Database Users

TC Car Audio Android Head Units

Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap

jrgalang said:
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?

CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microntek head units are using its own "layer" of virtual keys mapping (irkeyDown/up). It is useful from their point of view, because you have possibility to use long press behavior on hard keys. Android has its own definitions of key events and actually it is good habit to use them (in case of developing "steering widgets" and players developing as well). Probably microntek finally started to broadcast Android's defined key events among the system which caused support of many media players .
But that is only my theory .

CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.

jrgalang said:
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wtf, I gotta figure out how to get that on my Joying.

Reply
jrgalang said:
Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend,
This is Nicole from Kaigele.
Sorry to tell you that,from your posted info and images,this unit is not from our factory.Maybe you need to contact your direct seller to get more help.
thanks
best regards
Nicole

Turn head unit into android auto host device?

I just had a thought and is it possible to turn an android head unit into an android auto host device? I realise that there is the option for mirroring and remote touch control, so it should be trivial to have and automatic switch into android auto mode (that is, the head unit acts only as a screen with touch functionality while the whole thing runs on the phone that's plugged in) when plugging an android phone into one of our android head units, right? Is that even a thing? I figure demand would be extremely low for it (it's even redundant a bit), seeing as it's quite limiting in comparison to a full android head unit, but it is still a curiosity for me. Many factory android auto capable head units are running a custom version of android os anyway, so I imagine the possibility is there, right?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=en

pounce said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But wait, if I install this on my android head unit, it will just run android auto, not wait for a phone to be plugged in. That's what I mean.

What is it exactly you want from a functionality perspective. The point of the android units is that you have much of the flexibility of android with apps and such running on the head unit without the need for the phone. Many of the current units can do mirrorlink in some form with a phone.
You may be able to trigger an app to run when you connect a phone if that's your objective.
What unit do you have?

pounce said:
What is it exactly you want from a functionality perspective. The point of the android units is that you have much of the flexibility of android with apps and such running on the head unit without the need for the phone. Many of the current units can do mirrorlink in some form with a phone.
You may be able to trigger an app to run when you connect a phone if that's your objective.
What unit do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a hot audio (dasaita) px5 unit.
Basically, I'm just curious and want to add as much expandability as possible. For instance if I have another driver in the car who has his/her own music and nav favourites in their android phone, it would be cool to have them plug it into the unit, and have the option of android auto (instead of digging around in my custom setup on my head unit). Furthermore, since everything will be running off of their phone, they instantly have their contacts, emails, sms, etc. available to them on the head unit (moreover, if they use android auto on a regular basis in their own car, it would be a seamless transition).
Not saying it's useful on a daily basis like it would be on a stock (for instance Hyundai) head unit with AA support. I realise that modern head units have very limited functionality in the ways of navigation and apps, and that's expanded a little bit with android auto, and obviously expanded a whole lot if your head unit has a full android OS on it.
Anyway, I think I found an app that does just that:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr
I'll give it a go tomorrow. Once again, it's not a feature I'll be using (probably ever), but it's just kind of neat to have.
Anyway, my end goal is to have a head unit that has an open android system AND Android Auto + Carplay support. The redundancy in that situation is obvious, but I still think it would be quite neat.

Is mirror link functional on your unit?

yep. so i've done a bit more digging and it looks like the stock android auto app has a developer settings mode, and you can enable it to run in server mode, like many android auto enabled head units do. will test this tomorrow.

vassandrei said:
yep. so i've done a bit more digging and it looks like the stock android auto app has a developer settings mode, and you can enable it to run in server mode, like many android auto enabled head units do. will test this tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you test it? I'm interested in running android auto on my head unit as well.

I'm interested to see how this plays out

I get only a black screen on my px5 unit but on my test setup it works wonderfully.
edit: I should note that this all worked without any real tinkering. I didn't have to enable developer mode on the phone, or tinker with any settings on the computer. The only thing you don't see is the default application dialogue, as I've told it to auto-open headunit reloaded when connecting the phone already.

vassandrei said:
I get only a black screen on my px5 unit but on my test setup it works wonderfully.
edit: I should note that this all worked without any real tinkering. I didn't have to enable developer mode on the phone, or tinker with any settings on the computer. The only thing you don't see is the default application dialogue, as I've told it to auto-open headunit reloaded when connecting the phone already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify, do you have to install anything on the head unit?

Fl4v10 said:
Just to clarify, do you have to install anything on the head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. The app is Headunit Reloaded Emulator. There's a free trial, but the full version is paid.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en

vassandrei said:
Yes. The app is Headunit Reloaded Emulator. There's a free trial, but the full version is paid.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gb.xxy.hr&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you install this app on the head unit and the android auto app on the phone correct?

Fl4v10 said:
So you install this app on the head unit and the android auto app on the phone correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, correct

vassandrei said:
Yes, correct
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm gonna try it on my unit.

Fl4v10 said:
Thanks. I'm gonna try it on my unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, hope it works well for you. definitely get the trial version before spending any money to make sure it works well.
I did another test, and after updating to malaysk 4.0 (and making sure to allow video while driving!!! that's why i had a black screen)
here's how it works:

vassandrei said:
Awesome, hope it works well for you. definitely get the trial version before spending any money to make sure it works well.
I did another test, and after updating to malaysk 4.0 (and making sure to allow video while driving!!! that's why i had a black screen)
here's how it works:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. I have Malasyk on mine. I'll try with the trial version. Did you test the calls? Does that works with the head unit mics or the phone mics?

Fl4v10 said:
Nice. I have Malasyk on mine. I'll try with the trial version. Did you test the calls? Does that works with the head unit mics or the phone mics?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
havent tested calls yet, but it uses the head unit mics for google voice search, so i imagine it would use the head unit mic for calls as well

vassandrei said:
havent tested calls yet, but it uses the head unit mics for google voice search, so i imagine it would use the head unit mic for calls as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I tried today and with no luck. Did you configure anything on the Android auto app?
When I connect it to the head unit nothing happens.

Fl4v10 said:
So I tried today and with no luck. Did you configure anything on the Android auto app?
When I connect it to the head unit nothing happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have to configure anything, nope. It didn't want to work on my centre consoles USB port though, I had to use another port that was directly connected to the head unit. So if you're using a hub try without it. Other than that, launch the headunit reloaded app at least once

bmw f30 android 7.1.x head units

Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike

With a name like Mike, you're maybe English or American? I really suggest buying locally. You'll pay £/$30 more but you'll get a warranty and protection from your local trading laws. Buying from China is a game of Russian roulette. I bought an Erisin from China before and it was absolutely fine. Lucky that, because one I bought from England was not fine, and I had to return it. Had it been the other way round, I'd have been in a world of trouble and £100+ down the ****ter.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On mine, there's a setting for it to switch back to the front camera after the rear camera has been operating.
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will come with a canbus decoder unit. Any unit worth it's salt will work correctly with your PDC system. Mine does.
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MCU is not important. It's the brand that puts out firmware updates. Xtrons, Joying and Eonon have fairly solid reputations for their updates. Xtrons have put out 5 so far for my unit. Erisin have a fairly flakey reputation. The rest are going to be a complete gamble and more likely you'll lose.
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM radio? You're removing the OEM radio and replacing it with this. If you mean will you hear the radio and maps, yes, the maps software dips the volume in a very polite way
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, sack off the iPhone, it's crap and there's so many things you can do with Android that work with this unit (mine triggers the hotspot on and off when i get in and out of the car). In answer to your question, yes, you can connect it to your hotspot.
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if the product spec says it will.
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM screen?
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steering wheel controls work yep and they work with the calling.... at least mine do in my 3 series.
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're mixing two entirely different software packages up here.
To conclude, if your car has iDrive. I wouldn't go anywhere near one of these systems, it'll be a ****ing minefield making it work. If yours is non iDrive, like mine, then it'll fit perfectly with no issues

Thank you for the supplied information. I am from Greece/EU and locally there are no such products.
Chinese solutions for BMW F30 are mainly changing only the screen (which is detachable) and the new one includes all the features inside the screen, so the main OEM function remain in-place.
I would take a look at xtrons as I have seen various posts here and they have a decent website hoping to receive updates but I dont know yet if they have an EU warehouse because import taxes is my country are very high. My concern stays for idrive and canbus integration mainly because I have already tested 2 other types of interface and non of them worked.
Lets see if xtrons will reply on aliexpress with more to the point questions!
skezza said:
With a name like Mike, you're maybe English or American? I really suggest buying locally. You'll pay £/$30 more but you'll get a warranty and protection from your local trading laws. Buying from China is a game of Russian roulette. I bought an Erisin from China before and it was absolutely fine. Lucky that, because one I bought from England was not fine, and I had to return it. Had it been the other way round, I'd have been in a world of trouble and £100+ down the ****ter.
On mine, there's a setting for it to switch back to the front camera after the rear camera has been operating.
It will come with a canbus decoder unit. Any unit worth it's salt will work correctly with your PDC system. Mine does.
MCU is not important. It's the brand that puts out firmware updates. Xtrons, Joying and Eonon have fairly solid reputations for their updates. Xtrons have put out 5 so far for my unit. Erisin have a fairly flakey reputation. The rest are going to be a complete gamble and more likely you'll lose.
OEM radio? You're removing the OEM radio and replacing it with this. If you mean will you hear the radio and maps, yes, the maps software dips the volume in a very polite way
Firstly, sack off the iPhone, it's crap and there's so many things you can do with Android that work with this unit (mine triggers the hotspot on and off when i get in and out of the car). In answer to your question, yes, you can connect it to your hotspot.
Only if the product spec says it will.
OEM screen?
Steering wheel controls work yep and they work with the calling.... at least mine do in my 3 series.
You're mixing two entirely different software packages up here.
To conclude, if your car has iDrive. I wouldn't go anywhere near one of these systems, it'll be a ****ing minefield making it work. If yours is non iDrive, like mine, then it'll fit perfectly with no issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Your car has iDrive? Be very careful. Those systems are so much more complicated. The reason the non-iDrive works is because it's actually still a simple system. It's just a whole bunch of relays triggered by other relays and a few more relays and then somewhere there's a computer that does it all. iDrive has it's own dedicated computer which does so much more and offers so much more functionality, and that's where you might find problems. Getting those two systems integrated could be an absolute minefield.

mnikitas said:
Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you are still around or found more info but the above posts are incorrect. The unit you are buying is more than likely the 10.25 screen upgrade with Android built in. It will work in tandem with idrive....everything works and it is easy install and upgrade.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10-...00a8-4760-8b00-b2efeaa2fb7e&priceBeautifyAB=0

So a stupid question, it seems there are several Chinese companies that sell these 10.25" Android panels for the F30 BMW. Though the interface looks exactly the same despite who made the tablet, is there really a difference in the ROM image between makes? The one I have is from COG Android (atleast that is what the Bluetooth ID says). I have had in other cars Joying and ITOPWay, are they really something different ( I almost suspect they are the same company)?

mnikitas said:
Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
you can have a look below dasaita plug and play products hence it is the most popular and reliable android seller on the market ;
https://dasaita.aliexpress.com/stor...l?spm=a2g1y.12024536.pcShopHead_5904672.1_2_1
cheers.

Confused with options for a Highlander

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.

Android Auto - use without a phone

Hi there. I have recently installed an aftermarket Android 11 screen in my car. I set up the unit with a 4G SIM card so it has its own isolated internet connection, as I want this entire unit to be self-sufficient and never have the need to connect a smartphone to it.
Is there a way to run Android Auto on this Android unit as a stand-alone app without having to connect a phone or external device to it?
(this seems like it should be a basic and common question, but I could not find an answer using Search)
TIA.

No one knows what the head unit is, out of the many unit types and manufacturers.
What have you identified as a possibility to solve your problem from reading the forum

There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!

KeithW205 said:
There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.

Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks

rigattoni said:
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I have work accounts on my phone, I cannot connect to external devices. Additionally, I prefer not to have my car's system or devices be dependent upon an external device to function. From my perspective, the only requirement I should have to make everything in my car work is to have a key, that's it.
I like the clean UI of Android Auto and it works well for native Google navigation and music control in one simple interface which is why I was looking for an "easy" way to run Android Auto on my aftermarket Android car screen without having the dependency of a connection to a smartphone to function.

Charlieboy205 said:
Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)

KeithW205 said:
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Fcc is surely the best solution.
As I said... Stand-alone Android Auto is not possible. you always need a Connection between phone and head unit. This is the way this app works...
I already use Fcc nearly since the start of development and I would not use anything else.

I have a 2016 RAV4 with Entune radio. Looking for a GPS Navigation capable unit. I have an Android phone. Seems like an Android OS wireless and wired head unit would work. Extensive research led me through Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony: all poor values. Car stereo dealers want a fortune to install. I value function and reliability. Any suggestions on a plug-and-play easy install unit that will keep my steering controls and factory backup camera? T'eyes CC3 and Dasaita Max 10 both are on my short list. Prefer to buy from US only.

Hello all,
I may be late, but you can use Headunit Reloaded Emulator (it's a paid App):
Headunit Reloaded Emulator HUR - Apps on Google Play
Turn your tablet or Android powered unit into a full blow Android Auto headunit.
play.google.com
You can run standalone Android auto server and app.
There is a trial version for testing:
Headunit Reloaded Trial for An - Apps on Google Play
This is a free trial version of the Headunit Reloaded Emulator.
play.google.com
Regards.