I recently evaluated the new NAV firmware DVD version 7.1 to determine what was new or different from the previous 6.1 version. Here are my findings:
- The “I agree” screen is no longer mandatory on startup. It has been replaced with a simple Caution statement that automatically switches to the map view after 5 seconds. This is a small but very nice change indeed. See attached photos.
- The map views show slightly more detail including driveways for all known addresses or buildings. This might be helpful if you are looking for a specific turning point but it seemed trivial to me. See attached photos.
- There is sure to be at least some new map data as well but I didn’t notice any in my area. You may not notice it either unless you drive in rapidly developing areas that are not currently mapped in the 6.1 version. You won’t know for sure until after you purchase it and drive around for a while so you might be disappointed.
That’s it.
I was expecting a whole lot more for a $295+ product upgrade. Maybe additional audio and video options, or possibly control over the Rear Camera, Rear DVD, or AUX inputs. Maybe manual adjustments for the map display and backlight colors. And what about a bypass for the annoying function lockout while the vehicle is in motion? Sadly all of these functions must remain on the wish list along with many others. Perhaps some of them will eventually make it into a future upgrade, however this doesn’t seem likely and future versions are sure to take quite a while, cost just as much, and be similarly disappointing.
In one last desperate query I accessed the diagnostic menu to see if any new configuration or bypass functions were included for use by the service department. Sadly it looks exactly the same. It is possible that the new version does contain some hidden functions, and if so then the access tricks are sure to leak out eventually. We can only hope. Until then the determined owners are left with the option of paying a small fortune for a minor enhancement or continuing to experiment with various hacks or modifications
such as my NAV speed pulse generator that enables all the functions while in motion.
And just in case you are interested in getting the new 7.1 firmware DVD, these are the only options that I am aware of:
- Buy it from a dealership (expensive and may not be available at the parts counter for several months yet)
- Buy it on
ebay (I have seen several for sale already)
- Borrow it from a new vehicle on the dealer lot (with the dealer’s permission)
- Borrow it from a new rental vehicle (with the agency’s permission)
- Borrow it from the owner of a new vehicle (terms are up to them)
If you borrow the DVD then you can insert it into your NAV and the firmware will be upgraded automatically in just a few minutes. The new functions will remain even when you replace your old DVD but you will still only see the old map data. Note: it may or may not be legal to copy, borrow, or use the new DVD depending on how you obtain it. You will need to check with Toyota or a qualified copyright attorney to be sure. Please keep your legal opinions to yourself unless you are qualified to speak with authority – this is not a law forum.
Whether or not you decide to get the new DVD version, you will probably still want to make a backup copy of your original DVD and then use the backup in the NAV. You wouldn’t want to fork out another $295+ just because the original disc was scratched or stolen. The process to make a backup copy has been widely discussed on numerous forums and posts
just like this one. I have successfully backed up my original DVD with the
ImgBurn software and it does work but you need to have exactly the right combination of software, hardware, settings, and DVD media or you will just be frustrated and make a lot of nice shiny coasters.
If anyone is aware of other new functions that are contained in the 7.1 version then please share those by posting to this thread along with pics.
Here is a quick technical comparison for those that are inclined to look under the hood:
6.1 Version:
212 files
7 folders
Total Size on disk: 7.36 GB
Size of Loading.KWI file: 70.0 MB
7.1 Version:
226 files
9 folders
Total Size on disk: 7.62 GB
Size of Loading.KWI file: 115.0 MB
The new folders are “314” and “398”. The new files are as follows: (listed by folder)
314:
LDM.BIN
398:
LDM.BIN
Coverage:
05ETG_12.BMP
05ETO_12.BMP
05VLB_12.BMP
05VLD_12.BMP
05VTG_12.BMP
05VTO_12.BMP
IDX:
ARCSR012.IDX
FWYDT012.IDX
FWYSR012.IDX
ITSDT012.IDX
ITSSR012.IDX
POISR012.IDX
SADSR012.IDX