Toyota is finally compromised!! It's long overdue for all Android smartphone users. For existing owners, we can't take an advantage of this implementation though

 

I hope they enable Android Auto and CarPlay via an Entune update. I am sure the hardware is capable... just need software update.

 

definitely, good news moves the 2019 rav4 to the top of my list now.

 

I emailed to Toyota today and proposed them to make a special edition of RAV4 with a owner replaceable Pioneer radio like in Scion.
This would be win/win solutions for both - Toyota and us instead of inventing Android auto from scratch.

 

That radio is provides a sweet sound. I'll take it any giving day as a stock radio.

If there's an Android update on the Rav4, it won't be overnight. Toyota will drag their feet.

 

Now THAT is fantastic news! All of the checkboxes will be there for the wife then! Now to wait for Dec/Jan for in the wild sightings and reviews.

 

For what it's worth, if you have a 2016 through 2018 there are aftermarket android players available. They typically sell for around 300 or so and are plug-and-play. The screen gets upgraded from the standard 6-7 inch to 10 inch. You can choose from 7.1 up to 8 O.S. All of the standard features still work as well. It's essentially like adding a tablet to your car, while still maintaining existing features, back up camera, alerts, etc.

Troy

 

They are not plug-n-play. The front bezel look like RAV4 or another specific vehicle mount, but the radio itself is standard for any car with no Toyota spec wiring harness. You still need to cut and crimp wires.
Also the quality, I was told is so-so. No JBL versions. And no android auto. Android OS and "Android Auto" is 2 different things.

 

Not sure why anyone buys this china junk, everyone knows it's not going to last but gets sucked in by the price.

 

Aftermarket head units tend to mean sacrificing some features... radio and backup camera tend to be fine, but how about the other features like all the buttons on the steering wheel and the EV screen (Trip, History, and Energy)?

 

Do we really think they will launch the 2019 RAv4 with Android Auto?
I was thinking it would take them a year (2020 models) to support Android auto.

I am keen to get a 2019 Rav4 but would really like to have Android auto support.

What do you folks think about when we would see this?

 

As I mentioned on 4.4 forum IMHO we shouldn't expect Android Auto for 2019. Considering recent news on Toyota getting on board with Android Auto I think it'd be reasonable to expect the next YM 2020 to have it. This is just my personal opinion though.

Having purchased 1st year model RAV4 I swore not to do that ever again, so it might work out well for me.

 

Toyota Motor Corp. agreed to add Android Auto to its vehicles, according to a person familiar with the matter, ending years of resistance to the Google infotainment software due to safety and security concerns.

Would be interesting to learn more about exactly what security and privacy concerns exist with the implementation of Google.

“We understand there is demand for Android Auto and we have not forgotten our Android customers,” they said. “If we offer this feature, or any other features, in the future, we will do so with confidence that consumer privacy and data security have been addressed to Toyota’s high standards.”

 

Google CEO Sundar Pichai thinks android users know how much their phones are tracking them

So, does Toyota have a point to be concerned about allowing Android Auto in their vehicles?

 

It is not actually user privacy... anyone with an Android phone has already bought in.
It is that Toyota claims ownership of vehicle data, which in an AA HU would be available to Google.
Apparently, they have worked out an agreement.
Knowing Toyota, this means that AA will likely be crippled and only partially functional, just like the Toyota implementation of Alexa is pretty worthless.

 

It is not actually user privacy... anyone with an Android phone has already bought in.
It is that Toyota claims ownership of vehicle data, which in an AA HU would be available to Google.
Apparently, they have worked out an agreement.
Knowing Toyota, this means that AA will likely be crippled and only partially functional, just like the Toyota implementation of Alexa is pretty worthless.

All I need is a proper functioning Google Maps thrown to the display and I am good. My wifes only desire/complaint on our current car. Maps expensive to update and does not account for traffic unless on subscription.