Toyota Entune App

I saw something that said I should download this on my android. And everytime I start the truck I see this app start on my phone. When I look at the app I see how it could be useful I guess, but most of this stuff I get with the entune premium package I bought with the truck.
Is having this app running on my phone interfacing with the entune system on the truck? And is it giving me any additional functions in my trucks system?
I thought I saw no message text options when I first got the truck. Is that from the app?
I wonder about all this because my entune rebooted itself a couple time sin the last few days, and I don't want to be clogging up the system with unnecessary stuff.

 

I'm pretty sure, to use 3rd party apps, like Pandora, slacker, etc, you have to have entune installed and running. It acts as a medium for those to work without going into each app.

 

Having the entune app on your phone allows you to send messages and make calls through your infotainment system.
Your phone basically becomes a medium of communication for data and cellular service.

 

Not really. You can receive and send text messages and phone calls through your truck without the app.

The app adds Pandora, open table, slacker radio and a few other things.

 

^this. Also I don't have HD radio in Alaska so the entune app connects my phone to use data for weather,traffic,fuel guide, etc.