Toyota May Add Android Auto To Infotainment Systems

Toyota May Add Android Auto To Infotainment Systems

After years of resistance, Toyota has considered the decision to add functionality that will allow more than half of its customers to get the full functionality of vehicle/smart phone symbiosis. 

Although nearly any smart phone can be connected to Toyota's existing infotainment system, the auto manufacturer has been reticent to include proprietary software that allows Android and iPhones to connect directly to access advanced features such as navigation synchronization, streaming audio services, and third party calling software support. As of January Toyota had only announced support for Apple's CarPlay. Reports state that they will soon have support for both platforms in play, which will level the playing field considerably.

Recent surveys show that CarPlay and Android Auto have become features that customers are looking for. Some dealerships have reported that occasionally customers will request head units that have the prerequisite software installed prior to purchase. As Toyota has been one of the few auto makers that held off on including the software, this may open up small but significant customer base for them. This is especially true with Android, as more than 80 percent of smartphone owners use this operating system.

Previously the only way iPhone and Android users could connect was through SmartDeviceLink, which is a rudimentary telematic system developed by Ford several years ago.

It hasn't been supported well, and the main complaint users have is the lack of support for third party apps. Both CarPlay and Android Auto have a robust catalog for software including Skype and Spotify.

Hopefully the information provided is correct, and in the near future nearly all smart pone users will be able to connect the way their customers deserve.

Like what you've read?

Let us know! Our partners at Williams Auto Body & Paint Collision Center in Colorado Springs, CO strive to provide informative and entertaining content.

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: autonews.com