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Why Can't Nav/GPS Be Updated Easily Like Everything Else??

Discussion in 'Prime Technical Discussion' started by Susan4ET, Oct 25, 2017.

  1. Susan4ET

    Susan4ET Member

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    Can anyone explain Toyota's technical logic of making it so expensive, difficult, and unfriendly for the end user to update their Navigation/GPS?

    I'm wishing by the time I buy a 2018 Prius Prime next year it won't be necessary, like it is now on my 2015 Prius, to not only purchase the update from Parts but then make a costly service appointment to install the update!?

    I liken this too taking our computers, phones, tablets, and smart TVs into some dealer to update the OS, the App Store, or iTunes. This doesn't make sense in 2017.
     
    #1 Susan4ET, Oct 25, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sure: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$:)
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 25, 2017
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  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Sort of like having to but new income tax software every year when the rules are mainly the same? Or new antivirus software instead of just updating the data?
    Same answer as post 2.
     
    #3 Prodigyplace, Oct 25, 2017
  4. Susan4ET

    Susan4ET Member

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    If that makes sense then why is Entune and its updates free?(n) I think it is sinister on Toyota's part.
     
    #4 Susan4ET, Oct 25, 2017
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2017
  5. Susan4ET

    Susan4ET Member

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    More like why I pay an accountant to do my taxes then bother to update and do my own taxes; or use M$ Security Essentials exclusively staying clean for years.
     
    #5 Susan4ET, Oct 25, 2017
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    because they are useless. but toyota nav is useless too, so you got me there.:p
     
    #6 bisco, Oct 25, 2017
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  7. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    The fourth-generation Prius (from 2016) and Prius Prime use a different system than previous models: the map and point of interest database is stored on a microSD card, and to update the navigation data, you can buy and install an updated card when one is available. No service appointment is necessary.

    Typically, Toyota has issued navigation updates annually, and I don’t know if one is available yet for the Prius Prime. For the liftback Prius, the list price for the update is $169. I don’t think the updates are interchangeable between the two models, since the navigation systems come from different Toyota suppliers.
     
    #7 Elektroingenieur, Oct 25, 2017
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  8. Susan4ET

    Susan4ET Member

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    Thank you... There must be some unhappy Toyota employees at their Q & A phone lines who don't care to resolve customer questions of this sort. I got no where talking to them directly. I hoped one would be sharp enough to say as you have now that the older problem of needing a technician to install an update no longer existed but instead it all went down as a complaint to Corporate that probably now goes no where.

    Do you happen to know if the POIs now include schools? Thanks again.
     
    #8 Susan4ET, Oct 26, 2017
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the peeps answering the phones are interns, just there to take info and pass it on.

    i just found out in another thread why entune updates are free. they want you to keep using it, as they are harvesting all your personal data for future use.
     
    #9 bisco, Oct 26, 2017
  10. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    You’re most welcome, and yes—at least on my car, which came with version 05-36-51 (2016-05-1) of the database—there is a point-of-interest category called “Schools,” which includes educational institutions at all levels, from elementary and secondary schools to colleges and universities.
     
    #10 Elektroingenieur, Oct 26, 2017
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  11. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    That's a little harsh, don't you think? Can't speak about 2012 Plug-In Nav, but 2016 Gen 4 Nav is very capable and feature rich. Use it constantly, even when I know where I'm going, just to get traffic updates and progress/miles to go etc.
     
    #11 FuelMiser, Oct 28, 2017
  12. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    I think it was a frivolous reply on a threat that's more whiny than serious.
     
    #12 Mark57, Oct 28, 2017
  13. Susan4ET

    Susan4ET Member

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    ...whiny AND serious... and I finally got the answers I needed.
     
    #13 Susan4ET, Oct 28, 2017
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  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    one can find many complaints about gen 4 nav, if one chooses to look. not everyone is ecstatic, but i can't provide numbers.
     
    #14 bisco, Oct 28, 2017
  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I have no complaints but I do not have the Gen 4 Nav either. I voted with my wallet.
     
    #15 Prodigyplace, Oct 28, 2017
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    me too! but it isn't the nav that's kept me in the 2012.:cool:
     
    #16 bisco, Oct 28, 2017
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