HARMAN application delivery platform for Toyota Touch & Go systems
HARMAN, the leading provider of premium audio and infotainment solutions, has developed an exclusive addition to its successful Toyota Touch & Go and Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia systems. Through a dedicated application delivery platform Toyota drivers now can take advantage of additional content and further applications to run on HARMANs navigation unit. To access the new functions the user visits the Toyota Customer Portal where he is able to choose between full system application software downloads and smaller applications. After downloading the applications onto an USB stick the car system can be updated immediately – an upgrade of the multimedia base unit is unnecessary!
For the official launch five applications will be available: “Fuel” allows the driver to check prices at nearby stations. “Weather” provides a weather forecast for a selected destination or the next vacation spot. “Parking” contains important information for the driver on free parking grounds and checks the availability upfront. “Glass of Water” is a driving coach from Toyota that helps save fuel by driving more economically. Last but not least “Park & Go” provides last mile navigation directions to a specific destination, sets reminders to avoid expired parking and offers parking garage information so that the driver gets reminded where he has parked his vehicle. With the application delivery platform for Toyota Touch & Go (Plus) HARMAN provides further information that is relevant to the driver to safely enhance the driving experience. Beside the introduced functions additional applications will be added over time. At Geneva Motor Show, the Toyota Touch & Go can be live experienced in the new GT86 and the Yaris hybrid at the Toyota booth.
The Toyota Touch & Go system has recently made its debut on board of the Toyota models Yaris, Verso S, Avensis and Hilux and continues at Geneva with the Prius, Verso, Auris and Rav4. The base system incorporates AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a USB port for the connection of portable music players, a trip information screen and a rear view camera. The existing touchscreen-based system can also be upgraded to offer full map satellite navigation with enhanced functions such as advanced traffic coverage, customizable speed limits and safety camera warnings, as well as access to a range of downloadable connected information services. The system not only offers drivers a choice of the fastest or shortest route to their destination, but also an ‘ecological’ route to minimize the emissions and fuel consumption.
The Toyota Touch & Go Plus offers additional functionality such as 3D city views, advanced voice recognition, integrated email and calendar options, and a “play more like this” music function. HARMAN also has included text-to-speech / SMS messaging support through Touch & Go Plus; messages can be safely read aloud to the driver, and replies can be sent using customizable templates.
For more information, visit harman.com.
