Toyota release ‘FollowMe’ portable Satellite Navigation
October 14, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Toyota has released a new ‘FollowMe’ navigation unit that is incorporated in the dash but has the added bonus of being able to be removed.
As well as being a navigation unit it also controls the car’s communication and entertainment functions.
TomTom assisted Toyota with the development of the unit which, when not in the car, can be used as a portable device. This means it can be used in other cars or when walking around. It also aids in theft prevention.
Having the navigation unit incorporated in the dash removes the need to have it on the windscrean giving the driver a clear view out.
Suna Traffic Monitoring Services assists FollowMe users with regular updates of traffic conditions in most major cities.
FollowMe incorporates Bluetooth technology allowing users to conect compatible devices. It also has the ability to translate text messages into an audiable message.
The device also has voice recognition software allowing the user too set the destination verbally minimising any distraction from driving.
The unit has a 10.9cm touch screen that only requires a light touch for instant response for all functions. It also incorporates the optional Toyota Genuine rear view camera if optioned.
The fetures include DVD and MP3/iPod/iPhone audio, WMA, video and photo capability.
The front panel is motorised and tilts up to 30 degrees in order to reduce sun glare and also allows access to the CD slot.
Owners can also purchase an iPod connection kit allowing music and video to be seen and controlled using the display.
The CD and radio work with the unit removed as well as hands free communication.
A feature called “Where am I?” provides the user with information on their location, first aid advice and instructions if a breakdown occurs.
The unit has a built in gyroscope and accelerometer which calculates the speed and direction of the vehicle, also working in tunnels where satellite signals usually drop out.
Print it: 
Wow, this is like what Pioneer have been offering for what? 2 Years? About time a car company took interest in a device like it, its a good setup.
Begs a question that has been plaguing me more and more over the last few years… What happened to the DIN standard?
How are we supposed to fit aftermarket audio (etc) equipment in our new cars?
DVD / GPS / MP3
What are people doing who have integrated systems that aren’t performing? Do they (the manufacturers) just hope we’ll buy new cars?
Its the car manufacturers way of sticking it up the after market car audio manufacturers.
Slowly but surely companies such as Alpine are releasing after market units to suit standard audio setups. The first was the BA falcon (google it).
I have often wondered how the likes of pioneer, kenwood and alpine are travelling currently? It will get even worse once these cars are second hand and they lose the P plate market….
People, espically p platers will always figure out how to shoe horn a aftermarket unit into any car.
Windscrean?
Come on guys, it’s not that hard. Windscreen!
Also, this isn’t the most exciting development in the world. I bet it’s not a cheap option either
This has been out for months! Maybe even over a year!
Duhhhhhh… hey Doug, did you stop and think for just one millisecond that this might be a new model replacing the old one that came out a couple of years ago. Sheeesh…
Hey Freak,
This is the exact same one they offer as an accessory for more than a year. There is no replacement, just PR spin.
Doug is correct it has been out for over a year and no it isn’t a new one. The Follow me system is brilliant though,, you can plug in a memory stick with all your favourite songs. No need for the iPod and if you get your memory stick stolen it only cost 2 bucks to replace.
Oh and they were running a psecial price on them earlier this year, fitted for 850 dollars, though I believe the System is closer to 2K retail.
Guys this FollowMe is actually a MKII. You’re referring to the original one Toyota released ages ago with the old TomTom Version 1. This one is similar to the recently released Eclipse AVN4400 which is running a TomTom Version 4.
Not a bad idea in any car, but even though it clears up the windscreen it takes your eyes further away from the road
i don’t think it’s gonna be that great. they people will be carrying phone wallet keys gps (phone has gps anyways) mp3 player
True, phones do have GPS but see what the cops do when you hold up your phone to check the GPS function rather than looking at it in the middle of your dash console.
Not to mention Mobile phone’s GPS rely in bluetooth connection or using the Service provider’s WAP/Internet abilities…. costs can be expensive.
Unless of course you have a laptop in the car with USB internet connection and you can blue tooth.. but not practical.. That or you park near a building/structure with Wireless and you happen to know the password or its free!
i prefer the GPS to stick to windscreen, you don’t have to look down into the dash for directions. the size of the GPS is not big enough to cause obstruction.
GPS is pretty useful, as it gives a visual indicator of upcoming road profile, curves, especially on freeway and you can’t turn on your high beam.
I just noticed in that picture, they installed it in a Yaris. Why would you spend that much more on your Yaris?
Car news? Hello – this is old stuff and has been with Toyota for a while………