Toyota City, Japan, Dec 01, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation announces the launch of the TC Smartphone Navigation, a new smartphone navigation app available from December 1.
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TC Smartphone Navigation
App Store (iPhone) https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id1154773775?mt=8
Google Play (Android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.toyota_ms.TcSpNavi
Toyota has been providing T-Probe traffic information-Toyota's proprietary traffic congestion information based on big data collected from vehicles equipped with on-board data communication modules (DCM)-on the paid1 T-Connect smartphone app which suggests routes to avoid traffic congestion (2,500 yen annually).
At the same time, the route history map which helps to support relief activities in the event of a disaster has been made available on Toyota's website free-of-charge. This feature is also based on information collected from big data, and displays the vehicle's route history. The route history map is also compatible with smartphones.
The newly launched TC Smartphone Navigation app will further improve visibility and operability of the existing navigation function. In addition, the app will display T-Probe traffic information and route history map throughout the driving journey. In order to provide safe and convenient mobility support services to a wide-range of customers, this service will be offered free of charge. The aim is to accumulate customer experience with the daily utilization of these information, where data utilization in the event of a disaster has been enhanced.
In addition, aerial photographs of disaster areas2 are made available in the route history map display in the case of large-scale disasters with this new application. Next summer, a navigation route search function which will incorporate the route history map will be added to further strengthen disaster countermeasures.
In addition, TC Smartphone Navigation will openly link with various external service providers in the future. As a first step, we will promote linking with services provided by akippa Inc., a parking lot sharing service provider to offer search and reservation services, as well as navigation service to a reserved parking lot. Furthermore, we plan to further link with services developed by Park24 Co., Ltd. in the future.
Toyota will continue to improve the TC Smartphone Navigation to support safe, convenient, and an attractive mobility life for our customers.
TC Smartphone Navigation features
Toyota's proprietary navigation functions
In addition to displaying Toyota's proprietary real-time traffic information through T-Probe, the route is guided by easy-to-view maps and easy-to-understand audio, such as enlarged views of intersections, and the reading aloud of the names of intersections.
Completely free of charge
Use of the app is completely free, with no basic charges.
Link ups with parking lot sharing services. Parking spaces can be reserved from the app.
Together with the recent changing environment relating to the usage of vehicles, this is a parking lot sharing service that is being developed for use as a service that allows for the usage at monthly and individual parking lots nationwide.
Using a smartphone, the TC Smartphone Navigation will first start to link with search and reservation services that are provided by akippa Inc. In the future, we plan to also link up with services that are being developed by Park24 Co., Ltd.
When a disaster occurs, you are able to view the route history map that informs you of the traffic situation at the affected area.
The route history map is based on the information which Toyota has gathered from DCM-equipped vehicles, so as to provide useful information for the relief and recovery activities of affected areas. The route history and T-Probe traffic information (congestion) etc. have also been released in real-time.
Together with the launch of the new app, we have improved the route history map so as to provide easy-to-understand information in the event of the occurrence of a disaster. In addition to the route history and traffic control information3 that are available during normal conditions, congestion information and aerial photographs of disaster areas can also be displayed in the case of large-scale disasters. It is also possible to select and view the display area when disasters occur in multiple areas.
Future improvement of the various functions
In addition to the parking lot sharing service, we will link up with various service providers in the future.
We plan to improve functions with the aim of providing customers with satisfaction that goes beyond driving of their vehicles, which enhances all aspects of their daily lives.
Outline of the TC Smartphone Navigation
Official Name: TC Smartphone Navigation
Development and Operation: Toyota Motor Corporation
Provided By: Toyota Media Service Corporation
Supported Devices: iPhone, Android
Service Area: Japan
Supported Language: Japanese
Start of Service: December 1, 2016
Pricing: Free
(1) Regarding navigation functions of the T-Connect smartphone app, new sales will stop after December 1.
(2) Pasco Corporation will provide aerial photographs.
(3) Toyota Media Service Corporation provides information from the Japan Road Traffic Information Center (JARTIC) / Vehicle Information and Communication System Center (VICS Center).