Bespoke Audio Thoughts

[Dang Lad]

Hey all - completely not important, but I was wondering if any one that already picked up their FRS has thoughts on the Bespoke audio system. There seems to be plenty of info and coverage for pretty much everything on the car (already know how amazing it is to drive), but almost nothing on the premium audio upgrade. Any thoughts would be great to help those of us still waiting on the sidelines before we get our FRS

[Davyator]

For me, it is a rip off as it does not have built-in GPS as I was told. Lamo-wamo.

Mine didn't come with any instructions (or they threw them away or something). But, I just found out how to load an app on my phone today that expands some capabilities of the radio. But, I still can't figure out how to do maps on my device yet. If I do, then I would give the device a 5/10 rating. I would go for something with built-in nav if I could do it again. Basically, don't get anything from the dealership except for possibly the rear floor mat.

[Dang Lad]

Thanks for the info - sounds like they probably haven't released any info on it yet because not even they know how to use it...

Hoping that with the app-based system they can upgrade the utility so eventually it will be a solid system.

[jimgfl]

Originally Posted by Davyator

For me, it is a rip off as it does not have built-in GPS as I was told. Lamo-wamo.

Mine didn't come with any instructions (or they threw them away or something). But, I just found out how to load an app on my phone today that expands some capabilities of the radio. But, I still can't figure out how to do maps on my device yet. If I do, then I would give the device a 5/10 rating. I would go for something with built-in nav if I could do it again. Basically, don't get anything from the dealership except for possibly the rear floor mat.

I got the Bespoke radio too. Not really impressed with it. I downloaded the "bespoke" app about a month ago for my iPhone and couldn't get the app to load on the radio. Emailed Korey at Scion HQ and told me that a new app was being released on May 22. Davyator what app did you download? You said that in expands some capabilities of the radio. Also, the dealer installed the radio and I did receive a manual for the radio. But didn't receive cables for the USB/Aux jack for my iPhone. Bought one at Best Buy for $69. I emailed Korey at Scion HQ and he told me that there should have been one with the radio. Told the dealer about the cable and they said they would take care of it. Davyator did you get a cable with your radio?

[Dang Lad]

Thanks for the additional info jimgfl. It looks like a standard USB cord would work for the iPod/iPhone, is that not the case? I also saw the bespoke app on the app store but it looked unrelated. I'll still download it just in case.

[MarkRacerX]

I did the BeSpoke also, I was told the app will be out this week, but so far w/ Pandora and full sync of phone contacts, sound, I like it !! Also nice w/ USB Thumbdrive to view folders and scroll songs, vs just hitting Next on norm unit.

Also the voice commands seem to work easy/ smooth !

I am curious about the Scion net radio and what all the App has, we shall await!

Def much better looking unit, no complaints so far!

I got the dual cord that is USB / Aux to iPhone connection. Keep cel charged up too!

[Moto-P]

Anyone try the Google Maps and Directions element on it yet? I'm also debating it post purchase of the car (I was too early for its availability being #2 of F86)

I'm debating if I should rip the system out of my LS430, a full Pioneer AVIC Z2 unit with all the accessories (possibly a two-day weekend task) or to settle with the Bespoke and see if it's navigation capabilities are ok. I'm sort of in a position where I am going to new unknown addresses often and in need of a good nav... So far the Bespoke seems limited in that area...
Wait, was that element only available after Scion releases the app sync to pull data off your phone? Does this mean like if I lose signal, I lose maps too?

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Moto-P

...Wait, was that element only available after Scion releases the app sync to pull data off your phone? Does this mean like if I lose signal, I lose maps too?

Yes, potentially depending on whether your phone caches maps. From what I can tell your phone (and it has to be an iPhone right now) really does all the work. The BeSpoke is basically a remote display and control device for the App running on your phone. It also uses your phone for the GPS function.

[MarkRacerX]

Btw: I just saw an email saying 5/22 for BeSpoke App to be Available.

[Dang Lad]

Originally Posted by MarkRacerX

Btw: I just saw an email saying 5/22 for BeSpoke App to be Available.

Good news!

[Dang Lad]

BeSpoke app is in the apple app store now! Downloading right now.

[MarkRacerX]

Sadly doesn't work on iPhone 3Gs....iPhone 4 or 4s only apparently...

I do like Pandora though and seeing my USB folders/songs..but yeah..not Happy it doesn't work w/ 3gs w/ the unit.

[Dang Lad]

Playing around with the app (don't have my FR-S yet sadly). Seems like it has some cool features but the navigation definitely is not the most user friendly.

- Note that I've only been using my iPhone screen, and using the BeSpoke screen should be much larger and easier (I hope).
-Voice commands work fairly well. Not to Siri level, but much better than iPhone's original voice commands.
- The social network integration with Twitter and Facebook allows you to see where your friends have recently checked in, have their status dictated to you and send messages using voice commands. Pretty cool, although I haven't used it extensively yet.
- Navigation seems difficult at best. Thus far it seems like you can't simply type in an address and go, but need to either drag and drop a location or do a search using Yelp or a business directory. Not incredibly useful from what I've seen.
- Internet Radio integration seems pretty good considering this app does several other things. They have two main "stations" that you select, but then each has a wide range of 100s of actual stations within - basically everything on Shoutcast. You can use voice commands to play genres or specific stations ("Play Radio Paradise", "Play 90s Rock") and save your favorites.
- You can choose to display either music info or the map independently.

[VADER]

Does anyone have any pics of what it would look like on the iPhone? I might upgrade so I can fully integrate with BeSpoke.