Just got an automatic Entune update for my Prius Prime Plus, 2017 (Nov 13, 2018). According to this Toyota website, it is just for the Plus (small screen) version. The only thing I noticed is that Pandora is no longer offered on the screen, which is just as well because it never worked for me anyway (I just run it on my phone and connect through Bluetooth).
I got notice of it for my Advanced too. I presume it applies to all trims. Yes, they pointed out that the Pandora app was going away.
The update was for all Toyota vehicles that had Pandora and Open Table apps in Entune. My 2014 4Runner and our 2014 Camry Hybrid were also updated.
First your phone entune updates, then it updates your car entune, if your phone is set on automatic updates, you're not even aware of the process. The car isn't internet aware, but the car is internet aware when the phone is connected.
Yeah, it seems to have more “stuff” on it, but not sure if it has any more actual features... I haven’t actually downloaded it yet. Have any of you who have done so seen any ... bad behavior ... from it?
The cell phone in the Advanced is currently only used for low-data rate "telematics", like Safety Connect and the Advanced Apps. All the media stuff and software updates goes through the user's cell phone, just like on other trims. This will change when they put the next-generation Entune (version 3.0) in cars, which uses the built-in cell phone for media as well as telematics. This will include map updates! Some 2019 Toyota models have this.
To my Premium, Entune is completely useless as I only use my phone as GPS. It is a waste of such a big screen.
The new Entune app just let me know that charging is complete. My Prime has been sitting in the parking lot at work for the last 8 hours, unplugged... Loving this new update.
Perhaps my question is answered elsewhere, but I am still wondering why I should bother to download Entune. What are top reasons or features that people use or like? I love my 2017 Prius Prime... Thanks everyone (first post.)
Huh.....my entune app has been telling me that charging has completed since I got my car way back in November 2016 Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I can only speak to the advanced trim version of the Prime... I use the Entune app on my ancient smartphone to check the charging status and time remaining to full charge, to locate the car, and to play the eco-driving score game with the sheep. It's also helpful for locating nearby charging locations and -- if you ever use gasoline -- the prices on offer at nearby gas stations. It also provides remote climate control to "pre-condition" the interior temperature of the cabin. (We've used this feature when leaving the theater and walking back to the nearby parking garage -- to have the car nice and comfy when we arrived. Also, because our daily schedule is not predicable to pre-program departure time, this feature can also be used to warm or cool the car on demand in our garage while it's plugged into its charger.) There is also a "destination search" feature which augments the car's built-in GPS. I have not used this a lot, but it was very handy to get the phone number and address of small business when I was lost and running late.) It's handy for checking sports scores of the couple of teams which I follow and also for getting stock prices. There are some other media, entertainment, and other apps which I never use but which some people like. With the exception of the remote climate, the car location, and the "Eco-Dashboard" you can probably do everything just as well (but not as easily) using the web browser on your internet-connected smartphone.
Thanks Old Bear, your post was helpful...and a bit surprising too! Many of these features you touted I would use.
