What is the deal with/utility of ‘Connected Services’?

[Perfect Tommy]

Just received notice that my’Connected Services’ trial is ending and I can renew the various services for the low, low price of only $8/month … each.

Looking through the suite of offerings, the only one that seems it may be worthwhile is the Navigation, which purports to provide live updates to map data, “new roads”, etc.

I can and will forego remote start, etc but wonder how useful the nav offering is. Must add that the whole subscription model for services in these cars really rubs me the wrong way.

What are your opinions, those who use the service, and those who have terminated it? Especially interested in the maps data since i actually use that ( is the ‘new data/updates’ useful, timely or can you get by without it?). Thanks!

 

[NinjahGoose]

I am going to resurrect this thread since it didn't get much traction the first go around. I just realized that in order to access remote connect (remote start/lock/unlock from app) I have to pay $15 per month. Does anyone else find this kind of thing just insane? I know Tesla and Rivian have subscription services but theirs is actually worth it. With Toyota my $15 gets me navigation and app functionality, that's it. With Rivian, you get access to high speed hot spot, cell connection, navigation, app suit, remote access to your vehicle, and a bunch of other functionality.

I'm fine with losing navigation, the antiquated map in my old 2012 4Runner was useless and I just use CarPlay. But the $15 per month for navigation and remote connect only is the next best thing to predatory.

 

[Jetboy]

Agreed. It would be MUCH better for Toyota to just let owners have access to setup their own data connection. Then - you either sign up for a mobile connection service at whatever the market rate is for that data amount. My guess is that Toyota is not confident that it's software is secure and is running all the data through its own filtering before it touches the vehicle. Not sure on that though. If not - it's just a cash grab. Customers would prefer not to overpay 10x the reasonable cost for a basic data connection either way.

Toyota has always been this way though. My RX350 has no Alaska maps - so it's just a big blank navigation screen whenever it's in navigation mode. The update process on the older gen Lexus models is F'n awful. Requires dealer to do it. Costs ~ $500. It's cheaper/easier to just swap an android unit. I think it may be literally faster to swap in an android head unit too. The dealer software update takes something like 3 hours to complete once it's plugged in. What could it possibly be doing for 3 hours? Transfer rate must be incredibly slow. They even interface with the mouse and give full function. I'd guess that we'll see some sort of work around for the new vehicles too. Just need enough time for the demand to build.

 

[NinjahGoose]

Agreed. It would be MUCH better for Toyota to just let owners have access to setup their own data connection. Then - you either sign up for a mobile connection service at whatever the market rate is for that data amount. My guess is that Toyota is not confident that it's software is secure and is running all the data through its own filtering before it touches the vehicle. Not sure on that though. If not - it's just a cash grab. Customers would prefer not to overpay 10x the reasonable cost for a basic data connection either way.

Toyota has always been this way though. My RX350 has no Alaska maps - so it's just a big blank navigation screen whenever it's in navigation mode. The update process on the older gen Lexus models is F'n awful. Requires dealer to do it. Costs ~ $500. It's cheaper/easier to just swap an android unit. I think it may be literally faster to swap in an android head unit too. The dealer software update takes something like 3 hours to complete once it's plugged in. What could it possibly be doing for 3 hours? Transfer rate must be incredibly slow. They even interface with the mouse and give full function. I'd guess that we'll see some sort of work around for the new vehicles too. Just need enough time for the demand to build.

My guess is cash grab. This all started with microtransactions in video games in the early 2000's. Mega corporations found out there was a way to continue to pull money from consumers after selling a product. My argument is that the cost to play isn't matching the output. $15 per month for a remote connection and navigation isn't competitive with offerings from other manufacturers (especially the EV companies). My wife's Bronco (full size, not the "Sport" which is not a Bronco) doesn't require a subscription to continue to use the app functionality.

Oh I had a similar experience when the local Toyota dealer updated the software in my Sequoia for the transmission recall. It look them almost 3 hours as well. I have no idea what kind of antiquated tech Toyota is using in these things, but something has to give.