Bluetooth Technology
1. What is Bluetooth® technology?
Bluetooth® is a new wireless technology that enables connectivity between two or more devices (for example, cell phone and vehicle) by utilizing a 2.4-GHz radio spectrum that has a range of 10 meters. Bluetooth® allows customers to use their compatible cell phones hands-free in the vehicle.
Due to variations among service providers, handsets and technology, keep in mind that not all Bluetooth® handsets will offer the same level of functionality within Bluetooth®-equipped Toyota vehicles.
2. How does Bluetooth® work? (From Bluetooth.com)
Bluetooth® wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. The key features of Bluetooth® technology are robustness, low power and low cost. The Bluetooth® specification defines a uniform structure for a wide range of devices to connect and communicate with each other.
Bluetooth® technology has achieved global acceptance such that any Bluetooth®-enabled device, almost anywhere in the world, can connect to other Bluetooth®-enabled devices in proximity. Bluetooth®-enabled electronic devices connect and communicate wirelessly through short-range, ad hoc networks known as piconets. Each device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single piconet. Each device can also belong to several piconets simultaneously. Piconets are established dynamically and automatically as Bluetooth®-enabled devices enter and leave radio proximity.
A fundamental Bluetooth® wireless technology strength is the ability to simultaneously handle both data and voice transmissions. This enables users to enjoy a variety of innovative solutions such as a hands-free headset for voice calls, printing and fax capabilities, and synchronizing PDA, laptop and mobile phone applications, to name a few.
More general information on Bluetooth® can be found at www.bluetooth.com.
3. What is the range of Bluetooth®?
The vehicle Bluetooth® system can pick up the Bluetooth® signal from the handset up to 30 feet from the vehicle. The range is largely dependent on which phone is being used and the battery level of the phone.
4. Can any Bluetooth® handset be integrated to the Toyota DVD navigation or audio system?
Because Bluetooth® has a universal standard developed by a consortium of interested companies, almost all Bluetooth® handsets should have some functionality in our vehicles. However, because of the differences in the quality of the handsets and Bluetooth® chip programming, you may encounter different levels of functionality from one phone to another.
5. Is a charging cradle available for Bluetooth® phones?
There is currently no charging cradle available from Toyota for Bluetooth® handsets.
6. Which Toyota vehicles have Bluetooth® technology?
Please refer to the LetsTalk Web site for Toyota at toyota.letstalk.com for a list of Toyota vehicles that have available Bluetooth® technology.
7. Is there any truth to the Internet virus rumor regarding the Toyota DVD navigation system and Bluetooth® wireless interface?
A rumor has surfaced on the Internet indicating that a cell phone virus could be transmitted to the DVD navigation system in certain Toyota models through the Bluetooth® wireless interface. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and its parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, have investigated this rumor and have determined it to be without foundation for the following reasons: 1) Navigation and audio systems in Toyota vehicles do utilize an embedded operating system (OS) and some degree of random access memory (RAM) that are used to store several types of information such as recent destinations, names and attributes of saved destinations, and a telephone directory, among other items. The operating system itself is proprietary, however, not Symbian as these reports have alleged; and 2) Although the Bluetooth® interface does support the Object Push Protocol for transferring the phone book from a Bluetooth® cell phone to the DVD navigation system, this is an operator-controlled event and the data cannot be exported (or transmitted) from the navigation unit. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., has responded promptly to all media inquiries regarding this matter. Contrary to the original story that appeared on ZDNET, Toyota was never contacted for comment by the writer.
FEATURES
8. What hands-free features are enabled through Bluetooth® wireless technology?
Bluetooth® technology is available on select DVD navigation system-equipped vehicles. This allows for hands-free cell phone use with certain handsets. Once the handset is paired to the vehicle (up to four different phones can be paired with one vehicle) and the handset information has been transferred (phone book and speed-dial numbers) into the DVD navigation system, the customer typically can enjoy the following hands-free benefits:
- Hands-free mobile phone operation with a built-in microphone and utilization of the audio speakers.
- Answering incoming calls with one touch of the steering-wheel control or the navigation screen.
- Automatic audio mute when receiving or making a call.
- Dialing a number by using the touch pad on the navigation screen.
- One-touch dialing on the navigation screen for speed-dial numbers (17).
- Making a call from the phone book (1000 numbers).
- Making a return call from the outgoing call log or the incoming call log (five most recent calls).
- One-touch dial to points of interest on the navigation screen.
9. How do I continue a Bluetooth® call after I leave the vehicle?
The instructions for this procedure are included in the Installation Quick Reference Guide for each Bluetooth® handset. Please select the instructions that correspond to your Bluetooth® phone.
10. How can a customer sign up for mobile phone service?
Toyota has provided a mobile-phone section within the LetsTalk Web site at toyota.letstalk.com for customers to complete all the following steps with a minimum amount of time and effort:
- Choose a handset.
- Choose a service provider.
- Go through the purchase procedure on the site, and LetsTalk can activate the handset and have it delivered within two days.
11. What if customers have questions about the right calling plan to choose, or the right handset to choose? What if they want to switch calling plans?
By utilizing the LetsTalk Web site, dealers and customers can access the following:
- Information about all calling plans, including pricing and information about number of minutes available.
- Information about available handsets, including key technical information.
HANDSETS
12. How many phones can be paired to the Toyota Bluetooth® system?
Navigation-based systems can pair with four to six mobile phones depending on the vehicle. Bluetooth®-enabled audio-based systems can pair with six cell phones.
13. If the systems can pair with multiple phones (four with navigation, six with audio), how will the systems determine which paired phones will be activated?
A system will search for the most recently used phone. If this phone is not in the vehicle (or turned on), the Bluetooth® system will not be active. To activate Bluetooth® a new phone can be paired, or an already paired phone can be selected for the Bluetooth® system memory.
14. How do I transfer numbers from my Bluetooth® phone to the vehicle?
Some phone and service-provider combinations allow you to download your phone book directly into the Toyota Bluetooth® system. Others are more restrictive.
15. How can I activate my Bluetooth® handset in my vehicle?
Different phone and service-provider combinations follow different protocols for pairing a Bluetooth® phone to a hands-free device. Please refer to your phone's owner's manual for pairing instructions.
16. Which handsets can I utilize?
Bluetooth® handsets can vary in quality and contain different Bluetooth® chip programming. Therefore, not all Bluetooth® handsets will operate at the same level. In order to account for this, Toyota is evaluating Bluetooth® handsets and will identify those that work best with our system.
17. Can a customer buy any Bluetooth® handset retail and have it work with/transfer to our system?
Because Bluetooth® has a universal standard developed by a consortium of interested companies, almost all Bluetooth® handsets should have some functionality in our vehicles. However, because of the differences in the quality of the handsets and Bluetooth® chip programming, not all Bluetooth® handsets will have the same level of performance when interfacing with the Bluetooth® chips in our vehicles. That is why Toyota is evaluating Bluetooth® handsets to help ensure quality operation.
18. Where can I find instructions on pairing the handset to the DVD navigation system?
These instructions are located on the LetsTalk Web site for Toyota at toyota.letstalk.com.
19. What is the warranty on Bluetooth® handsets?
Handsets are sold separately and typically have a one-year warranty through the manufacturer. Consumers should check with the handset manufacturer for details about the warranty.
20. Where is the best place to find information about Bluetooth® in my Toyota?
Please consult toyota.letstalk.com for details on how a specific phone should perform with your Toyota Bluetooth® system. Details on how to manage and pair most phones are provided.
The Web site includes the following features:
- To determine if your existing phone will work: Click the "Pair an Existing Phone" button for a complete listing of Bluetooth® phones that have been tested by Toyota. For each phone there will be a feature compatibility chart indicating which features typically work within a specified vehicle. Also, each phone has a user guide that shows how the phone is paired and how to transfer phone numbers into the vehicle system.
- If you want to purchase a new phone: Click the "Select a New Phone" button for a listing of available cell phones on the market. For each phone there will be a feature compatibility chart indicating which features typically work within a specified vehicle. You can also call Toyota Bluetooth® Phone Support, provided by LetsTalk, for any additional questions or support: 1-866-825-5460.
21. Is there a phone number I can call instead of utilizing the Web site?
Yes, the phone number is listed on the Web site: 1-866-825-5460.
WIRELESS NUMBER PORTABILITY
22. What does Wireless Local Number Portability (WLNP) mean?
This is a new government-mandated process that requires all wireless service providers to allow customers to maintain their current wireless phone numbers when they change service providers.
23. How does a customer take advantage of WLNP?
Customers and dealers should be aware of the following when trying to keep an existing phone number:
- Know the details. Your new carrier will need to know information about your existing account. So for convenience, bring a bill from your existing carrier to your new one. If you don't have a copy of your bill, know the exact details of your account, including name (for example, is it billed to "Bill" or "William" Smith), address, account number and phone number.
- Leave some time. The process can take a few minutes or a few hours. It could take even longer for your phone to be fully functional (such as being able to receive incoming calls).
- Timing counts. Start the process with your new carrier. If you cancel your current service with your existing carrier, you may end up losing your number.
- Are you a free agent? You may be under contract with your existing carrier, who may charge you an early-termination fee if you cancel your existing service while still under contract.
- Start from scratch. You may need a new phone when you switch carriers, even if you are keeping your number. Familiarize yourself with your new carrier's rate plans, coverage area and features, too, because you'll need to choose a new plan.
- Your consent is needed. Your new wireless carrier will need your authorization to move your wireless number from your old carrier. This protects you from carriers switching your number without your permission.
24. Will my wireless local number work if I move across the country?
The "L" in WLNP, "Local" means that when you switch carriers you will be able to keep your number within the same metro area, but you may not be able to keep it if you move outside that metro area.
