![]() "Some models will have an Entune-capable head unit standard, like the Prius V Three model," Thome says. The first three years of Entune service are free, but after that, Toyota says an access charge will apply. "The head unit price will vary depending on the model, as it will sometimes be packaged with other options," says Greg Thome, manager of Toyota Division Communications. Presumably, tunnels, mountainous areas and anywhere else that cell phone reception is spotty could make the system sluggish or unresponsive. Powered by Microsoft's Bing search engine, Entune is said to have more than 16 million points of interest that one can look up.Īs it does use the cell phone network to send information back and forth between Entune servers and customer's in-car units, the system is vulnerable to coverage issues. A timer symbol appears while you wait - sometimes several seconds - for the answer. When you make a request of Entune, like asking about traffic jams along your route or getting a comparison of area gas prices, the system uses your phone's data link to send the query. That's because the updates will happen over-the-air, automatically. Unlike a recall or technical service bulletin, you won't have to bring an Entune-equipped car to a shop to update the system. ![]() Likewise, there might be map updates, bug fixes or other reasons Toyota or an Entune user wants to bring an older system up to date. Toyota engineers anticipated that the number and variety of applications would eventually grow. But don't worry about additional hardware purchases - in fact, you probably already own exactly what you'll need. Naturally, there's a CD player but you can also get it with a DVD player (set to play only in "Park"), Sirius XM satellite radio and the completely digital HD Radio.Īs high-tech as the Entune unit is, the real technological heavy lifting is done by other devices. With Entune, you can get it in the car as well.ĭata services: So far, these services include gas station price comparisons (and directions) current stock prices sports scores (with the ability to specifically track your favorite teams) traffic incidents (so you know what routes to avoid), and weather, including extended forecasts, current temperatures and radar maps. ![]() Pandora: In case you've just woken up from a lengthy cryogenic slumber, Pandora is the algorithm-based online music service that tailors playlists based on other songs you like - you listen to it at your PC. OpenTable: Similar to the app (above), but applies to lunch and dinner reservations instead. ![]() It's even possible to buy the tickets from your car, for participating theaters. : Ever gone out and only had a vague idea of what you and your date wanted to do - maybe a movie, but not sure which one and where? Now your poor planning doesn't have to provide ammunition for dirty looks or a scolding - you can see what's playing, and where, on the fly, with this service. ![]() IHeart Radio: This service gives you access to more than 700 local radio stations that are part of Clear Channel's network across the country - no matter what city you're in. In this article, we'll focus on the Entune system, taking a look at its features, the technologies that power it and how it's used.Ĭurious to know what you'll find on an Entune-equipped car? Read the next page to find out. More recently, Ford Motor Company has been gaining traction with its SYNC service, which provides information, entertainment and all-around digital connectivity in concert with a driver's cell phone. Perhaps the most recognized of these systems is GM's OnStar service. Telematics systems, a broad term that describes on-board electronics used to communicate data about safety, vehicle location, vehicle condition and more, have been around for several years. Japan-based Toyota certainly isn't the first to enter this field. Using a driver's cellular phone as a data carrier, Entune connects with a host of concierge-like services from inside an Entune-equipped Toyota vehicle. Toyota, one of the world's largest automakers, is placing its marker with a system it calls Entune. ![]()
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