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American English GPS voice

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Oddfodder, Aug 8, 2018.

  1. Oddfodder

    Oddfodder New Member

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    I hope this is in the right sub-forum - or should it be in the main Gen 3 forum?

    I have a used 2012 Gen 3 that I bought about 5 months ago - love it! We're in Germany and have noticed that the maps on the GPS are outdated. I'm bringing it in to a toyota dealer for a yearly service check in a couple of weeks and am planning to have them update the GPS as well.

    Here's my question - I'm an ex-pat American and would prefer that the GPS speaks to me in American English but the only option that came with the car is British English (no offense to any Brits). Both the dealer and Germany's Toyota customer service say it's not possible to change this, even while upgrading. Anyone have any experience with this/ideas?

    I find it hard to believe that it's not possible. The GPS in my last car was a stand-alone Garmin; I had the same problem and was given the same answer by Garmin customer service. After searching online in Garmin forums, someone sent me the digital American English voice files which I was able to put in the Garmin myself when it was hooked up to my computer. Worked perfectly.

    I get that Toyota doesn't want to be bothered, but if they had the right file it must be possible to add it to the system, especially while updating.

    Thanks for any thoughts
     
    #1 Oddfodder, Aug 8, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    maybe an update disc from a n/a dealer? not really sure though.
     
    #2 bisco, Aug 8, 2018
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  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    PNDs are more customisable than integrated navigation systems. Also, the system used in Europe is different than the ones used in the US as far as I know (The Touch & Go in Europe vs. the Display Audio system in America).

    I suppose if you were to somehow find the .wav file and swap all of it with the US_Eng (or whatever it's called) voices, it's possible.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Aug 8, 2018
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  4. Oddfodder

    Oddfodder New Member

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    I checked with Toyota in the US and just got a big fat "no" - parts not compatible internationally, basically. I guess I'm stuck with British English - could be worse, at least it's not german :LOL:

    I'm still thinking of having them update the maps since they're the original 2012 install (I assume built in 2011). I've checked online and from what I've read, starting with my model (Touch Pro) it's not so easy to do on your own (usb) and might not be cost effective to do so. But I wonder how expensive is too expensive. Once we get to between $200-300, I can get a nice standalone for that price.
     
    #4 Oddfodder, Aug 8, 2018
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  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I don't know how the mapping data version is done in Germany but in the US, it's a year behind. Our nav updates come out between Sept-Nov and are dated the year it came out. So, that means a v18.1 disc means it was released in Sept 2018, hence the latest one to date is 17.1

    For example,

    my 2010 Prius was manufactured in July 2009 so it had 2008 maps (v8.1).
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Aug 8, 2018
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the gps interface and old data are so bad, i would just use my phone or by stand alone.
     
    #6 bisco, Aug 8, 2018
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  7. Oddfodder

    Oddfodder New Member

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    hmmm... we really like having it on the dash. Also really like the heads up display when the gps is in use. Guess I gotta see how much they're going to charge to do it. 2017 maps would still be better than the 2011 that we have now. Or maybe wait a few months until the newest comes out.
     
    #7 Oddfodder, Aug 9, 2018
  8. liskipper

    liskipper Member

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    I would just get a stand alone GPS (Garmin, Magellan, etc.). An upgrade costs more. And, you will have a GPS that actually works.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 liskipper, Aug 31, 2018
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