With carmakers scrambling to adopt either Apple’s Carplay or the Android Auto platform into most of its vehicles as soon as possible, it may come as a surprise that Toyota has decided to opt for a lesser-known smartphone integration system. Said platform is dubbed as the Scout GPS Link platform, developed by California-based firm, Telenav and implemented by UIEvolution.
The first vehicle in Toyota’s stable to adopt Telenav’s platform will be the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, revealed earlier on in January in Detroit. Soon after, the rest of the 2016 range, equipped with Entune Audio Plus, is expected to feature said platform. Telenav’s Scout GPS Link system will possess both iOS and Android adaptability, therefore negating the need for either of the aforementioned platforms.
“Scout GPS Link provides a flexible brought-in platform that enables car makers to customize the in-car experience to meet their customer needs,” commented Sal Dhanani, President of Telenav’s Automotive Business Unit. “We are excited to partner with one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers to provide Toyota drivers with a seamless navigation experience across their phone and car screens.”
The platform will be available as a free download, with complimentary subscription, for owners with iPhone and Android-based smartphones from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Features included on Telenav’s Scout GPS Link platform include voice activation capabilities, “seamless” integration, automatic transfers of search results from phone to car and a “multitasking” feature.
GALLERY: 2016 Toyota Tacoma
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Best if both worlds. Smart move.
A smart move to avoid being controlled by either Apple or Google, the possibility of getting involved in lawsuits, and gaining the ability to customize the system instead of using what is provided by Apple or Google. I give Toyota a thumb up for the guts and the different path taken.
Dont bring this tech or anything similar to auto pilot to msia. It’s too dangerous. Make u subject to hacking, hijacking etc. If u want to find place etc just ask people. We need to increase human-human interaction in msia. Msian now talk less to each other especially with neighbours and public community
I agree we need to interact more ..
In car app is very useful such as when u need to find direction/locations and hv no one to ask.
The world has changed, there are more roads and towns than it used to be.
Don’t tell me u will get down ur car and look for someone to ask all the time.
Why don’t u start by putting down (really putting down) ur phone while having meals with ur family n friends?
Lets hope they roll out the firmware upgrades quickly enough to cover the yearly launch of smartphones.