To my knowledge, it's automatic and only displays for notifications such as messages, calls, calender events, etc. After a set amount of time, the notification panel will minimize allowing the media panel to fill the entire 1/3 section.
Man, I just noticed this on my 2-week-old Tacoma yesterday and it's driving me up the wall. It's something so small, but like you said, very noticeable on a clean truck.
I'll have to bring it up when I go back to the dealer to get my plates.
Just recieved my ENA-3T3 from Meraki and it's great so long as you have the proper expectations. The 3T3 model made hooking up my sub a breeze.
They had the best price and shipped lightning fast.