Prius iPhone app is....

[ggood]

Originally Posted by cpatch

DevToaster - Rev - iPhone app development, Great iPhone apps, and more

Way cool. How'd they steal my idea so fast?

I looked at some of the suggested wireless OBDII modules. This one seems to be the cheapest, and is located in California:

PLX Kiwi Wifi - Connect your iPhone / iPod Touch to your car's OBD2 OBDII Port.

Note that this one also has an on/off switch, so it isn't a constant trickle drain on the regular battery. Anyone have any thoughts on whether getting the version with iMFD might be useful (allows additional sensor modules)?

[ggood]

Originally Posted by 32kcolors

Why not? Toyota is a multi-million dollar company. To push it as mere advertisement with no functionality is just insulting to iPhone users.

Well, this was pushed out by the American marketing team on a limited budget, and I was adopting efusco's spirit of positivity.

However, I readily admit, it is incredibly lame in its current incarnation, to the point of saying why bother doing something if you can't do it right. I agree with those saying that it is a great opportunity to push the tech/geek factor by giving people a whole new level of interaction with their car and another good reason to buy it.

[DrJon]

Originally Posted by ggood

Way cool. How'd they steal my idea so fast?

I looked at some of the suggested wireless OBDII modules. This one seems to be the cheapest, and is located in California:

PLX Kiwi Wifi - Connect your iPhone / iPod Touch to your car's OBD2 OBDII Port.

Note that this one also has an on/off switch, so it isn't a constant trickle drain on the regular battery. Anyone have any thoughts on whether getting the version with iMFD might be useful (allows additional sensor modules)?

I wonder what functions this gives for a Gen III. I know some of the hypermilers say the Scangauge is about as useful as a brick so far for the Gen III since they have to crack some codes or something. I wonder if this isn't just as good (plus wireless!)

[ggood]

Originally Posted by efusco

Once other useful tool would be some easy "how to's"--link to the podcast videos on itunes for how to use various features. Have instructions for how to link your BT phone, how to program the GPS, etc.

Good one! They can start by showing how to find the hidden TPM reset switch!

[archermoo]

Seems pretty straightforward to me. The marketing team discovered that a lot of iPhone users were hitting the Prius page. Is it particularly useful for someone who currently owns a GenIII Prius? No. Is that who the app was aimed at? No.

[32kcolors]

Originally Posted by archermoo

Seems pretty straightforward to me. The marketing team discovered that a lot of iPhone users were hitting the Prius page. Is it particularly useful for someone who currently owns a GenIII Prius? No. Is that who the app was aimed at? No.

So what does this app accomplish that the iPhone-enhanced "web clip" can't? The app should take it to another level and it currently doesn't.

[archermoo]

Originally Posted by 32kcolors

So what does this app accomplish that the iPhone-enhanced "web clip" can't? The app should take it to another level and it currently doesn't.

It should take what to another level? Advertising? It did. People can now have a Prius ad installed on their phone, rather than just being able to view a web page that has ads on it using their phone.

[Prius Team]

Wow, this thread makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Anyhoo, it's really my fault. My understanding of the functionality of the app, was, well, different. I thought there was more for Prius owners, when in fact it IS really intended for shoppers. If I'd done my legwork to find that out, I would not have presented it that way in this thread.

Thanks to those who are offering constructive criticism. There are lots of ideas out there about how we can make useful OWNER apps in the future. We'll take a look.

Thanks.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

[32kcolors]

Originally Posted by archermoo

It should take what to another level? Advertising? It did. People can now have a Prius ad installed on their phone, rather than just being able to view a web page that has ads on it using their phone.

Another level in term of functionality. That's just insulting.

[Indyking]

Originally Posted by radioprius1

Sigh.

What a waste of a download.

Toyota - I appreciate you guys making an iPhone app. But, what is the purpose? It's a freaking advertisement for the Prius. You guys should fire whoever came up with this idea.

It doesn't do anything! No gas mileage tracker, nothing specific to the Prius, nothing at all. Just a big stupid advertisement.

Agree. I did not even downloaded it. Hopeless!