Is Entune utterly useless? (1 Viewer)

[alsation]

just got a 2018 LC and was looking at the entune system and there are several apps none of which I'm interested in using. Thought I could add some other apps but no. Also, why hasn't Toyota figured abou a way to slave the stereo system to the phone? I love the my new LC but, come on, it doesn't even have an option to read or speak to text.

Am I missing something?

 

[Ali M]

It can listen to voice commands and read my text messages when my phone is paired. You can also use the entune app to configure it. I still prefer slaving though if they can support it.

 

[Sandroad]

just got a 2018 LC and was looking at the entune system and there are several apps none of which I'm interested in using. Thought I could add some other apps but no. Also, why hasn't Toyota figured abou a way to slave the stereo system to the phone? I love the my new LC but, come on, it doesn't even have an option to read or speak to text.

Am I missing something?

I doubt you're missing much because there's not much there. You'll probably discover some useful features after a while, but it's shame Toyota continues to attempt to develop a propriety infotainment system that is so far behind and so inflexible. I see they have finally committed to offering integration with Apple and Android in some 2019 models, but for now the best you have is a very limited use system that even shuts down when a "mandatory" update is available. So, love your new LC for everything else, but keep your expectations REAL low for Entune and you'll be happier.

 

[Dan Higgins]

I gave up on Entune almost on day one. Total waste. I took the app off my phone. I do use Siri Hands Free to interact with my BT connected phone. (With the latest iOS updates you do need to set your phone to let you dictate texts while moving.). It actually works great. Holding the off-hook button for about 2-3 secs will activate Siri. Then do what you usually do with Siri. I have it read messages or email to me. I can reply to a mtext message or start a new one to multiple people. It is a good idea to have in mind what you are going to say because if you pause, Siri thinks you are done. You can also have Siri play/shuffle a playlist. You can do all this without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. You can ask Siri for directions but you’ll need to be able to see your phone to use them.

 

[weaselox]

When you all take a call through the car audio, do the people you’re speaking with complain about echo?

 

[Markuson]

just got a 2018 LC and was looking at the entune system and there are several apps none of which I'm interested in using. Thought I could add some other apps but no. Also, why hasn't Toyota figured abou a way to slave the stereo system to the phone? I love the my new LC but, come on, it doesn't even have an option to read or speak to text.

Am I missing something?

Ya, it continues to suck.

Just get a big phone or a cellular iPad or iPad mini with Bluetooth and go to town.

Everything about it will be better.

Music, GPS, EVERYTHING.

You'll soon forget all about your LC's screen except for making other system adjustments.

 

[danielb]

just got a 2018 LC and was looking at the entune system and there are several apps none of which I'm interested in using. Thought I could add some other apps but no. Also, why hasn't Toyota figured abou a way to slave the stereo system to the phone? I love the my new LC but, come on, it doesn't even have an option to read or speak to text.

Am I missing something?

I've had my '18 for a week now and haven't even looked at Entune. I did pair my iPhone with BT and can make and receive calls ok. I am not clear on what other benefits Entune offers if any. I got an email from Toyota inviting me to register with entune but have not done so yet. I'm having too much fun figuring out the other stuff on this truck!

 

[RickC5]

I've had Entune in several Toyota/Lexus vehicles and aside from pairing my Android phone so I can communicate "hands-free", I find the entire Entune system to be virtually useless. Apps haven't worked, and the NAV system is just terrible.

My neighbor just bought a 2018 Ram truck and it's system is vastly superior to Entune. His iPhone easily slaves to the system, allowing him to use Google for a NAV, meaning he didn't pay extra for a useless NAV. I'm jealous.

OTOH, Toyota is supposedly adding an improved system, starting with the recently announced 2019 Avalon. We'll see.....

 

[SQRRRL]

I gave up on Entune almost on day one. Total waste. I took the app off my phone. I do use Siri Hands Free to interact with my BT connected phone. (With the latest iOS updates you do need to set your phone to let you dictate texts while moving.). It actually works great. Holding the off-hook button for about 2-3 secs will activate Siri. Then do what you usually do with Siri. I have it read messages or email to me. I can reply to a mtext message or start a new one to multiple people. It is a good idea to have in mind what you are going to say because if you pause, Siri thinks you are done. You can also have Siri play/shuffle a playlist. You can do all this without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. You can ask Siri for directions but you’ll need to be able to see your phone to use them.

Off hook button?

 

[Dan Higgins]

Off hook button?

For 2016+. The 2 phone buttons at the bottom of the button cluster on the left hand side of the steering wheel. The right of the 2 buttons is for hanging up an active call. The button is for initiating a call. That's the one I call "off hook" because back in the day when phones were just phones and hung on a wall you lifted the handset "off the hook" to start a call.

If you hold that button down for about 3 secs it will initiation Siri Hands Free (if you are BT connected to an iPhone.) You wait a bit for the sytem to setup the cellular call to Siri after which you will hear the expected "ding". Then you speak your command to Siri. "Send a message to ..." or "Do I have any new emails?" (Your phone needs to be unlocked to check emails.) Or "Take a Note." (This will open the Notes app." Or set an appointment or whatever.

 

[Hothonda]

useless is an understatement

 

[Roy Park]

For 2016+. The 2 phone buttons at the bottom of the button cluster on the left hand side of the steering wheel. The right of the 2 buttons is for hanging up an active call. The button is for initiating a call. That's the one I call "off hook" because back in the day when phones were just phones and hung on a wall you lifted the handset "off the hook" to start a call.

If you hold that button down for about 3 secs it will initiation Siri Hands Free (if you are BT connected to an iPhone.) You wait a bit for the sytem to setup the cellular call to Siri after which you will hear the expected "ding". Then you speak your command to Siri. "Send a message to ..." or "Do I have any new emails?" (Your phone needs to be unlocked to check emails.) Or "Take a Note." (This will open the Notes app." Or set an appointment or whatever.

I just tried this on my ‘18. Didn’t work. Is there something I need to activate on my truck or phone?

 

[M1911]

Yes, it is useless.

Toyota has announced that the 2019 Avalon will support Apple CarPlay. Hopefully that support will spread across Toyota’s lineup.

 

[alsation]

I just tried this on my ‘18. Didn’t work. Is there something I need to activate on my truck or phone?

I tried it on my 18 it worked for me. Hold down the left button and wait for the ding. The screen will show a lit up microphone. Make sure your phone is unlocked.

 

[Roy Park]

I tried it on my 18 it worked for me. Hold down the left button and wait for the ding. The screen will show a lit up microphone. Make sure your phone is unlocked.

Ah. Phone unlocked. I had my phone in the wireless charging cubby. I’ll try that tomorrow.

 

[alsation]

When you all take a call through the car audio, do the people you’re speaking with complain about echo?

Ive not had any complaints about echo on calls. I've only heard good things about the the phone call quality on the other end.

 

[cru1s3r]

For 2016+. The 2 phone buttons at the bottom of the button cluster on the left hand side of the steering wheel. The right of the 2 buttons is for hanging up an active call. The button is for initiating a call. That's the one I call "off hook" because back in the day when phones were just phones and hung on a wall you lifted the handset "off the hook" to start a call.

If you hold that button down for about 3 secs it will initiation Siri Hands Free (if you are BT connected to an iPhone.) You wait a bit for the sytem to setup the cellular call to Siri after which you will hear the expected "ding". Then you speak your command to Siri. "Send a message to ..." or "Do I have any new emails?" (Your phone needs to be unlocked to check emails.) Or "Take a Note." (This will open the Notes app." Or set an appointment or whatever.

Thanks Dan! I'm off for a drive now and will give this a try. While Siri is somewhat cumbersome and limited in its' abilities, it's still light years ahead of Entune.