Toyota can be sending out an over-the-air replace to all Toyota and Lexus automobiles that can go away its touchscreen infotainment system’s financial institution of menu icons completely docked on-screen, even whereas utilizing Apple CarPlay. This may appropriate a key flaw and grievance with the present system: there is not any fast technique to escape CarPlay for one of many automotive’s native infotainment menus. As an illustration, going between Google Maps and satellite tv for pc radio.
The OTA replace can be despatched to all automobiles outfitted with the present Toyota/Lexus infotainment system that debuted within the redesigned Lexus NX and unfold thereafter all through the lineups of each manufacturers. It applies to all display screen sizes. Though a Toyota consultant confirmed the scope of this replace, he didn’t have a particular schedule for when these updates can be despatched out.
At the moment, the infotainment system lacks the 2 most typical technique of escaping Apple CarPlay: a “Dwelling” button (because the previous-generation Toyota system had as a bodily button) or a completely docked menu icon that goes one step additional than a Dwelling button by providing you with an categorical path to features like radio, cellphone navigation or automobile settings. This omission is usually a fixed supply of frustration and was the principle cause we have been lower than enamored with this technique since its introduction. We weren’t alone.
Toyota Tacoma chief engineer Sheldon Brown says he was “adamant” about including the completely docked menu financial institution to the infotainment system for the very causes listed above.
“We flashed 3,000 (Tacoma) models to ensure we did not must OTA current builds,” he stated, fairly happy that he was in a position to make the change occur. That it will probably transcend a brand new mannequin just like the Tacoma or already-built vehicles is a triumph of OTA updates.
Now, you may need observed we have solely been mentioning Apple CarPlay. Toyota confirmed that this replace doesn’t apply to Android Auto, which has the very same escape drawback. There was no remark concerning if or when that could be rectified.