Lexus technology slip
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: WI
Those of us who have used some other mfr's systems know that Lexus is way behind the curve in some areas of technology. Probably the most obvious one is voice recognition, with navigation coming in second.
I cannot understand how a big company like Toyota can't - or doesn't - purchase the best voice recognition software/hardware available for its flagship sedan. If you've used an Acura VR system, you know how unusable the Lexus one is by comparison. It's flat embarrassing, and I have ended up not using my LS's VR at all as a result. It's just too inaccurate and inconsistent to be of any use.
The LS's nav system is certainly functional, but it lacks so many helpful features that others incorporate into theirs. And now, live doppler weather radar is available as part of XM Weather (and actually in production vehicles), and the intro for the 2010 RX suggests all it's going to get is the silly little "smiling or frowning sun" icons with temperature ranges.
I absolutely love my LS460, but I also love tech, and especially useful tech. I've actually written Lexus to make constructive suggestions about the nav, but I have little hope they'll make it into production even though others have those features now.
The bottom line is that I find it puzzling Lexus makes a premier automobile, yet chooses to use yesterday's technology features in it. Perhaps the only worse example is Mercedes, whose nav and VR systems are stone-age. And since Lexus has imitated M-B from the very start, I guess they feel high tech isn't necessary.
I guess this has been a rant, but I'm hoping Lexus is planning on bringing its tech into the 21st century pretty soon ... like maybe before I'm ready to trade again.
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I cannot understand how a big company like Toyota can't - or doesn't - purchase the best voice recognition software/hardware available for its flagship sedan. If you've used an Acura VR system, you know how unusable the Lexus one is by comparison. It's flat embarrassing, and I have ended up not using my LS's VR at all as a result. It's just too inaccurate and inconsistent to be of any use.
The LS's nav system is certainly functional, but it lacks so many helpful features that others incorporate into theirs. And now, live doppler weather radar is available as part of XM Weather (and actually in production vehicles), and the intro for the 2010 RX suggests all it's going to get is the silly little "smiling or frowning sun" icons with temperature ranges.
I absolutely love my LS460, but I also love tech, and especially useful tech. I've actually written Lexus to make constructive suggestions about the nav, but I have little hope they'll make it into production even though others have those features now.
The bottom line is that I find it puzzling Lexus makes a premier automobile, yet chooses to use yesterday's technology features in it. Perhaps the only worse example is Mercedes, whose nav and VR systems are stone-age. And since Lexus has imitated M-B from the very start, I guess they feel high tech isn't necessary.
I guess this has been a rant, but I'm hoping Lexus is planning on bringing its tech into the 21st century pretty soon ... like maybe before I'm ready to trade again.
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"since Lexus has imitated M-B from the very start" Really who do you think is copying now..If Lexus started making cars when MB started their would be no MB. It is about Philosophy in Manufacturing and Engineering. I know I want my car and my TV built and Designed by Japanese people they seem to have the pursuit of perfection thing down pat....The Germans are just trying to keep up.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 26
From: Sakon Nakhon
The only "major" improvement they could make to current systems would be real-time nav, which would be updated on-the-fly. IOW, the data stream would be situated on a platform such as the Internet or better yet, dedicated satellite links. However, subscriber fees might be a little pricey at the onset to pay for development costs. Real-time mapping is not even available on the Internet, so my suggestion is a mere pipe dream - on the other hand, perhaps the military already have a working model.
Until then, regular Nav updates are all we can depend on.
Until then, regular Nav updates are all we can depend on.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 7
From: TX
With all due respect, I think some of you are missing the point.
The technology I'm talking about is already here and is being used quite successfully by "lesser" brands of cars. What puzzles me is why Lexus is behind the curve on this up-front stuff that people see and touch and use, when it's readily available.
The hidden stuff like electronic steering, etc., is nice, but the average buyer is more impressed by things he/she can interact with directly. To excuse Lexus' shortcomings by saying, "Well, they have a lot of other good stuff." is just silly!
That's like saying, "True, she weighs 300 pounds, but she has nice feet."
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The technology I'm talking about is already here and is being used quite successfully by "lesser" brands of cars. What puzzles me is why Lexus is behind the curve on this up-front stuff that people see and touch and use, when it's readily available.
The hidden stuff like electronic steering, etc., is nice, but the average buyer is more impressed by things he/she can interact with directly. To excuse Lexus' shortcomings by saying, "Well, they have a lot of other good stuff." is just silly!
That's like saying, "True, she weighs 300 pounds, but she has nice feet."
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