Why is Toyota iPhone integration so bad?

Indeed. Imagine if Toyota put the same effort into the Entune system as they put into advancing hybrid technology.

It's one of the most backward components of the car, especially when compared to what basic cars can do as you found out with your rental.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Since I have never bought ANY Apple product (they like many other manufactures are on my never list for violating my engineering sensibilities) this is not an issue for me. I find that my new 2016 Prius (and my wife's new Subaru) works well with my Samsung Galaxy 4.

JeffD

 

From what I have seen from all the online demos, you can not use the touch screen in the mirroring to operate your iPhone. I thought this was a big deal for me but then I discovered that Apple Carplay only includes the most basic apps (phone, podcasts, and music). If it would duplicate what I have on my iPod, it would be a bigger deal. I like to listen to audiobooks on long trips and that uses a specific app provided by my library. So.. I suppose I'll still use the iPod on the side for that application.

I think it is a bit comical the way that Toyota markets this Entune stuff... to work THROUGH YOUR phone. It makes no difference to me. I don't have cell service where I live so I carry a throw away phone with me with 60 minutes of airtime only for emergencies. For entertainment, I use my iPod or iPad. If they happen to work with the bluetooth, fine. Otherwise, I'll use a patch cord.

 

5S requires too much care and feeding for a Prius. When it dies I am taking my WIN 10 phones I bought on clearance and hooking them up up and away

 

I too am quite happy with the integration with my LG android phone.

I sometimes wonder how much of the phone should be replicated by your car - you are supposed to be driving and keeping alert to the (mad) drivers around you. Can't help thinking that too much phone in the car becomes a distraction.

 

Wouldn't you need a hefty data plan, always using your phone for navigation? I'm not much of a negotiator with the phone company; the missus and me share a gig monthly.

 

From my limited research, I understand that Waze uses something in the region of 200MB per month. That is not a lot in these days of multi-GB packages. If you are traveling a known route, Waze will already have the map of that area in cache, so only needs to download changes, which would be negligible in size.

 

I have a 2013 Prius v with Entune and a 2016 Chevy with Mylink. I have a nav system in the Prius but not the Chevy. The Android integration (Android Auto) is far superior to the Entune navigation. The lack of Carplay or Android Auto in Toyota products is definitely a huge negative for me and one reason I bought a new Impala rather than an Avalon.

I've been using the Android Auto for 3 months. It's a pleasure to use compared to the Toyota nav with obsolete maps, insane map update prices, and horrible interface. It's so much easier to find a destination than the Toyota nav that fails half the time.

I read the posts from people who dismiss Android Auto and Car Play as useless gimmicks. Don't knock it until you try it for a few days. Having up-to-date maps and great traffic information is enlightening. The nice thing about Android Auto/Google maps is that it is updated constantly. It has been reported that Waze will be available on Android Auto before the end of the year.

The Android Auto allows you to download large map areas that allow you to navigate without a data connection. This was one drawback that forced me to keep a Garmin in the car for a backup when I was out of data range. No need for that now.

 

An aftermarket stereo is $500 installed. You retain nearly every control and get Carplay + Android Auto.

 

Being an avid Apple user and being deeply entrenched in the iOS ecosystem, I was quite disappointed with Toyota's Entune system without Apple Carplay. SO, you can say I've been following this discussion with some interest. I am not interested in changing out the Head Unit just to get Carplay and Android Auto, so Beat Sonic's iPhone mirroring has me quite interested.

I feel it is even better than the Apple Carplay. Carplay restricts you to a predefined set of Apps, one of which is their abysmal Apple Maps. They might work well for some, but they are woefully inadequate for the majority. For me, being able to mirror the iPhone on the Nav Screen is invaluable, because I would be able to use Waze and Google Maps.

I was looking for experiences/reviews from other Prius Chat users who've used this mirroring system, but for some reason no-one wants to share or no-one has it installed (see my numerous posts in the Gen IV Audio forum). Nevertheless, I have been in touch with Sam at Beat-Sonic who assures me the installation is pretty straightforward. My unit should arrive tomorrow, though I might have to wait for a pleasant Florida afternoon to try and install it in my Prius. But should the device work well, I should be set for a long time to come.

 

I am considering this item as well and will look forward to your experience.

 

Same here. In the city I use my 5S

 

I worked through the exercise to see if this would satisfy my need for all things Apple. My figures were somewhat more The other thing I disliked was the lack of a spare tire. I finally caved. After all, I've been plugging in my iPad into my current stereo with a cable. And I haven't needed a spare tire for many years. It would be nice, just once to get everything I wanted.

 

Well, FWIW, I installed my mirroring unit this evening. I must say that their instructions as included in the packet were a bit lacking. The hardest part was routing the cables to the front through the dash. It took me a total of 1.5 hours to install this.

BUT, and this is a big but, if you have a Prius Two and a non HD screen (non JBL) prepare to have washed out colors and fuzzy text. It is a bit disappointing after all that work and expense. But the alternative was not acceptable to me.

Let me know if you guys have any questions.