Nexus 7 Tablet Spotted in In-Car Connected Toyota System

Connected cars are hot and everybody would like to have a taste of goodness. But there’s one problem, the technology sustaining everything onboard will become obsolete long before you are ready to purchase another car.

This isn't likely to happen if you have an upgradable system, which is exactly what ASUS and Toyota are trying to pull off with their Toyota Intelligent System or TIS (as seen at EPrice). The system actually uses a Nexus 7 tablet, which is equipped with everything one might need to smoothly navigate through Taiwan. The slate has an on-board satellite navigation system that connects through 4G. Car owners can request information through voice commands, like asking for traffic reports, emergency services, checking their calendar and more. The tablet UI also allows drivers to select places of interest and specific services without much effort being involved. You can even choose a certain location, set it up as the destination and you will be guided there. ASUS and Toyota partnered up before for the Toyota IQ EV program, which helped guide tourists around the Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan. IQ EV provided assistance in finding charging stations, highlights, landmarks, hotels, parking lots and so on.

The system currently uses a Nexus 7 tablet, but in the future ASUS’ subsidiary could be making a tablet of the same type with upgradable hardware specs. Another cool aspect is that when you dock the Nexus 7, the car will wirelessly charge it. Other devices can be offered the same treatment too if the space is not filled by the slate. The TIS also comes equipped with NFC to allow users to pair devices with the audio system or the tablet with the satellite navigation. The Intelligent System comes with three main usages. The first one will allow drivers to play music, make phone calls or send a message. The second one has to be kept up to speed with the status of the car, like being informed of the vehicle’s maintenance status, position on the road and so on.

Last but not least, the third mode of usage will allow drivers to access their personal calendar and app shortcuts, so exiting the System mode will not be necessary. Without the docked tablet, the system is still operational but you’ll be offered only a basic set of functions which aren't all that impressive. For the time being, Toyota hasn’t said just yet which models will be receiving this upgradable tablet system. We’ll have to wait and see.

Nexus 7 shows up connected Toyota system
Image credits to ePrice

Posted in: News, Tablet