Local dealers are saying no eyes free for the '13 models now?
11-12-13, 02:31 PM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Local dealers are saying no eyes free for the '13 models now?
I know this has already been discussed, but Lexus is telling my dealer as they state that there will be no eyes free software upgrade. I know from when I talked to Lexus on one occasion and had someone helpful on the phone that it was told it would be coming as long as the cars were not changed much from year to year. The GS and RX both qualified. Another member in CA also verified with their dealer this would be taking place.
Has anyone else had any more information on the matter they can share? I contacted my tech specialist at my dealer who was nice enough to run it up the flagpole again. I'm simply dumbfounded by the lack of communication between customer and manufacturer. Perhaps this is a ploy to help sell the '14s? But I'd think Lexus would want to help every older model out the door faster in any way they could.
Has anyone else had any more information on the matter they can share? I contacted my tech specialist at my dealer who was nice enough to run it up the flagpole again. I'm simply dumbfounded by the lack of communication between customer and manufacturer. Perhaps this is a ploy to help sell the '14s? But I'd think Lexus would want to help every older model out the door faster in any way they could.
11-13-13, 01:11 PM
#2
I'm a LTS at a dealership. We were told by Lexus that only 2014 ES, GS, LS, & RX will get the Siri Eyes Free and 2013 models will not be able to be retrofitted. I'm not sure what is involved to make this technology work. Whether it's software or hardware. So it just may not be possible. If it is just software, it may be more involved than you might think. But I really don't know.
11-13-13, 01:36 PM
#3
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Well, the guy called me back and mirrored what you just said. Earlier we had differing information. Either way, I doubt it's a hardware change. I can hold the home button on my iPhone and the Siri functionality works just fine on it through the car. Only difference is, I cannot push a button on the steering wheel. The other Siri features would be nice too.
Main point is, in this day and age where you can go buy an iPad and get an experience that is lightyears ahead of what you get in your car dash at a 1/4 of the price for what they likely would charge for the in dash gear, I'm confused as why they cannot do some sort of update. Even for a fee like you would your navigation.
It's an industry wide problem, and one reason why I am very hopeful Tesla Motors continues to gain traction. I'd love to buy one of those vehicles if the charging systems were more widespread. Look at how they implement technology and it will shame anything Lexus has to offer. (or any other manufacturer for that matter).
Main point is, in this day and age where you can go buy an iPad and get an experience that is lightyears ahead of what you get in your car dash at a 1/4 of the price for what they likely would charge for the in dash gear, I'm confused as why they cannot do some sort of update. Even for a fee like you would your navigation.
It's an industry wide problem, and one reason why I am very hopeful Tesla Motors continues to gain traction. I'd love to buy one of those vehicles if the charging systems were more widespread. Look at how they implement technology and it will shame anything Lexus has to offer. (or any other manufacturer for that matter).
11-13-13, 10:25 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
Can't believe lexus would do this to their customers. Punishing first MY customers. It's basically a simple software thing because lexus wouldn't do any hardware stuff after 1 year of release. Not cool lexus...
11-13-13, 10:32 PM
#5
I thought when we bought the GS that it was "future proofed" because of the app integration. Come to find out we get NOTHING!!! No new apps and no upgrades. Screw you Lexus, you suck.
11-13-13, 10:46 PM
#6
especially when the software is unpolished and buggy... you would think they would clean up the code and fix minor bugs, they decide to leave us hanging. Good luck with the trend of screwing the early adopters. While I'm at it, I really dislike the huge a-pillar, and the huge side mirrors....
Last edited by sam430; 11-13-13 at 10:50 PM.
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11-14-13, 06:34 AM
#8
See my thread under Navigation updates on November 13, 2013, The tech guru of Lexus in California stated that our 2013 GS can be updated for the Eyes Off Siri coming to 2014 cars. We are asked to hold tight that customer complaints have been heard from Lexus on this issue. It only requires a software and firmware update. Apple made a deal with Lexus going forward from 2014 and not tom 2013. We have the same computer onboard. SO call customer service and complain so we can get in early 2014.
11-14-13, 06:39 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
You have to have some perspective guys. This isn't an iPad. Lexus is not a technology company, and no auto manufacturer creates updates for the firmware in their infotainment systems that is backwards compatible giving owners of prior year cars more functionality. Technology companies have other reasons to provide backwards compatible updates, they sell apps and software and need everybody on the new OS so they can use the apps and software they offer, etc. An auto manufacturer has no reason to develop more functionality for a car they've already sold.
Every company charges for GPS map updates. Lexus isn't Garmin. I have a Garmin nav in my Jeep, lifetime updates don't apply...every update is $170...same as Lexus. Even Apple or Garmin, you don't see Garmin offering an update that makes a unit that doesn't have traffic data have traffic data. Thats essentially what you are expecting Lexus to do with this Siri Eyes Free.
On top of that, I'm sure there is some per unit licensing fee they have to pay to Apple to have this functionality. If they provide an update to prior year cars they'll have to pay that, and their agreement may or may not allow it in the first place.
There will always be a new model, its always going to have stuff that you would have liked on the one you have. You just have to be at peace with that.
Every company charges for GPS map updates. Lexus isn't Garmin. I have a Garmin nav in my Jeep, lifetime updates don't apply...every update is $170...same as Lexus. Even Apple or Garmin, you don't see Garmin offering an update that makes a unit that doesn't have traffic data have traffic data. Thats essentially what you are expecting Lexus to do with this Siri Eyes Free.
On top of that, I'm sure there is some per unit licensing fee they have to pay to Apple to have this functionality. If they provide an update to prior year cars they'll have to pay that, and their agreement may or may not allow it in the first place.
There will always be a new model, its always going to have stuff that you would have liked on the one you have. You just have to be at peace with that.
11-14-13, 07:19 AM
#10
Racer
I wouldn't say that's competely true. Mercedes has offer me a number firmware updates for my CL550 even though the dealers are hesitate about doing it. A matter fact I just got another update less than 6 months ago. But I agree cars manuf can't keep up with IT companies. But they should at least offer customers some type of upgrade option. Especially when your spending over 50k on a vehicle.
Last edited by rogers2; 11-14-13 at 07:26 AM.
11-14-13, 07:51 AM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
What did those firmware updates do for you? Did they give you entirely new features and functionality you did not have before?
Lexus offers firmware updates for the system, they just don't add functionality.
Lexus offers firmware updates for the system, they just don't add functionality.
11-14-13, 08:37 AM
#12
Lexus Champion
Audi did a firmware update for my cars twice when I had the A4 and Q7. This allowed new functions in the voice control and Bluetooth capabilities.
Lexus needs to get their story straight and make sure all dealers are on the same page.
Lexus needs to get their story straight and make sure all dealers are on the same page.
11-14-13, 09:03 AM
#13
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
While the cars aren't made by technology companies, they certainly have the option of sourcing a company who can step up the technology game if they wished to.
Tesla as I stated before has done it where their cars can even update over cellular data connections and no visit needed to the dealer. Granted, their dealer network isn't as extensive and this was likely a design by necessity. But it does show that this can be accomplished. And since Toyota is a much larger company than Tesla, there really should be little reason as to why it cannot be done.
We are essentially spoon fed just enough to keep us interested.
Regardless, I'm incredibly disappointed with Lexus giving these excuses about changes not being able to be implemented. It will certainly cause me to re-evaluate when my lease comes due. Connectivity is key these days, so there is little in the way of excuses.
I also did call Lexus and let them know of my feedback/experience on the vehicle. If you all would like to also chime in, the number is 800-255-3987 to save you a little time. It takes all of about 5 minutes to dial and be back off the phone. I also would recommend getting on their social media sites such as FB, Twitter, Google +, or instagram. The more we become vocal, the greater the chance we are given. As Lexus like to boast, the customer experience doesn't end after the purchase, and this I feel qualifies.
Tesla as I stated before has done it where their cars can even update over cellular data connections and no visit needed to the dealer. Granted, their dealer network isn't as extensive and this was likely a design by necessity. But it does show that this can be accomplished. And since Toyota is a much larger company than Tesla, there really should be little reason as to why it cannot be done.
We are essentially spoon fed just enough to keep us interested.
Regardless, I'm incredibly disappointed with Lexus giving these excuses about changes not being able to be implemented. It will certainly cause me to re-evaluate when my lease comes due. Connectivity is key these days, so there is little in the way of excuses.
I also did call Lexus and let them know of my feedback/experience on the vehicle. If you all would like to also chime in, the number is 800-255-3987 to save you a little time. It takes all of about 5 minutes to dial and be back off the phone. I also would recommend getting on their social media sites such as FB, Twitter, Google +, or instagram. The more we become vocal, the greater the chance we are given. As Lexus like to boast, the customer experience doesn't end after the purchase, and this I feel qualifies.
Last edited by BarrettF77; 11-14-13 at 09:19 AM.
11-14-13, 12:34 PM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
I'm just saying don't be so quick to blame Lexus.
Originally Posted by BarrettF77
Tesla as I stated before has done it where their cars can even update over cellular data connections and no visit needed to the dealer. Granted, their dealer network isn't as extensive and this was likely a design by necessity. But it does show that this can be accomplished. And since Toyota is a much larger company than Tesla, there really should be little reason as to why it cannot be done.
You can certainly speak with your buying dollar. As much as I like the Tesla, you sacrifice a LOT over a more traditional car. The tech is great, but its unpolished in places. From a comfort, quality perspective their interior leaves a lot to be desired.
I suppose I just don't understand what all the hubbub is about Siri Eyes Free. I have an iPhone, the only time I ever use Siri is when a group of us are goofing asking it to find us hookers or how much wood could a woodchuck chuck? Do you guys really use Siri that much?
