I have a 2013 GS350 and I think the display is kind of wasted space most of the time. The default view is to show the map which is in terrible resolution and the navigation is too cumbersome to be useful. When I need navigation I use google maps which obeys voice commands, is always up to date and has traffic flow information.

Is there a way to hack the nav screen to be more useful? Perhaps display items from the phone? Maybe some other use while driving?

Thanks.

 

Pretty much no, and it is a real pain since it is a custom system, you aren't just going to be able to drop in an aftermarket unit.

Toyota has arrogantly decided they know better than Apple and Google in user interface (despite all evidence to the contrary), so don't expect Carplay or anything in newer models either.

 

That's a bummer. Maybe I'll just put an android pad in front of it

 

I have come awfully close to doing that using my Nexus 7 - http://forum.xda-developers.com/gene...-auto-t3125252
Just not sure how to mount it without it looking ugly.

The GS is wonderful, but the nav system and the multimedia experience really sucks, compared to what Android Auto (or carplay for iOS users) offers.