[Phil Indeblanc]

So after coming across the need to turn my DRL lights off, Funman1, with good intentions recommended to use Carista to control different options on the Highlander.
I didn't know what other steps were required after the OBD2 dongle was installed.
Perhaps Funman1 doesn't either. Or him and others might have some other need that Carista fits well for....

This is NOT about those needs, nor am I blaming anyone for suggesting it, except for myself, as I suggested it without using it.

So I got the device right away, and I installed it, did a quick BlueTooth hand shake and all was recognized.
I go in to the option to turn the DRL off, and it prompts me with a window saying I need to buy a $10 use which lasts a week. Or a yearly $40 option....WTFFFlop!!??

If you have a laptop, simply buy the TechStream software for $20
If you don't have a laptop, HP, Dell and others sell a tablet for about $100 (2 years worth of subscription) that runs full windows OS that can run techStream. TechStream has plenty other features that Carista Does NOT have......And use the laptop for what ever else a computer can offer you.
Dont waste your money on a subscription based limited app/dongle.

If you want the ease of use live status of the car, use a generic $10-15 OBD2 dongle.

 

[funman1]

It's a hardware subscription?!?!?
I had no idea, others have come here and said they got one and it worked awesome, they never mentioned it was a yearly subscription?!?!?!

 

[cb91710]

Did they change it?
When I installed Carista (Android) 6 months ago, the free version could view settings, and it was, IIRC, $19.95 to "unlock" it so you could save settings.

But once the settings are stored in the car, they are not going to revert, so the $10 option can be used to set what you want to set, and the BT dongle can continue to be used on apps like Torque.

Also keep in mind that the versions of Techstream that are available online are Chinese hacked (illegal) versions.
A number of vendors have been shut down, new ones crop up, and the software often triggers anti-virus programs.

Nobody has confirmed that the AV trigger is accurate and not a false-positive, but I and many others will not run these versions of TechStream on a computer that is ever connected to our home network, or any online activity that includes any passwords or other personal information.

 

[cb91710]

Looking at the review history, ya, it looks like some time after July they went to a one week for $10 or one year for $40 thing. Earlier reviews indicate $20 to activate the save option, which is what I have.
I'll have to connect it up and try it to see if it still works or if it forces an update.

My revision is 3.1, but it looks like the Play store version is 3.9

And yes, on one of the reviews, even the author responded to the complaint about the cost saying that if you don't use it very often, just buy the one-week pass for $10.

You do not have to keep it current to keep the settings in the car... those are permanent (or at least until Toyota issues a recall that requires a reflash, then everything will revert to factory)

 

[kiseliok]

Phil, are you in advertisement, because your subjects are always very catchy and a lot of times misleading.

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

Phil, are you in advertisement, because your subjects are always very catchy and a lot of times misleading.

lol!
Maybe they are catchy cuz I have substance in my posts, and my topics relate to a lot of folks similar interests.
$40
+10 for 1 time/1week use
=
$50
$40+
$40 for 1 year use
=
$80+ each year is another $40
=$120 in 2 years

Where is the misleading part? I'm returning mine. I already have TS with no issues, but if you worried, use it in a Virtual Machine then dump it so it wont infect anything.

TechStrm is $20 WITH the hardware!
It does plenty more than Carista
Its a no brainer for me. I was willing to fork over $40 for the convenience of using a $12 HW with a cell phone. But for a subscription, LOL.... NOT GONNA DO IT!

Can you refer one instance I have been misleading?

 

[cb91710]

But it's not a mandatory subscription.

How often do you change your options? Most people change them once.

$40+$10 and done.

Want to change something in a few months? Check with friends who own Toyotas and see if they want anything changed. Invite them over for a BBQ and have them bring the beer.
Another $10 and you're all set.

The settings in the car do not revert if you don't maintain the sub.

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

Yes it is. Its mandatory to for a week at least to adjust anything.
Last thing I need is to pay someone $10 each time I want to adjust a setting. Maybe I like 3 blinks on the turn signal, maybe a week later I realize I need 7...
Or 30sec for lights to dim or more. Im gonna pay $10 for each week I want to adjust these things. I dont need to do these settings on the fly, so its not gonna be a convenience issue.
NO THANKS!

Just plug in the TS laptop to the OBD2 and look at all the stats and every option to change ANYTIME I want WITHOUT a $10 each week.


But I can see it work as a $50 1 time use and burn sort of thing. If one doesn't mind blowing $50
I rather have a sashimi salad with uni, yellowtail, albacore, and a Sapporo beer before I think of using Carista!

 

[kiseliok]

Can you refer one instance I have been misleading?

Alright, here you go.

"Carista What a JOKE!"

It's not a joke. It's an actual piece of software that does indeed perform the functions that it promises. The cost of it is obviously the biggest deterrent for you, and could absolutely lead other people to look elsewhere, but your subject does not go into specifics - it discards carista as a "joke" in general and right off the bat makes people believe that there is something wrong with the product itself.

Misleading.

:nerd:

 

[John1224]

lol!
Maybe they are catchy cuz I have substance in my posts, and my topics relate to a lot of folks similar interests.
$40
+10 for 1 time/1week use
=
$50
$40+
$40 for 1 year use
=
$80+ each year is another $40
=$120 in 2 years

Where is the misleading part? I'm returning mine. I already have TS with no issues, but if you worried, use it in a Virtual Machine then dump it so it wont infect anything.

TechStrm is $20 WITH the hardware!
It does plenty more than Carista
Its a no brainer for me. I was willing to fork over $40 for the convenience of using a $12 HW with a cell phone. But for a subscription, LOL.... NOT GONNA DO IT!

Can you refer one instance I have been misleading?

Phil,
Where can one purchase TS?

Thanks

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

Sorry, but something you see online and says it does XYZ, and then you BUY IT, and when you hook it up, FURTHER asks to BUy something else, such as a service to use the initial product, is a JOKE.
It makes it even more of a joke, when there is another product that sells for $12 that does MORE than the $40 brick. But if you want the $40 brick to do more stuff, it will cost you $10 for 1 week. Yet again, there is another product, that requires a laptop that does everything unlimited and again much MORE than the $50 product that is a brick after one week use, and that product sells for $20

A joke is something that is funny. To get online and sell this brick at any price, and then to use the device a subscription is needed it to me is indeed a JOKE.

 

[kiseliok]

If you feel like you were misled by the valid advertisements of this software, then you should go after the company - there are laws that protect a consumer from such things.
I'm still not seeing anything "joke" worthy here. They are a business, they are in business to make money, you got suckered in - get over it and move on. I'm sure you spend a sh*t ton more on random "SUPER USEFUL SUPER AMAZING" gadgets that end up on a shelf somewhere around the house. (See how I used the caps as a satire?! )

Also, as someone else already mentioned, buying Techstream is illegal. It is highly unlikely you will get in any sort of trouble from doing so, but you are taking a risk nonetheless. If you are willing to use pirated software, why pay for it?! Just download for free. I guarantee it's the EXACT SAME VERSION. (Felt like I didn't have enough caps in my post.. more satire.)

 

[BuckNaked]

I purchased my "lifetime" Pro package last spring. Carista changed their subscription policies during the summer. Those of us who bought in early before the change are grandfathered and will receive lifetime updates.

 

[sweeneyp]

Phil, you do realize techstream is a massively expensive subscription software sold by Toyota right? The only reason its ~$20 out there is because people illegally made copies of it with tweaked code and are illegally selling it. So....

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

It's not a joke. It's an actual piece of software that does indeed perform the functions that it promises.
The cost of it is obviously the biggest deterrent for you, and could absolutely lead other people to look elsewhere, but your subject does not go into specifics - it discards carista as a "joke" in general and right off the bat makes people believe that there is something wrong with the product itself.

Maybe this is where you misunderstand it.
Its a piece of hardware. The supporting app, the software, that you might think is included, that allows you to read the data the hardware is pulling is another part you have to subscribe and pay additionally to use it.
The cost is not the biggest deterrent. In face I avoided the $10-20 versions of this hardware to use it with the software I was hoping it would come with INCLUDED..... But its NOT. You have to pay additionally to use that app.
That's where the joke part comes in. Since there is a catch to the initial purpose.

If you feel like you were misled by the valid advertisements of this software, then you should go after the company - there are laws that protect a consumer from such things.
I'm still not seeing anything "joke" worthy here. They are a business, they are in business to make money, you got suckered in - get over it and move on.

An advertisement would be valid if they were upfront and clear about the need for ADDITIONAL subscription or purchase to use it. Otherwise it is not something you read in the details of the item when purchasing.
Yes, they are a business, and I did buy it. If it was marked and clear that I would need to buy anything else to make it work I would not have bought it.
I am quite over it, as I RMAed it already.
But I don't get why this bothers you?
When I take the time to post it so people know that if they do buy it with the same intent as I did, they will need to further purchase usage rights. Instead of, "Oh that sucks", or "well, some folks just need it the one time", which can be a valid use of it. Or "some people are willing to do that for convenience", etc...Which is perfectly fine, and there is nothing wrong with it. But not everyone is, nor willing.
I'm doing a public service announcement, and you're adversely replying to it as if I'm in the wrong. Are you some how affiliated to Carista?

I purchased my "lifetime" Pro package last spring. Carista changed their subscription policies during the summer. Those of us who bought in early before the change are grandfathered and will receive lifetime updates.

It would have been nice if I had gotten it then, but no biggy.... Lucky you.

Maybe the folks on here can show a "Like" or "Thanks" for pointing it out. Or maybe they rather not be told of such info?

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

Phil, you do realize techstream is a massively expensive subscription software sold by Toyota right? The only reason its ~$20 out there is because people illegally made copies of it with tweaked code and are illegally selling it. So....

I can discuss my thoughts on TS and such later, as I purchased Carista, and thats what I had an issue with at purchase.
As far as why I don't download illegal software is because i don't think its fair to a lot of coders and companies who take the time to make such software and then have a purchase bipassed of making a profit by people downloading it freely.

 

[cb91710]

The hardware is sold optionally.
If you have another BT dongle, you don't need it.

It is primarily a software product. You can buy their piece of hardware if you prefer the convenience of buying theirs, but you don't have to.

The app is listed in the play store as "Free - In App Purchases"
Generally, in-app-purchases means that purchases will be required for some level of functionality... in some cases it is just to make ads go away, in other cases it is to allow changes to be stored permanently, which is the case with this.
The basic free app is functional enough so that you can see what it can do, and confirm that it will work with your system.

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

Oh, so its compatible with my other Elm 327 reader?
Doesn't this info make it even worse? Well worse of a deal, for sure, since these are $10-20 OBD2 readers...
But they really need to be more upfront with what it is.
Amazon heading says
"Carista Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter and App: Diagnose, Customize and Service your Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mini, Scion, Toyota or VW with dealer level technology"
This above is what you think you buy. Which IS what it was before the new pricing and usage structure. Which is what most of us understood it to be.
Not a reader with a demo/disabled free app. Nor a free reader with a demo/disabled app that will require a subscription.
Thanks for the details


I

 

[lgb0250]

The lesson learned should be "buyer beware". The Carista website clearly shows the pricing structure. If there are any questions drop them a note requesting clarification BEFORE purchasing. Their internet response team is pretty fast.

I bought mine about a year ago and love it. I have full access to all features and use it on my HL, Lexus and my daughters Sienna.


I buy an awful lot of items off the Internet but make sure that I fully conduct my due diligence before hitting the purchase button.

 

[kiseliok]

All I said in my original reply is that your subjects / titles are misleading, which a lot of other users have confirmed (indirectly). The app is most definitely not a joke.
If I was affiliated with carista, I wouldn't say a damn thing, but sit back and collect the $$$.

Looking forward to your review of the illegal copy of techstream.





SARCASM, PHIL!!! SARCASM!! ZOMFG!! (Adding some caps for clarity.)