Subscription-based connected services?

[C/G]

Free Connections Year is up!

Has anyone tried plug and play converters into the USB data port in the center console to avoid paying a subscription fee? Specifically for Music Lovers plan. I use CarPlay-Apple. You'll obviously lose the remote connect but maybe it's worth it.

I really hate these add ons, it's BS IMO.

CG

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[mfoga]

Wait using car play requires a subscription? The music lovers plan allows the Toyota infotainment center to directly connect to services.

 

[spwaca]

Using Apple Car Play does not require a subscription in my 2025 TRD ORP

 

[C/G]

That’s my understanding. My free plan expires in a few days so I signed up for Music Lover.

 

[C/G]

Toyota’s media/description is very misleading and confusing.

 

[C/G]

Using Apple Car Play does not require a subscription in my 2025 TRD ORP

Do you use Car Connect? That appears to be the biggest advantage for the subscription model.

 

[mfoga]

"Unlimited Integrated Streaming allows you to browse and play through your existing Apple Music® * and Amazon Music * accounts using your vehicle's connection so you can enjoy your music on the road. Remote Connect * is also included. "

That seems pretty clear that has nothing to do with carplay. I only have Drive connect and remote connect trials still going. So I cant play apple music from their infotainment systems apple music app but I can using android auto.

 

[Nodak]

unless you need remote connect (remote start) you really dont need a toyota sub.

unfortunately, we have to use remote connect as the building the wife and i am in is full metal and kills the fob distance. doesnt help the parking location is out in the boonies and with ND winters, yeah not going to try to use the fob. as least with the app we can get feedback on remote starts.

 

[C/G]

"Unlimited Integrated Streaming allows you to browse and play through your existing Apple Music® * and Amazon Music * accounts using your vehicle's connection so you can enjoy your music on the road. Remote Connect * is also included. "

That seems pretty clear that has nothing to do with carplay. I only have Drive connect and remote connect trials still going. So I cant play apple music from their infotainment systems apple music app but I can using android auto.

I believe the Unlimited Integrated Streaming is the Premium Plan? Not sure.

My goal is to have all CarPlay integrated into that giant 14” screen
whether it’s music or maps.This is uncharted territory for me since I've been using trial services and I don't use the Toyota Integrated info system at all.

Service is $25 a month for Premium. If so, that’s insane.

 

[Nodak]

forgot to add, you can always canx your sub during the summer and only use it during the winter months.

personally i use it for winter cold snaps and summer heat waves.

the new tss 3.0 lets you set the hvac to either cold or hot, turn on the seat heaters or seat fan which helps a lot to cool the seats.

only issue really is the steering wheel, cant turn on the heater in winter and no way to cool that same wheel in the summer

 

[Nodak]

I believe the Unlimited Integrated Streaming is the Premium Plan? Not sure.

My goal is to have all CarPlay integrated into that giant 14” screen
whether it’s music or maps.This is uncharted territory for me since I've been using trial services and I don't use the Toyota Integrated info system at all.

Service is $25 a month for Premium. If so, that’s insane.

um the toyota plans are if you use the toyota nav and apps.

its pointless to have those subs if you use carplay or android auto as those are external to the toyota subs

i mean you can pay for the sub but if you only use carplay/AA you will never benefit from the sub.

 

[Nodak]

1st first screen shot is showing in yellow the toyota app icon and the green circle is the AA/Carplay icon (dont have apple so i dont know what the icon looks like). if you paid for the nav portion of toyota sub this is what you use since this uses that.

also the screen is showing the toyota navigation since that is what is selected, you can see AA app map in 4th screenshot

2nd screenshot shows the toyota music app which lets you connect to either your apple music account or amazon account via the "sources" button (this is what the toyota sub lets you do, not part of carplay/AA)

4th screenshot shows you AA/Carplay which goes thru your phone cell plan and data and appropriate account

so unless you :

1. dont have a cell phone plan,
2. you have a very restricted cell phone data limit
3. dont have a smart phone
4. need remote start for distance outside fob range

the toyota sub is worthless

 

[C/G]

Super helpful! Thx Nodak.

 

[spwaca]

Do you use Car Connect? That appears to be the biggest advantage for the subscription model.

No. I don't use any part of the Toyota app, or the Toyota navigation. I connect my iPhone via Car Play and use Google Maps, Apple Music, Audible, Libby, etc. - all of which are through my phone. If I want to remote start, I use the key fob - it's not as good as being able to remote start from farther away, but that feature isn't worth the subscription price to me.

 

[BonRunner]

Free Connections Year is up!

Has anyone tried plug and play converters into the USB data port in the center console to avoid paying a subscription fee? Specifically for Music Lovers plan. I use CarPlay-Apple. You'll obviously lose the remote connect but maybe it's worth it.

I really hate these add ons, it's BS IMO.

CG

Tell me you're a boomer without telling me you're a boomer

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