Remember the Toyota RAV4?
We scratched the surface with the review of the car in its driveability, modern style and economical maintenance. Toyota now brings a whole new experience with a new and innovative InTouch Telematics System to integrate entertainment, navigation and connectivity in a neat little package to enhance the driving experience. This system is available in the wide range of Toyota vehicles from the affordable Vios to the luxurious Alphard.
The InTouch Telematics system, launched on 2 June 2015, is a 7-inch MID (Multi Information Display) touch screen system, enabling drivers to access a multitude of information and entertainment functions. The smart device comes with a host of intuitive features, even responding to air gestures and voice commands for a seamless integration of your driving experience. Toyota Singapore aims to exceed consumer expectations through dedication to innovation, commitment to quality and continuous improvement with the InTouch system. This sets a new benchmark in the kind of technological advancements made available to mainstream vehicle owners.
Its key features include
1) Customization/Personalisation
InTouch works on an Android operating system, and much like the home screen of any Android-based gadget, InTouch allows the driver to fully customize his/her home screen. One can place frequently used Apps and widgets directly to the home screen panel, as well as customize the Main screenís background with a photo wallpaper of your choice.2) Entertainment
If youíre a driver who needs to hear his/her favourite tunes while driving, or just needs some entertainment for your passengers, InTouch has that covered. With a multitude of audio and visual entertainment apps easily accessible such as Internet Radio, Car Media Player, Mixtrax, Cloudmusic (Soundcloud), built-in DVD player and more.3) Navigation
InTouch makes it easier to discover new places; revisit your old haunts, and go places you have yet to explore. The system comes with 3D Mapping, Voice Guide, Real-time traffic information, Google Maps (through Miracast), and more. Need to find the nearest petrol station for that top-up? InTouch will detect your location using GPS, and guide you to a nearby petrol station of choice.4) Connectivity
InTouch comes with a whole suite of Connectivity apps that make sure you feel connected anytime, anywhere. Aside from a host of connection-savvy ports for your mobile devices (Android/iPhone, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi), you could also use the InTouch system to navigate your own mobile device using apps such as Miracast and screen mirroring.
Take that connection a step further and plug in to the World Wide Web; use the built-in internet browser for on-the-go information at your fingertips, or get updates from your Instagram, Tweeter and Facebook accounts.5) Vehicle Information (The Smart Car)
Making a seamless connection between a driver and his/her car, InTouch truly evolves your ride into a smart car of the future. Feel free to communicate with your car using Air Gesture and Voice Commands (which recognise pre-programmed commands in both English and Mandarin).
With so many features while driving, you’ll never be bored at traffic stops. Nonetheless, always drive safely and not be distracted by the awesome system Toyota has installed in the vehicle.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating so head down to the Toyota showroom and explore the InTouch Telematics System for yourself.
Reviewed by Jason “Biceps” Chew
