I'm an android phone and have been streaming my audio via bluetooth. Lately my track info(album art, album name) doesn't show up on the media info of the NAV screen.

It could be an issue with the media player on my phone (Poweramp) or some android related bug.

Anyone have any experience with Ipod / Iphone integration? What are the pros / cons?

I'm curious if itunes smart playlists or songs by genre are accessible and whether its a clunky or smooth experience.

 

On my 2015 over bluetooth the album art is from GraceNote, the artist, track info anf everything are fine. Sometimes changing tracks can be slow. I am using a iphone 6s plus 128gb.

The best method for me is to use the ipod integration, basically you plug in your iphone and the lexus sees it as a ipod; works perfectly. The only gotcha is the first iphone to plug into the car's USB ports is the one seen as the ipod. Of course the cool thin is you can have one phone connected over bluetooth and another via ipod/USB, meaning you can have someone be a guest DJ in your car.

 

Used to have an Android but the lack of hardwired integration made me go to iPhone and it's been great.

I use it solely for Spotify and am I firm believer that a hardwired connection is best for sound quality - trying to get the most out of this ML system.

I see no cons so far.

 

Thanks! It sounds like Ipod integration is the way to go. The improved sound quality over hardwired connection is an added bonus.
No longer will I need to look down on my phone while driving to select a track. I've also read that you can play music using the in-car voice activated commands.

 

An old iPhone or iPod that just stays in the armrest is the easiest way to go. Keep an eye on Apple's refurb store for iPods.

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished


You can use voice commands....."play artist Steely Dan".....and it will play all of their songs on the iPod.