Concerned about app/data updates

I see notes here and we've been concerned about this since looking at Prius. The nav system uses old data and there doesn't seem to be a way to update it. The dealer told us that it can get updated every couple years for a fee. Why should I do that when I can get live updates every second for free on my mobile device? And I've read here that this "every couple years" statement is a fantasy anyway. I read a complaint that Toyota doesn't seem to know or care about this situation, but it's hard to understand how a company can be so deaf to such a basic issue. Is there some way to update the navigation more frequently? And is there a cost?

What about the apps? Same situation. Any mobile device can load and remove apps in seconds. Why is this such an impossible task in cars? I might not want the navi but I might want a higher tech package just for the in-dash screen/apps and rear-camera.

This is coming from my desire to have a high tech vehicle, but the tech seems to be both expensive and unsophisticated. If I can't get a Prius with a decent tech package my options shift to other vehicles without tech - or towards whatever tech that seems more promising.

What are the after purchase options from Toyota, and what are alternative after-market options, or upgrade/replacement options?

Thanks!

 

Just coming back to this topic, I asked again and the dealer confirmed that they pre-load a "hard drive" in the vehicle with maps of the local area, and that going to a different part of the country requires a for-fee data update. As an IT guy this is the stupidest thing I've heard in a while. I'm not turned off to the car but the tech in this vehicle strikes me as pure crap. Our decision process takes us away from the 4, 3, and 2 in large part because I don't want to pay for crap tech. That leaves us with a C with great mileage and no tech - and not a very comfortable interior either. So why am I supposed to buy this again? Oh yeah, gotta remember the mileage... This situation is very discouraging.

For reference, I asked a Mazda dealer about map updates when looking at a Mazda3. He pulls an SD chip from his pocket and says "updates aren't a problem, just plug this in". Toyota didn't get that memo.