2015)
Doug Newcomb
17 Aug 2015, 8 p.m.
As connectivity continues to advance into the dashboard and add complexity to in-car infotainment systems, automakers continue to struggle with making interfaces that are on par with smartphones and other portable devices. The 2015 version of NissanConnect, which we tested on the 2015 Nissan Murano SV AWD, is a prime example of this work-in-progress approach. Compared with other systems, like Toyota Entune and Chrysler Uconnect, we found the Murano's multi-touch control interface more difficult to use. And that the NissanConnect app platform only has one app puts it at a distinct disadvantage to these systems, which have at least two separate online search apps and multiple streaming music apps. When you also consider that connectivity can be rather slow, it's clear that Nissan has some work to do.
The NissanConnect multi-touch control interface in the 2015 Murano consists of an 8-inch screen with buttons and knobs on either side. On the left are Home/Menu, Map, Display Brightness, and Audio buttons, while underneath is a power/volume knob. On the right are buttons for a backup camera, Track Skip/Station Scan, and Return, with a knob for tuning/scrolling that can be pushed to access audio tone settings. Above the display is a CD slot, an Eject button, and a slot for the nav system's SD card.
The home screen displays a Launch Bar with icons for access to Audio, Phone, Info, Home, Map, Navi, and Settings submenus along the bottom. Touching one of these brings up a submenu. Additional options on submenu screens can be accessed by touching arrow buttons on either side, and an onscreen back button is also provided. All features work with the driver's smartphone data plan through a Bluetooth or USB connection, and no subscription is needed.
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Large Screen, Small Icons
As with most smartpones and tablets, the Murano's multi-touch control system allows you to swipe/flick to move within menus, and pinch-to-zoom for navigation maps. Like the most advanced touch-based infotainment systems, it has the ability rearrange icons on the home screen, so that features used most often are the ones you see first. But we found that the interface permits only partial customization, and doesn't make the best use of the large, 8-inch screen.
Pressing and holding the Home screen icon allows you to rearrange the smaller Shortcut icons, as well as the larger Widget icon in the center. But the system only allows you to move the Shortcut icons in one direction. Inexplicably, some of the icons can only be deleted, not moved, and the same goes for the large Widget icon in the center. With similar systems, such as Toyota Entune, all screen icons can be moved at will.
In addition, the screen only displays four Shortcut icons and one Widget at a time. Getting to others requires touching an arrow on either side, if available. The screen is also unusually blank and uses small icons within certain menus. For example, the FM radio menu only displays tiny icons for source and an FM menu on the left side, with the current station, an HD Radio icon, and slightly larger FM presets arranged along the bottom.
Similarly, a small Google Online Search app icon floats by itself in the center of the large screen. This is largely because Google Online Search is currently the only app available for NissanConnect. Even though the companion smartphone app we downloaded to test the system allows you to sync your Pandora, iHeartRadio, Facebook, Twitter, and TripAdvisor accounts, we were informed by a NissanConnect customer service representative that these apps won't actually be available to use until a later date.
The Google Online Search app worked well, and with a connected smartphone there's no subscription required. But we found it was slow to load compared with similar systems we've tested.
We were initially impressed with the 2015 Nissan Murano's multi-touch control interface's large screen, and we like that it has the ability to use smartphone-like touch-screen features such as swipe/flick to move within menus, and pinch-to-zoom for navigation maps. But compared with other systems we've tested, it just isn't as easy to use.
More apps can be added to NissanConnect over time. But since automakers are largely locked into the hardware and operating software for a vehicle over at least a three-year period, we can't see the multi-touch control interface being improved anytime soon.
Nissan isn't alone in the struggle to replicate the interfaces and features we've become accustomed to on our mobile device. But NissanConnect's implementation in the 2015 Murano's is an example of just how difficult this process can be, and how it translates into a poorly executed system that an owner will have to live with for years to come.
NissanConnect
The multi-touch control interface in the 2015 Murano with the NissanConnect app platform features an 8-inch touch screen with buttons and knobs on either side.
Launch Menus
Touching one of the Launch Bar icons on the home screen brings up a submenu, like this one for the Info button that displays additional icons for NissanConnect and SiriusXM Travel Link features.
While the icons on the home screen can be rearranged, some of the smaller Shortcut icons can only be moved in one direction, while others can only be deleted.
The tiny icons for source and FM menu on the left side are small in relation to the large screen.
Google Online Search
A small Google Online Search app icon floats by itself in the center of the large screen, which is a waste of all the space provided.
The Google Online Search doesn't require a subscription and worked well, but we noticed that it was slow to load compared with other systems we've tested.
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Doug Newcomb Columnist
Doug Newcomb is a recognized expert on the subject of car technology within the auto industry and among the automotive and general media, and a frequent speaker at automotive and consumer electronics industry events. Doug began his career in 1988 at the car stereo trade publication Mobile Electronics, before serving as editor of the leading consumer magazines covering the topic, Car Audio and Electronics and Car Stereo Review/Mobile Entertainment/Road & Track Road Gear, from 1989 to 2005. In 2005 Doug started his own company, Newcomb Communications & Consulting, to provide content to such outlets as Road & Track, Popular Mechanics, MSN Autos, SEMA News, and many others. In 2008, he ... See Full Bio
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