When the new Lexus NX rolls out of North American dealerships in Q4CY21, a new multimedia system would also make its debut. Developed in-house, the all-new Toyota multimedia system would make its debut on the upcoming Lexus NX as the Lexus Interface multimedia system.
With the philosophy of One Toyota in mind, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) formed the Connected Technologies group in 2018, with an aim to unify customer experience, in-vehicle technology, value chain and connected revenue process. These functions were previously scattered across the organisation.
The Connected Technologies group built an agile, cross-functional team of over 400 members and business partners, who worked on developing solutions that would “meet and exceed customer needs and deliver exceptional and personal connected experiences”, said a release issued by the TMNA.
The team, comprising of experts from electrical engineering to software development and business planning, focussed on achieving one common goal – that of enhancing the in-vehicle experience. Overall, this project saw TMNA Connected Technologies collaborate with teams from partner companies Toyota Connected and Toyota Motor Corporation for over three years.
Charan Lota, Executive Chief Engineer and Vice President, TMNA Connected Technologies said with the new multimedia system, the team focused on the needs and wants of the customer and what would enable a more seamless and enjoyable experience on the road.
“The development of this new system represents a fundamental shift in the way we design products,” said Daniel Hall, Global Chief UX Designer, TMNA Connected Technologies. With the adoption of over-the-air (OTA) updates, the team was able to develop software in smaller, more manageable pieces, and thus provide updates to customers even quicker.
Product details
The new multimedia system features multiple touchscreen options – ranging from 8-14 inches – with the same newly enhanced design cues and functionality, while retaining a volume knob. In what is a significant shift in processing power, the system offers five times more processing power compared to its previous generation system.
An all-new native navigation system featuring 100% cloud capability allows faster, more accurate directions and mapping. OTA updates will allow real-time updates for navigation mapping, enriched media experiences and other enhancements across the system’s lifetime, said the company.
The new Human Machine Interface (HMI) offers sight, touch and voice functionality. The voice interface, in fact, is designed to use advanced graphics to distinguish between listening and processing states. Additionally, animation has been incorporated into the multimedia solution, which can be seen everywhere, from interacting between functions, sliding menus and dropdown banners.
The Virtual Assistant (VA) in the system is intended to be the primary way occupants interact with the new multimedia system and is designed to enable a voice first application.
Some other key features of the new multimedia solution include an enhanced navigation system that allows drivers and passengers to use the voice-activated commands or touchscreen to search for directions, find points of interest or explore local businesses.
To help improve the user’s overall driving experience, a user will receive the same personalised settings in new vehicles making the system portable from vehicle to vehicle. Stored on the cloud, users can access and take their experiences on the go with them across vehicles featuring the new multimedia system. Once created, users can use a Bluetooth handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet, smart key, or manual login to access their profile.
An extension of the User Profile feature, owners can lock/unlock and start/stop their vehicle motor through the Toyota or Lexus App. The digital key can be used through the users’ smartphone, when within Bluetooth proximity to the vehicle. The digital key can also be shared with up to seven different guest users at one time, with no passwords or PINS required.
Safety Connect and Service Connect are two other features that offer drivers and users convenience at various levels.
The new multimedia system will be eventually offered across Toyota’s vehicle line-up – regardless of screen size or model grade. This is another first in the company’s history.