Toyota removing pandora integrated app

I'll claim apathy here. I have a low bar for OEM systems. I've upgraded some on cars that I didn't like as much just to get good sound to drown out an otherwise pathetic vehicle. I haven't done that for our last four cars either because I enjoyed listening to it do its thing (turbo MTs) or the wife hasn't complained for the same reasons that I don't (BT just works for all that we need).

I've listened to more audio in the Taco this past year than I have in the last 18 or so. The Taco doesn't have the mechanical noises that I used to enjoy, but then the volume is usually set to about 15 unless some of my favorites start playing.

I see your points, but the app is on you phone to start with. You get the functionality and audio either way?

 

For example, I took my truck in twice already because the head unit soft resets after dropping calls I am trying to make or receive. Bluetooth function is a huge selling point because due to local laws (and commons sense) I can't drive while being on the phone. So I want to buy a vehicle that includes hands free. But it doesn't work as intended.

 

That, I completely agree with. 100%. That fits well under my low bar. I have yet to use a BT enabled head unit that didn't pass that test, mostly rental cars, the wife's subaru, and the Taco.

After my phone updated to the latest OS, I was getting massive delays when changing tracks or answering calls using the HU controls. On the order of a minute or longer. BT was skipping also. I had previously done all the prompted OTA updates. This site was posted for firmware updates:
https://securedp.toyota.com/download-app/getHeadUnits

With that update, everything is fine except I will get some delay on changing tracks. Not enough of a concern to talk to the dealer yet.

 

I’ve rolled with the punches with all of the small issues, but Entune has been an absolute disaster since Day One. Pandora was the only app worth a damn and now it’s just going poof. Wish someone could hack these things and just give us CarPlay.

 

I wish I'd have just asked the dealer to remove the factory stereo and deduct the cost from the purchase price when I bought the truck. It's not the worst, but my phone is better at navigation and music, and I'd rather have some consistency with Android auto on an aftermarket stereo. At the moment, I still use my phone for music and navigation, so the factory unit is redundant at best.

 

This!!!

Sad that almost a $50,000 vehicle has less tech capability than a $15,000 Ford.

 

I understand what you are getting at here, but head units as far back as the early nineties integrated some other functions that are not audio related. I remember a good friend who tried to install an aftermarket unit in his Grand Am. The brake lights didn't work afterward. It was discovered that the circuit was somehow routed through the HU. I'd like to hammer on GM for this, but it wasn't just them.

The Taco definitely has integrated non-audio functions that would not work without a delivered HU.

 

If it makes you feel any better, your $50,000 vehicle still has more technology than the multi billion dollar computer systems that navigated the multi billion dollar trip to the moon in the 60s.

 

And an integrated Pandora is what separates a $50k tacoma vs. a $15k Ford? That seems a bit dramatic.

It's the TRD stickers.

 

Not what I said.

I would think a higher price point vehicle would cover more aspects of the user experience.

 

Yeah, saw this email also. Was looking at getting rid of sirius since we have a Pandora family plan for 14.99/month up to 6 users and that is all my daughters listen to anymore. This is really making me hope that apple car play could be coming or thinking it's time to get an aftermarket radio to install.

 

which $15k Ford has more technical/capabilities than the $50k tacoma without Pandora? This isn't a trick or anything, I'm genuinely curious.

 

I actually chose the 6MT Tacoma over the 6MT Frontier based on available tech. The Tacoma "was" better in every respect technology wise, including the built-in Pandora. The Tacoma had the more high tech infotainment, and still has a better looking interior. I am legitimately disappointed in Toyota for removing this feature without adding something commensurate. Just bad business. Will I sell my Tacoma, no I love it, but I will be looking for another radio in the next couple years.

 

i'd consider a new radio but you lose the integration into the center display. unless there's something that can get that to work.

 

Whats pandora?

 

Pretty sad news actually. Just found out about no ads while using Pandora via entune. Was going to save $ by cancelling Spotify. But it does make the head unit pretty worthless over non entune premium units.

 

It would be nice if Toyota did a software update to their current head units to support Apple Carplay&&Android Auto. However, I suspect there needs to be additional hardware connectivity for the usb port to send a video signal to the head unit.

 

Oh, I thought this was just the tech capabilities in regards to the infotainment system.

 

Entunes QNX OS should support it, just a matter of getting someone to hack it. @jcayce You said you were working on getting students to root the center cluster screen in the twin turbo thread... what about the Entune radio?

 

I laugh everytime they say "privacy" is the reason we don't have CarPlay and Android Auto... as if Apple/Google don't already know everything possible about those carrying their cellphones. If I was worried about my privacy as it relates to Google, the last that I would have is an Android cell phone on me at all times. Same is true for Apple. It's not Toyota's job to worry about my privacy. I'm a big boy, I'm capable of making my own decisions. Toyota just needs to worry about keeping my headunit competitive with GM.