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Toyota Says “Nope” to Apple, Android Infotainment

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2016 Toyota Tacoma CAS

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma will be the first model to feature Scout GPS Link

Toyota has always been the kind of automaker to go against the grain. When most carmakers were scrambling to develop EVs, Toyota decided to stick with hybrid and develop a hydrogen-powered vehicle instead.

Now, while most automakers are signing up to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its vehicles, Toyota is saying, “Nah, we’ll stick to our own technology, thanks.”

The technology in question is called Scout GPS Link and is developed by Telenav–a California-based company–and implemented by UIEvolution out of Washington. It’ll allow drivers to hook up their phones, regardless of brand, to the car’s infotainment system, allowing them to make calls, navigate, and listen to music easily. Like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Scout GPS Link will keep the driver connected but will reportedly be much less distracting.

Scout GPS Link will first roll out on the redesigned 2016 Tacoma later this year, with other Toyota models to follow.

Apple CarPlay on a 2016 Chevy Cruze

Apple CarPlay on a 2016 Chevy Cruze

Reactions to the news have been mixed, with some saying that Toyota is making a mistake and others proclaiming that this could turn out to be an exceptionally good move from the carmaker. Only time will tell, but we expect to be reporting on this a lot in the coming months.