Been out of the car audio game for a while, but looking for something new for my 2012 Nissan Frontier. I'm currently looking at the XTRONS 10.1 units.
I like that the older version with Android 7 has the rotatable face (side to side), but wondering if that's really necessary. I like the look of the newer android 8 version better.
These are the two I'm considering.
https://www.amazon.com/XTRONS-Andro...ie=UTF8&qid=1527797324&sr=8-5&keywords=xtrons
https://www.amazon.com/XTRONS-Andro...pID=51e38bbtwLL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Does anyone have any input on which would be better (or should I be looking at Joying or another brand instead)? Is the price worth it for the extra RAM? The videos I saw of the android 7 unit didn't seem to be laggy or slow at all. Would primarily use FM Radio, Android Auto, and GPS, but I do like to tinker so who knows what else i'd get into. Ability to somewhat easily update it would be nice
How about the ability to rotate the screen left to right? Would it be of any real benefit?
What is everyone doing for internet connection? Can I just run off my phone's hot spot? If so, do I need to connect every time or will it auto-reconnect.
Thanks
Based on the research that I have done, XTrons has some of the best services, including the head unit, customer service, prices and overall efficiency, so you're on track as far as the branding goes. :good:
I would definitely recommend going with the newer Android Oreo (8.0) unit because, while you can receive updates and most likely will, you will want the most up to date software for the longest amount of time to support all of the applications that you will be installing onto your unit.
No questions asked the more ram the better. More ram gives your Android unit more "head room" to think things through and have more applications without increasing the lag by much. If you can afford the extra $40 for the additional ram you may as well do it.
I too like the whole rotating screen idea but, I'm not sure that it is very useful. I think you may use it every once in a while for specific applications but, other than that it probably won't be that useful.
As far it goes for your wireless connection I recommend using your home Wi-Fi when you are at home doing updates and things alike. While you are away from home and need a wireless connection on the go I recommend either using your phones hot spot or a 4G dongle (requires additional purchase and a separate data plan from your carrier). Unfortunately, you are required to turn your hotspot on every time you step into your vehicle, because most phones will automatically disconnect and turn of the hotspot. There are some ways to get around this problem, applications like "Tasker" and "IFTTT" can detect when you leave your home and then turn on the hotspot. You also asked about if you had to login in each time, nope, each time the unit turns on it will look for previously connected internet connections and new internet connections.
Hope this helped! :good:
-Murf
Great info. Thanks!
Related
seeking recommendation to be installed into RSX
I'm looking to have run this app pretty much on default
Hands on with AutoMate Beta ? Android Auto for your phone | Android Central
back in January I looked into Android Auto/CarPlay from the brand names but they require USB connection to phone = dealbreaker
not looking to DIY a tablet into the dash
will be installing myself
convenience is key. I just want to enter the car and have BT auto connected to the phone and ready to stream music without having to pull out my phone.
voice-enabled messaging, google apps, backup cam, responsive touch screen, 2gb ram, quad-core processor and large community dev support. I didn't look at Hufei and AN-21 because their specs are dated as they've been around for a while now. I've been waiting for android 5.0 head units to hit the market but it's taking forever.
i'm not an audiophile so as long as the sound quality isn't worse than stock radio I'm good which is only mediocre at best. Not looking at mid to high end solutions that may attract thieves.
so no one's bought a ebay head unit and tried loading up auto mate?
Which ebay head unit has the full google play store and does it typically have issues with apps designed for phone/tablet?
I have a new Joying head unit. I have read several people on here reference that the set up a task on their phone so when their bluetooth connects to the head unit it turns on tethering. Unfortunately they glossed over the how to part of that. Can someone give me some instructions on setting that task up on an android phone. Specifically a LG G4 running Marshmallow.
i have a Joying unit that I love, and I have plenty of data on my Verizon plan. I have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge running Android 6.0.
Every app I have tried to automate the wifi hotspot on my S7 Edge has failed. I have tried several. I read somewhere that Android 6.0 changed the logic for turning on a wifi hotspot and that causes issues for these apps.
CadillacMike said:
i have a Joying unit that I love, and I have plenty of data on my Verizon plan. I have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge running Android 6.0.
Every app I have tried to automate the wifi hotspot on my S7 Edge has failed. I have tried several. I read somewhere that Android 6.0 changed the logic for turning on a wifi hotspot and that causes issues for these apps.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for answering my question. Reading your posts inspired me to get the Joying for my Jeep.
I do have one other thing I would like to do that Joying said the HU couldn't do, that is voice calling. It seems there should be a way to do that.
drinkup4 said:
Thank you for answering my question. Reading your posts inspired me to get the Joying for my Jeep.
I do have one other thing I would like to do that Joying said the HU couldn't do, that is voice calling. It seems there should be a way to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sweet, I hope you are happy with your decision. I posted about my Jeep/Joying everywhere I could find a relevant place to post. When I was reading about these radios for over a year, i had such a hard time finding information relevant to me. So when I had something for me, I tried to post it everywhere I could find so the next person could have some details.
Voice calling is not important to me, but from my reading on here, I dont think it is possible. I think the on these units Android and the physical side dont' play nice. That's why the hardware controls cant change songs in apps, etc.
now that one guy on here made MTCDtools to make the hardware controls work with Spotify. so maybe someone can make the calling work
I do really like my head unit. It is lot better than the stock HU that came with my Jeep. I have seen a lot of complaining on here and Reddit, but I think because of everything it can do they forget what they bought and want something in there dash with all the functionality of a flagship smart phone. For less than $400, this HU is amazing.
I also would like to change the few frustrations I have with it, but I know what I have and what I paid.
The only reason I thought there might be a chance of voice calling is because I saw a video of someone with a Pumpkin HU that could voice call. He used Parrat bluetooth. I thought there might be a way to get it on a Joying unit. Like I said not a huge deal compared to everything this HU can do.
I've been trying to achieve the same thing with mine. Joying sent a RFID chip with mine and I tried to use it to toggle between WIFI and tethering. I tried several different programs, it would turn the WiFi off and start the tethering process but could never complete it. I think it must have something to do with the message that pops up "please wait while verifying." One of the apps I tried, Power Toggles, has a feature on their widget where a double tap will take you to the Hotspot and Tethering page in settings. That's the quickest way I've found to turn on the hotspot so far.
Mike is also the one who inspired me to get this for my Jeep as well, I think Joying should be sending him for a check for referrals!
TKhawk01 said:
I've been trying to achieve the same thing with mine. Joying sent a RFID chip with mine and I tried to use it to toggle between WIFI and tethering. I tried several different programs, it would turn the WiFi off and start the tethering process but could never complete it. I think it must have something to do with the message that pops up "please wait while verifying." One of the apps I tried, Power Toggles, has a feature on their widget where a double tap will take you to the Hotspot and Tethering page in settings. That's the quickest way I've found to turn on the hotspot so far.
Mike is also the one who inspired me to get this for my Jeep as well, I think Joying should be sending him for a check for referrals!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is pretty awesome. Joying should send me a check. I havent posted it yet, but on the Jeep forums and the Joying forum I'm going to post a very long post about how I got their Jeep unit to work with the Premium Alpine system.
my Samsung S7 has a quick toggle as well, I found that is the easiest way to get it on. And in the settings of that you can have it turn off after 10 minutes or so of not being connected. only problem is I forget to turn my wifi back on
GrowlAudio have a model specific version for my car (growlaudio.com/nissan-navara) but finding real specs on it seems to be next to impossible.
All the suppliers have been able to tell me:
The units are not upgradable as in OS updates. OS 4.4 is the most stable of the OS available. Yes you can see other units with OS 5 and 6 available from china at a cheaper price but there is a known fault with them that they are unstable and crash a lot.
Price includes Growl unit with built in fascia, all cables and adapters needed for install, GPS antenna and free reverse camera.
Android Head Unit:
OS: Android 4.4
CPU: Quad Core Processor
RAM: DDR3 1Gb
ROM: 8G EMMC
SD: Built - In 16GB
Capable of reading 1TB external Drive
Mobile Connectivity : iOS and Android Devices
VIDEO: RMVB,MKV,MOV,WMV,AVI,MPG
AUDIO: MP3,WMA,WAV,OGG,FLAC
GPS MODULE: Support
GPS Navigation software: Sygic, Waze and other android compatible maps. Capable on connecting to WiFi via Mobile Hotspot or wifi connectivity
Bluetooth Audio and Handsfree Calls: Supported
Steering Wheel controls: Supported
Rear view video: Automatic Backup Camera turn on when reversing
Other users that have purchased and installed the unit seem to think it's the best thing ever, but every video I can find of it is slow to startup (30-40 sec), reverse camera not coming on till full boot. And no one I talk to is able to provide any details on audio quality.
What I am looking for in a HeadUnit:
Required:
* Reverse camera capable of being used within a few seconds of ignition
* Bluetooth hands free with iPhone compatibility
* Music streaming from either iPhone or USB / Flash storage
* Google Maps / GPS compatible
* 3G/4G sim/USB Dongle compatible
* Steering Wheel Control support (CANBUS)
* Audio quality at least equal to or better than stock
* Responsive screen / controls
Optional / Extras
* Multiple camera support
* Side-by-side picture
* Able to connect to iPhone Bluetooth, Internet, OBD Reader/Torque, TPMS at the same time, or at least without having to go into settings and change connected device
Does anyone have any suggestions of a suitable HU?
I've been digging for info on these, reading Amazon reviews, reading threads here, reading marketing on the mfr/reseller websites and was contemplating starting a thread for this. In lieu of starting another thread I figure to just contribute on yours. It all started not long ago when I finally installed a 2-year-sitting-in-closet Pioneer Appradio 3... what a piece of junk!!! (but it does sound good)
Is anyone comparing the pros/cons of these things? It's pretty difficult to compile information on them when there are a ton of brands nobody has heard of combined with new hardware/software coming out all the time. From what I've read there are a few major dealbreakers that make me want to wait, after all who wants to swap their head unit out on any regular basis?
I head not heard about sticking to 4.4, why are 5.1 and 6.0 not good? I read somewhere they aren't as snappy but in any video I've seen they look fine.
I'll put my lists here and maybe others can chime in with what they want/like/dislike so we can paint a bigger picture for these head units.
Here are all the things that make me hesitant to buy one of these right now:
Dealbreakers for me:
No hands-free voice control for things like Android Auto, Google Now, Google Maps, Calling... "OK Google"
Boot times any more than 5 seconds.
Lack of external microphone - I know I can add one but geez is it too much to ask for a jack?
(some may have) independent volume for media/nav/phone/etc
Cons:
No ability to USB tether to use phone's internet connection (someone's probably done this here)
Seemingly weak future update support
Problems that can be handled with apps and mods:
No light sensor for auto dimming
speed dependent master volume change
Here's what I would put on a wishlist:
Must haves:
fast boot time (<5-10 seconds)
voice control
external microphone (or jack so can add)
option resume playing last thing on startup (car start)
Independant volume for Media/nav/phone/etc
Good audio quality
Like to have:
permanent button for Nav app
headlight or auto dimming
speed dependent volume
DVR support for dashcam AND reverse camera input
USB tethering option for data connection
ability to work with aftermarket bluetooth steering wheel remote
full Android Auto support with voice commands
ability to update in the future
Bluetooth 5 with internet connection sharing would be nice (IPSP)
The Newsmy Carpad 4 has some things I love: 4G SIM card capable, 2 camera DVR with ability to act as a car security system and send alerts to your phone, but it costs way too much and will surely come down like every tech does in the near future.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71220653&postcount=24
https://de.aliexpress.com/store/pro...32789646411.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.Qi1q42
Also looks like the Onwice C500 has 4G SIM card slot
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-head-units/ownice-c500-released-t3478747
http://www.gearbest.com/car-dvd-player/pp_597322.html
Joying has nice stuff and I've seen reviews that describe their low-power "dormant" mode that keeps the unit ready for a zero-delay startup even after the car is parked for a day (some units seem to only have a short dormant period before they shut down)... dormant time would of course be all dependent on how much power they draw whilst dormant.
ATOTO claim they can handle voice commands: http://www.myatoto.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=15&id=5
This is just the tip of the iceberg, I know. I can never seem to find one that does everything I/we all want, and that means time to wait. Anyone compiled up-to-date info so we can make an informed decision?
RedbeardPete said:
Dealbreakers for me:
Boot times any more than 5 seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've been able to read, you will not get this in any pure Android head unit. Its simply not possible. Do you know Android phone/tablet that is capable of powering on in less than 5 sec?
Sure they can all 'wake' in that time frame, but that's because they are running from a battery. Yes the car has a battery, but the constant drain from the head unit being in sleep mode will likely flatten the battery if the car is not started in 3-5 days.
Your demands list is something more inline with an Alpine/Kenwood/Non-PureAndroid head unit.
The fairly new Joying Intel Sofia Head Units do go into a deep sleep and only draw about 10 mAh once the vehicle has been shut off for five minutes or so. To clarify, my JY-UL134N2 unit only takes a second or two to start up after being off for days, and it begins playing music from the Sandisk 200GB micro sdxc card in a few seconds. It will also display the reverse camera instantly like the older rk3066 and rk3188 units. Please note that this HU is in a spare vehicle that only gets used every few days or on weekends, and the battery drain has not been an issue at all. Please also note that if the system is shut down completely (not in dormancy mode), the boot time is 15 seconds to a minute depending on how loaded up the system is with apps etc...
Anyway, regardless of the start up time, I doubt you will find any Chinese Android Head Units that will check all or even most of the boxes on your wish list out of the box. To date, they all appear to need software and or hardware mods in order to work half way decent and even then they are far from perfect. For sound quality, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, or Sony would be far better out of box. The bottom line is that for the cost, the Chinese Android Head Units can be fun to tinker with and decent with work, but you get what you pay for when it comes to sound quality (IMHO).
Best of luck,
R
rhacy said:
The fairly new Joying Intel Sofia Head Units do go into a deep sleep and only draw about 10 mAh once the vehicle has been shut off for five minutes or so. To clarify, my JY-UL134N2 unit only takes a second or two to start up after being off for days, and it begins playing music from the Sandisk 200GB micro sdxc card in a few seconds. It will also display the reverse camera instantly like the older rk3066 and rk3188 units. Please note that this HU is in a spare vehicle that only gets used every few days or on weekends, and the battery drain has not been an issue at all. Please also note that if the system is shut down completely (not in dormancy mode), the boot time is 15 seconds to a minute depending on how loaded up the system is with apps etc...
Anyway, regardless of the start up time, I doubt you will find any Chinese Android Head Units that will check all or even most of the boxes on your wish list out of the box. To date, they all appear to need software and or hardware mods in order to work half way decent and even then they are far from perfect. For sound quality, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, or Sony would be far better out of box. The bottom line is that for the cost, the Chinese Android Head Units can be fun to tinker with and decent with work, but you get what you pay for when it comes to sound quality (IMHO).
Best of luck,
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm looking for! How do you find the HU? Would you recommend it to aynone?
Google for Joying, they have a fairly decent website. I definitely noticed that feature mentioned and demonstrated in some YouTube videos of newer Joying units and seems like a winner... Boot time is my biggest gripe (without having ever owned one of these). I'm not sure of the downsides for Joying units although I think they don't have external mic jack, will look into that and report back.
I should have been more specific, a usable dormant fast-boot mode that can do 24 hours before shutdown/draining top much battery would be totally usable... That way the daily driver fires up the head unit right away.
So what head unit do you guys think checks off the most boxes for you?
XTRONS Android 8.0 Octa Core 4GB RAM + 32GB ROM Multimedia DVD Player with 8" Display Custom Fit for Volkswagen | Seat | Skoda
I think you forgot to write your question or complaint about your cheap chinese car radio.
Pretty much what I am looking at just a universal double din.
Ask for this unit
I want to ask for this unit have a equalaizer and how band if have and have a sub woofer control level.?anyone know something because the official company don't know hi hi:Π
Yes have a equalaized band FM ,AM
Thank u for ur reply but me I ask is not for this band am fm but the equaliser band areas and the other questions is have a sub control level me old unit eonon ga6153f have this u know to tell me? Thanks.
I have this unit installed and yes, it has a software equalizer. It's 9 band with subwoofer control.
Does anyone have any issues connecting the head unit to their phone's WiFi hotspot?
crl0901 said:
I have this unit installed and yes, it has a software equalizer. It's 9 band with subwoofer control.
Does anyone have any issues connecting the head unit to their phone's WiFi hotspot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did a firmware update which was provided by Xtrons support, and also there's an issue with Tasker if you have Tasker automatically start your hotspot when it detects your phone connecting to the unit's bluetooth. You need to install an additional Tasker plugin to fix this, it's called "Nougat+ Tasker Tethering Control".
I have the same unit. Is there a way to prevent all apps from closing when the unit goes into sleep mode?
XavierRavenberg said:
I have the same unit. Is there a way to prevent all apps from closing when the unit goes into sleep mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine doesn't do that, so I'm not sure.
crl0901 said:
Mine doesn't do that, so I'm not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I will put all apps I want to run on startup on the first tab then. Even tasker doesn't boot at startup/wake up.
Which firmware do you run now?
How good is this unit?
Pros and cons?
I'm thinking on putting this one on a LEON MK2 2007
VoRtAn_MaDgE said:
How good is this unit?
Pros and cons?
I'm thinking on putting this one on a LEON MK2 2007
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty glad about this unit. Android has so much more options and capabilities than my older RNS510 unit.
Some cons that I have experienced is that the unit sometimes restarts itself. I am not sure yet what causes that.
And sometimes when I open multiple apps in a short period of time the unit freezes. The only way I got it to restart is to push the power button for +- 10 seconds.
In the 1 or 2 months that I have this unit, this only occcured 2 or 3 times.
One small little thing is that I wanted to use TomTom Navigation but the 3D view shows a blanco map with only the street names. So I just use Google Maps now.
And I found it very hard to get a decent reception with the DAB+ Antenna from Xtrons.
Overall I am glad with the unit. It is definitely an upgrade compared to my older version of the RNS510.
This unit responds very quickly and has a lot of options.
Let us know what your choice will be!
I'm thinking of getting one of these. What is the boot time?
Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
Rvnbrg said:
I am pretty glad about this unit. Android has so much more options and capabilities than my older RNS510 unit.
Some cons that I have experienced is that the unit sometimes restarts itself. I am not sure yet what causes that.
And sometimes when I open multiple apps in a short period of time the unit freezes. The only way I got it to restart is to push the power button for +- 10 seconds.
In the 1 or 2 months that I have this unit, this only occcured 2 or 3 times.
One small little thing is that I wanted to use TomTom Navigation but the 3D view shows a blanco map with only the street names. So I just use Google Maps now.
And I found it very hard to get a decent reception with the DAB+ Antenna from Xtrons.
Overall I am glad with the unit. It is definitely an upgrade compared to my older version of the RNS510.
This unit responds very quickly and has a lot of options.
Let us know what your choice will be!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really want to improve your DAB+ you got to find your antenna amplifier in your car and it should look like this... https://www.kufatec.de/shop/media/images/popup/DAB-Antennensplitter-fuer-VW-Golf-7.jpg it fits almost in every Volkswagen/Audi/Seat or Skoda
If so, you have to swap your FM amplifier with a DAB+/FM amplifier, i know Calearo ain't cheap but is european made and it works really well in my car, and i had to install a sharkfin antenna to receive DAB+ and GPS because i had no other option. (sorry for the many adjusted posts, technical problems)
Want to upgrade my android 4.4 MTCB - I use Tomtom as navigation. The PB88UNVP is interesting as is had 4GB RAM. I've read android 8 units have problems with the 3D navigation of Tomtom. Is there a known fix for Tomtom, or is it possible to install Android 7 on this device (don't know if there's a (custom) ROM that works with this device).
ok, got a PB88UNVP. Tomtom - no 3D navigation. Will use an other navigation app.
Unit works fine, but the WIFI connection is not reliable. When waking up, the unit tries to connect to a access point. Sometimes that functions without any problems, but other times it doesn't find any access points (while I know there are). Turning wifi on or off does not help. From time to time, the wifi can't be turned on or off (seems to be frozen on the on/off toggle switch).
I like the unit, bit the wifi problem is a big problem for me. Is this a known bug / problem with this or other devices?
Highwaymaniac said:
ok, got a PB88UNVP. Tomtom - no 3D navigation. Will use an other navigation app.
Unit works fine, but the WIFI connection is not reliable. When waking up, the unit tries to connect to a access point. Sometimes that functions without any problems, but other times it doesn't find any access points (while I know there are). Turning wifi on or off does not help. From time to time, the wifi can't be turned on or off (seems to be frozen on the on/off toggle switch).
I like the unit, bit the wifi problem is a big problem for me. Is this a known bug / problem with this or other devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes getting the same problem on Xtrons PE88jccpl (Android 8, Octa Core) sometimes the wifi connects perfectly but other times getting authenticating, authentication errors. Also, having problems with the speed when its connected it starts out fast and perfect but slows down to .2 to .3 mbps after a couple of minutes. Xtrons support sent me a link to update and I updated both MCU and android but still getting issues. (I put the img and update.zip on a usb stick and once I inserted it asked if I wanted to update) Not sure if I am supposed to wipe the device after updating android
veriluxxxx said:
yes getting the same problem on Xtrons PE88jccpl (Android 8, Octa Core) sometimes the wifi connects perfectly but other times getting authenticating, authentication errors. Also, having problems with the speed when its connected it starts out fast and perfect but slows down to .2 to .3 mbps after a couple of minutes. Xtrons support sent me a link to update and I updated both MCU and android but still getting issues. (I put the img and update.zip on a usb stick and once I inserted it asked if I wanted to update) Not sure if I am supposed to wipe the device after updating android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reaction. I also received the download link for this update. MCU 2.88_3 and Android image with build date 20180703.
I installed this update this morning. Checked the wipe everything' option to be sure to have a clean install.
Had the wifi not connecting 2 times today with the new update
I've not noticed the speed collapsing. I did download navigation maps (couple of GB) without problems. When the Wifi does function it functions well, the next time the system wakes up from sleep it's an about 50% chance it functions.
Have you tried downloading the speed test app to test?
I found this site from a comment on a youtube video where I was researching options for getting a head unit that is better than Toyota included for my Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid. I'm sorry for the length of this post but I spent hours reading and watching youtube and I think I'm on right path, but I feel like I just need a little validation...
For reference, I'm an Apple mobile and tablet user but I owned a Samsung phone for about 3 months so I know what an Android launcher and the marketplace is. I know there are stores for hacked products, but I ended up with ads all over that phone so I prefer not to go that route. I'm not a big tinkerer - once I get something set where I want it, I won't usually change the settings unless I find a need.
I think my post will give you a good idea about what level of knowledge I have - at least you know I tried. If there is highlander or hybrid specific feedback I'm overlooking somewhere, please let me know. If I'm missing something key to decide between systems let me know.
1. When I look at the forum categories, they are broken up into terms I'm not familiar with. I believe FYT Android is where I need to focus because I see references to the units I'm researching there. But I don't understand why they are considered FYT.
2. I'm trying to stay in the $500 range and get something that works well enough that I'll use it for more than just the radio - without breaking functionality but the canbus thing is new to me. I get the concept - my car's personal IoT/LAN. But does the dash operate independently of the headunit? I sort of feel like somethings will be independent and others will not. For example, I suspect the dash display will know my speed, trip miles, direction (compass), when I need an oil change. But I feel like the option for the radio is fed from the head unit. I feel like anything that appears on my dash when I'm using the GPS (like turn next left) is fed from the head unit. Is that correct? If yes, do those functions usually stop displaying on the dash with a replacement head unit?
3. I have buttons on the dash for different features on the car. I suspect most of those work independently of head unit - like the mirror heaters. But what about accident avoidance features? Those tend to display on my dash - are those possibly affected by a different head unit? And I have a button so I can turn on 360 video - I mainly use it to see how close I am to the car in front of me when parking in a tight space. I suspect that button will work with any head unit that has front camera and/or 360 degree integration.
4. From my research, I have been focusing on units that are 4 GB/64 GB although it sounds like 2 GB/32 GB would work just fine as long as I don't store over 32 GB of apps and data.
5. Items that don't differentiate: I expect these options to be the same result across all units. Please let me know if you know differently.
-Apple car play - All have it & should function exactly the same. (I don't need android phone integration but I know this does differ on units)
-Phone call integration - looks like all use same default android app. I am very interested in how clarity of calls might differ, but I think all are using same default android function and all are able to use an included external microphone.
-Toyota OEM microphone integration - it's unclear if any will integrate with existing Toyota mic but I suspect this won't yield a result I'm happy with in either case.
- Toyota speaker button on wheel control - I think this button fails to work on every integration. I would like this to work but even the Toyota system is so unreliable I don't use it.
- Marketplace apps - All should integrate with marketplace apps exactly the same.
6. So here is my list of options I came up with in order of most likely to least. Is there another brand I should research...
- Teyes CC3 (for highlander 2015-18) - It looks like it matches integration with the best out there. I don't care about the "Porsche simulator", but it still looks like the easiest to use launcher on the market & they are actively updating it. I cannot find the same level of highlander specific details I find on the SYGAV, but reviews seem overwhelmingly positive so I suspect it'll work just as well. My concern is that I have to order directly from alibaba and wait a month to receive and they seem to send wrong parts. I haven't used alibaba but it looks like the customs costs are included in the price of $435 (364+70.76). Does anyone know if this is accurate or if there are other fees? The main complaint I hear with this unit is that it is locked down, but I think that means for adding launchers and the like that I am not interested in.
- SYGAV (for highlander 2015-18) - I don't really love the user interface on this one. But this one is the one I have found most highlander related data on and it gives me some comfort I might have less issues getting it to work. I can find nothing close to this level of detail on the other brands about highlander installs.. I have read user responses that Carplay & android auto require no additional parts to install, 360 degree camera works as well as front camera view, Hybrid info displays. For the camera inputs, it sounds like I can use my OEM cameras but I may need a camera cable adapter (unclear if included in package). One user stated that to get it to work in a highlander, I need to get the Motorola 1 M 2 F & GM adapter to Motorola (for reception). One user states that they have TPMS working, but it's unclear if they connected to the TPMS already in tires or if they had to buy separate TPMS tire plugs. The main complaint is the GPS mapping if basic IGO.
- Dasaita (for highlander 2015-18) - This brand seems like the next most popular after Joying. It looks like they have 3 launchers they develop and you can install whichever you like best. In regard to the UI, I feel like this brand comes in 2nd after Teyes. But I can't find as detailed user experiences with highlander and which functions work and which do not.
- Joying - I am not actively researching this one but everyone seems to be using this one. I was considering this one but I couldn't locate any highlander option anywhere - not even from their website (joyingauto.eu). That sounds like I'd have to figure out the canbus thing on my own and find the plastic frame to put it in my dash & I don't feel like I'm knowledgeable enough to go that route. I really don't understand why this one is so popular above competition - it is one of the highest priced if I buy from the US markets. Everyone that uses it seems to add a separate launcher which makes me question whether Joying's UI development isn't all that great. I know some others lock down their products so you can't tinker as much. Is that why it's popular - because it isn't locked down? If so, I see similar hardware on cheaper units. It sounds like the UI development/support/upgrades is quite a bit of what one is paying for when buying these.
7. Maps - this is one of my major complaints from my Toyota unit . I do not see anything that makes me feel that the maps included with ANY of the units are any better. Most seem to use IGO GPS which seems to get the same complaints I have when using my GPS. I believe the only solution is a unit that includes apple car play. Or am I overlooking any with better mapping functions?
8. JBL audio - I know I have the JBL system in my car and on regular car head units this seems to make a difference with integration, but from my list above, I can't find anything to indicate that any will not work with the JBL system. I'm assuming it is because the car based units have hardware incompatibilities that android based do not, but it's really unclear to me. Can someone provide clarification? On the SYGAV unit, I read a review that it needs an amp to sound as good as an OEM unit, but I think that would apply to all of these units equally. In either case the Toyota JBL system has an AMP under my center console. I can't find this level of integration information but I think all units will connect to the amp.
9. 12 speakers - I feel like this will determine which system is best if I can figure it out... The JBL audio has 12 speakers (one of which is a subwoofer) in 10 locations in the highlander. I can't locate specific details on any of these if anyone gets all the speakers to connect successfully. I did see that one of these brands have 5.1 outputs but I don't really know what I need to be looking for in descriptions to figure this out on each unit. Any suggestions how to figure this out.
10. Video playback - All of these support video playback but it sounds like auto carplay may block mirroring while the car is actively moving. Is the behavior going to be the same across all units? I sort of feel like this is something that works differently across different brands, but I can't find details to figure out which allow video playback when car is moving.
11. Hybrid integration - SYGAV is the only unit I've seen where someone has hybrid info working on a highlander, but I feel like all the systems may work very similarly. I believe the dash display will work independent of the head unit so I can always switch the dash display when I want to see what the hybrid system is doing. I think another brand states it has hybrid integration but I couldn't find any responses where someone had it working successfully.
12. Daytime/Night time modes - I need to validate across all, but I know multiple have tried to integrate this. I do not think any have integrated without a bug. I feel like the ones that are likely to get this right first are Teyes and Dasaita since they are actively developing their UIs. Since these are all android based, I feel like all will have an android setting to dim the display even though the color scheme may not change.
I'm really leaning toward the Teyes because if I imagine myself driving, it looks like the easiest interface to use and they are actively developing. When looking at default display, it looks like the most 'modern' design also.
In case someone else reads this thread trying to figure all this stuff out, XM and HD radio integration may differentiate these units also. I know it doesn't work on some but I don't use either of those so it isn't important to me.
I'm mainly responding to my own post in case someone else is considering a T'eyes unit. I purchased one and I highly under estimated what is involved with getting these units to work. The T'eyes cc3 in my car may go up for auction - just too much of it is unusable.
Note that if you do not like tweeking your cell phone, you might not like these units to begin with - don't expect they'll just work out of the box. Consider hours if not days to configure these things. Also, look at the back of the units - this one came with a 'Toyota" harness which is a bunch of wires to convert all the cables in the back. And it isn't a single harness of wires - it's multiple bags of cables that you have to pick and choose from. You have extra cables and I'm pretty sure the set is missing cables. My car has 2 cables where I only have one adapter that matches them in all harness wiring. So one is unplugged. I have no idea what each cable from my car is used for. But most of the wires only have a single place they can connect in the primary harness. It's all a confusing mess even though I think I have 90% connected to the correct spots.
Not all units are made this way. There is going to be something converting the cables, but some units have some sort of box on the back that has all the cabling converting done for you - so it looks like the cables from the car attach into the unit directly. After my harness was attached, I did not have cables that match everything coming from the car. I feel like that is why things like my my surround cameras do not work. I also have no back up camera working now. That is a pretty big deal.
Also, car play isn't all I thought it would be. It seems to only mirror Apple written apps to the device. I can install apps onto the unit and connect to my phones hotspot, but the connection is very flaky. Unless you are willing to connect the unit with its own sim card, you may be severely limited. I wanted to be able to stream youtube and such while making a weekly 90 minute drive I make. Well, this just doesn't happen because half the time the unit will not connect to my hotspot. It usually connects within 30 minutes of me driving, but I haven't found a reliable way to get it to connect to the hotspot. Usually I'm driving with my phone playing through my phone speakers because audio streaming won't work with wifi/hotspot.
All in all, I wouldn't purchase this again. If I were going to attempt again, I'd go with one of the models that removes the 'harness' from the equation.