Toyota will likely be sending out an over-the-air replace to all Toyota and Lexus autos that may depart its touchscreen infotainment system’s financial institution of menu icons completely docked on-screen, even whereas utilizing Apple CarPlay. It will right a key flaw and criticism with the present system: there is no fast solution to escape CarPlay for one of many automotive’s native infotainment menus. For example, going between Google Maps and satellite tv for pc radio.
The OTA replace will likely be despatched to all autos outfitted with the present Toyota/Lexus infotainment system that debuted within the redesigned Lexus NX and unfold thereafter all through the lineups of each manufacturers. It applies to all display screen sizes. Though a Toyota consultant confirmed the scope of this replace, he didn’t have a selected schedule for when these updates will likely be despatched out.
Presently, the infotainment system lacks the 2 commonest technique of escaping Apple CarPlay: a “Home” button (because the previous-generation Toyota system had as a bodily button) or a completely docked menu icon that goes one step additional than a Residence button by providing you with an specific path to capabilities like radio, cellphone navigation or automobile settings. This omission generally is a fixed supply of frustration and was the principle purpose we have been lower than enamored with this technique since its introduction. We weren’t alone.
Toyota Tacoma chief engineer Sheldon Brown says he was “adamant” about including the completely docked menu financial institution to the infotainment system for the very causes listed above.
“We flashed 3,000 (Tacoma) units to make sure we didn’t have to OTA existing builds,” he stated, fairly happy that he was in a position to make the change occur. That it may well transcend a brand new mannequin just like the Tacoma or already-built vehicles is a triumph of OTA updates.
Now, you might need seen we have solely been mentioning Apple CarPlay. Toyota confirmed that this replace doesn’t apply to Android Auto, which has the very same escape drawback. There was no remark concerning if or when that is perhaps rectified.
