AVDI VS. fvdi - What is the difference?
There has been talks for the better part of 12 years now, about a company called FLYOBD and as much as I don’t want to give them credit for anything I feel like the time has come for us to discuss the topic of clone tools and answer as many questions as I can about the subject. I hope to only have to do it once, because just as Donald Trump said during his first speech after the assassination attempt - it was a painful experience. Here goes.
- What is the difference between AVDI and FVDI?
I really do not know where to start, I doubt Nike ever had to explain the difference between their shoes and the “NICE” ones you can buy from Alibaba or Adidas having to discuss “ABIDAS” but here goes. FVDI is a bad attempt at a clone of AVDI from 2012 with no progress, no support and no guarantees. AVDI is the real tool, we are the ones doing real development. We have a support system where we are responsible for solving your issues, issues sometimes caused by other tools as well as our own – we provide constant updates, user manuals, videos, blog posts and actual development to make sure we help you get better. Below you will find the whole story from my point of view. Everything in this blog is my opinion only, nothing here relates to the point of view of the company.
- When and how did FVDI become a thing?
My first day at Abrites was December 12th, 2012, if you believe in numerology, I guess 12.12.12 must mean something, anyway. At the time I was 23 and came from a support and training background. I was into cars but didn’t quite know what to do with my life. So, I was basically introduced to the team at a Christmas party, together with 5-6 other people. Abrites had gained traction at the time, it was 7 years old and had established a name for itself. Normally the company was expanding. No more than 2 weeks after my starting date I went to the old office (which was literally an apartment) one morning and I heard chatter. I later understood that the commotion was caused by news shared by partners of ours talking about a new “Abrites Clone”. I wasn’t really aware of what that meant but by the end of the day I understood the gravity of the situation. Whoever these guys were, somewhere in China – they had bought a bunch of AVDIs from us and had managed to crack through our security. I was in a defensive position because people were looking at me strangely. Imagine that – I had just started and the biggest breach in the company’s history had happened. If the copycats had a man on the inside all fingers would have pointed to the new guy with access to the Abrites Data. It was a massive breach and a huge failure on our side. A sad day overall. But. Life goes on. In order to protect our intellectual property, we created server updates where once every couple of weeks, we added a bunch of protection after that, but it was already done. To the best of my understanding – there is absolutely no way for us to counteract lawfully, so we did all we could to protect our tool, the real tool, the AVDI.
- What does FVDI do?
I believe you know most of what AVDI does, I try to bring out as much information as possible about our tool as quickly as possible – the moment I have any new information about our functions and each time I do so I test and communicate with the developers. The reality is that FVDI have some of our software from 2012 and that is all. They claim to have their own development based on what they effectively stole but, in my experience, this is not true. Their so called “product” can do some cars up to 2012 but confirmation is impossible. Some people have success with K-Line cars of the VAG brands, but it is a hit and miss situation every time.
That is, after 2012 there is absolutely nothing in my experience, there is absolutely no other success that may be had with the “tool”. Unless your intention is to brick a vehicle.
- What happened after the breach?
After the events of late 2012 we have made it very difficult for anyone to replicate this breach, our software is now safe from that and I can assure you that nothing similar will happen, all the software talks to our server all the time, we have notifications in place for potential attempts at malicious activity, as well as many other security features I’d rather not discuss. We have made sure this doesn’t happen again. Your investment in AVDI and all other products is safe. To be fair we do not think AVDI and FVDI have many interlapping customers, but I know that some of you have tried it.
I know you can spot the fake, but you will see that they have many distinctive features and I also know customers for fakes are not you guys but in case you were considering something advertised as AVDI but looks like this is FAKE.
We will continue to provide the best possible tool in the world.
Here is what AVDI looks like. Please consult support@abrites.com to confirm the serial number, is it really what is offered as.
My colleague Georgi from Abrites Italy wanted to add to the blog post and here is what he has to say:
In summary, the difference between AVDI and FVDI mainly concerns the origin, quality, and support of the products:
1. Component Quality
AVDI (Abrites Vehicle Diagnostic Interface):
- High-Quality Components: AVDI uses high-quality components, ensuring durability and optimal performance.
- Manufacturing Process: Production involves stringent quality controls, ensuring each device meets high standards.
FVDI (Fly Vehicle Diagnostic Interface):
- Variable Components: The quality of components in FVDI can vary, with some clones using inferior quality parts.
- Quality Control: Quality control may not be consistent, leading to devices with uneven performance.
2. Software
AVDI:
- Proprietary Software: Abrites develops its own software, with regular updates that include new features and improvements.
- Security: The software is well-protected against piracy and ensures the integrity of diagnostic operations.
FVDI:
- Cloned Software: FVDI's software is often an unauthorized copy of AVDI's, which can lead to compatibility and stability issues.
- Limited Updates: Software updates for FVDI may be sporadic or nonexistent, leaving the devices vulnerable to security issues.
3. Security
AVDI:
- Protection: AVDI implements advanced security measures to protect the device and vehicle data.
- Data Integrity: Diagnostic and programming operations are conducted securely, minimizing the risk of data corruption.
FVDI:
- Security Risks: Clones like FVDI may have vulnerabilities that compromise data and operational security.
- Reliability: Due to the lack of regular updates, FVDI devices may be prone to unpatched security flaws.
4. Reliability and Functionality
AVDI:
- Wide Range of Features: AVDI offers a broad range of advanced features for diagnostics, key programming, odometer calibration, and more.
- Reliability: AVDI devices are known for their reliability and accuracy in diagnostic operations.
FVDI:
- Limited Functionality: Although it attempts to mimic AVDI, FVDI may not offer all features or may execute them with less precision.
- Compatibility Issues: FVDI may face compatibility problems with certain vehicles or software, limiting its utility.
5. Customer Support
AVDI:
- Official Technical Support: Abrites provides technical support through various channels, including phone, email, and online forums.
- Documentation: Detailed documentation and training resources are provided to help users make the most of the device.
FVDI:
- Limited Support: Support for FVDI is often limited or nonexistent, leaving users without assistance in case of issues.
- Inadequate Documentation: Documentation may be sparse or inaccurate, complicating the use of the device.
Conclusion:
While AVDI represents a high-quality, secure, and reliable solution for vehicle diagnostics and programming, FVDI is a clone with various limitations. Users who choose AVDI can rely on a supported, regularly updated, and secure product. In contrast, those opting for FVDI might encounter issues related to quality, security, and support, making this option less reliable for professional applications.
See you soon, ladies and gentlemen! Try to have fun at work!
