GSV50R control center questions

[kabammi]

Hey,

I just took ownership of a 2012 Aurion Prodigy. Awesome car.

I have some questions about the control center/ audio / phone headunit (non Navigation version).

1. Can you stop the unit from 'blanking out' a whole host of options once the car is in motion?

-- when my missus is driving, not being able to edit the phone book, discover new phones, etc. is a right pain in the butt.

2. When bluetooth audio streaming, can you get cover art to appear on the display.

3. Are there any user-installable firmware updates out in the wild? I previously had a GSV40R prodigy, and unlike that one, this has a USB input which is just screaming to be used for firmware updates.

4. Leading on from 3, has anyone managed to hack this thing?

thanks all

K

[Harlo]

Blanking out is a feature standard on all Toyota Navigation systems to avoid distractions during driving lol, you can stop it with an aftermarket accessory but I read if you do that then your insurance may be void?

[kabammi]

Thanks Harlo for addressing (1).

I don't think the insurance being void is particularly valid, considering other functions which _arent_ blanked out. For example, I can plug in an ipod and can browse artists/songs/albums while driving.. or fiddle with the displays of all manner of stats about how my fuel economy is going, etc. This is what I find rather curious, why is pairing a phone so special. It negates the fact that there might be someone in the front passenger seat doing the pairing while the driver is doing the driving.

I do understand the general reasoning behind it though; but the inconsistency in what is/isn't blanked is weird.

So what's this 'aftermarket' accessory that you mention?

[Harlo]

That's the beatsonic kit: https://www.beatsonicusa.com/nav-dvd-bypass/toyota-lexus.html

Basically there's a manual switch that you have to flick when you want to watch DVDs/input things. The only catch is the GPS pauses while doing so.