There's a lot of projects with hundreds of cranes in the skyline all over the Metroplex. Through June of last year more than 2,100 construction projects went out for bid in the Metroplex totaling nearly $8 billion. That compares with 1,461 projects in the first half of 2014 totaling $6 billion. It looks like 2016 will surpass 2015. As you mentioned, the new Toyota headquarters is one of the projects being built. I believe that project is around $700 million, double the original proposed size and cost.

The humidity is more than out west, but lower than the eastern half of the country. I think it's very tolerable. Apparently others do too, because people are moving here from everywhere.

 

Although this topic has been beaten to death, I am really disappointed in Lexus for making this process "so difficult" Technology is really not this difficult, but car manufacturers have made a science out of proprietary systems that require the customer to visit the dealer. Since the 2013 GS is a hard drive based system, installing map updates should be a snap via usb. I don't really use the navigation in the car because it seems so cumbersome compared to using my WAZE app on my phone, but admit it would be nice to have all the updates to roads and poi's all the same.

To add further to the situation, the Lexus Enform App could be such a winner if they did not limit the selection to 10 predefined applications.

It would be great if a company like Carista created an app that mimicked Enform, but allowed the use and display of your favorite apps on your navi screen. (hint, hint Carista - ). There are so many well developed apps that would enhance the function of the system and get Lexus out of the map update business, but I guess at $300 for this service they have no incentive to improve the process.

if anyone knows of a DIY for map updates for the 2013 GS - give me a PM, but based on what I read so far, I know it is highly unlikely.

As a side question, has anyone ever pulled the hard drive from the car and reviewed its contents? Just curious as cloning the drive would be interesting for experimenting.

 

Lexus is not unique in how they handle the updates.

From what I hear Beat Sonic is working on what looks like a great option for Apple Carplay...

 

This sounds very interesting, I an strictly an android owner, but the offering will probably lead to more offerings and choices for the end user. Thanks for the info. I hope to see a member write up if the product makes it to market.

 

Then you should buy a Tesla. You can't expect a mainstream car company like Toyota to be as forward thinking and as on the edge as a startup technology company like Tesla.

 

Finally answered my question on update - only a dealer thing, or available to owners - appears to be a Dealer-Only thing.

Thank you for the info, not what I was hoping, but helpful. :-)

 

I'm eager to see how this will work with my 2013. There have been bugs with Apple Carplay, certain apps (Spotify for one) have been slow to operate.

 

Me too...I just need to get a time where I can take car...my wife drives it daily. But I really want to get down to the bottom of Why I have a NAV software version, but NO Maps...

Then there is this: http://www.lexusoverride.com/ :-(

I feel kinda like the early 2013 owners were badly abandoned by Lexus...its sad, maybe I will luck out and get stuff working properly ??? gotta keep fingers crossed.

 

This info has been posted on the board many times.

 

BOOM! Elon Musk is pure genius! Only reason I bought an LS instead was A $2.49 gas and Tesla doesn't do luxury.

***I swear I'm not stalking you.

 

Uh huh, sure you're not!

 

Not true in my case. I went through multiple maps/firmware updates on my portable Garmin and it never took more than 15-20 min.
This is my first post, why am I on this forum? Thinking of buying a brand new IS 350 (non- sport). Never owned a Lexus.

 

You may want to re-think your response to how long it takes to install a new map on a Garmin.

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread...ng-to-download

https://www.gps-data-team.com/pda-gp...ote=viewresult

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/44961

 

And why?
My reply was about MY own experience, not someone else's experience.
Very often the system tells me up front it will take an hour to complete the update - but in fact finishes much sooner.

 

Because...I have never heard of anyone that has installed a new map update on their Garmin in only 15-20 minutes. I do not believe it.