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Android Head Unit

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by P13-T5, Mar 20, 2018.

  1. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    I recently upgraded my head unit (JBL) with an aftermarket Android unit and so far it's working pretty well. I got this Primarily because I couldn't stand the OEM GPS and the fact that Toyota was charging me nearly $300 to upgrade my map. Since I love my Waze, I decided to install it and tether the unit to my phone and now I have a pretty up-to-date navigation system and able to download many other free Android apps. I'm just really excited to finally have this in my car. Yay!!!

    Head Unit: Aliexpress Android Head Unit

    You'll also need to purchase the following seprately to retain your USB and OEM GPS antenna. I found these two on Amazon.

    Toyota USB/ Auxilliary Cable: Amazon Axxess AX-TOYUSB
    Toyota GPS Cable: OEM GPS Antenna SMA Connector Adapter

    20180318_200800.jpg
     
    #1 P13-T5, Mar 20, 2018
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2018
  2. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

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    I have the same! Loving it!!
     
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  3. TheChip

    TheChip Senior Member

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    Don't keep me waiting, what's the model number and where did you get it!

    I've been wanting to upgrade the head unit without losing the rear view camera or steering wheel controls. I've been considering installing a tablet and WiFi rear camera, but that's a lot of fiddling to get the basic functionality for the added benefit of about an inch and a half of screen real estate.

    Besides that I've been looking on AliExpress and I've found a bunch of 2010 head units but most of them are on old android versions or the description contradicts the title when it comes to specs...so there's no telling what I'll actually get :\

    The other issue I have is my Prius is the JBL version...I'm pretty sure I need some extra hardware to upgrade the head unit for that reason, but I'm not sure what it is :(

    EDIT: Forgot to add, my local dealership wanted to charge me 350 to update the navigation maps on the stock unit too. There's no way in hell I'm paying the price of a brand new head unit for a 2 minute software update.
     
    #3 TheChip, Mar 20, 2018
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2018
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  4. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

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    8 "Android 7.1for Toyota prius links 2 din auto dvd, gps navigatie, rds, wifi, 4G LTE, quad core, 1024x600,2 GB RAM, ondersteuning DVR, OBD2 in 8 "Android 7.1for Toyota prius links 2 din auto dvd, gps-navigatie, rds, wifi, 4G LTE, quad core, 1024x600,2 GB RAM, ondersteuning DVR, OBD2 van Auto Multimedia Speler op AliExpress.com | Alibaba Groep


    When I bought this unit in April 2017 the seller offered an option to include a Canbus-box.

    This box will retain your factory rear view camera. Unfortunately, the seller doesn’t offer this box anymore as an option.

    I have an OEM amplifier (non JBL), which I connected with the wiring harness from the Android HU.

    Unfortunately, the seller changed the wiring harness and doesn’t support any external amplifier anymore.


    This is a great Android HU but with the current wiring harness offered, and your wish to retain factory rear view camera and JBL amplifier, definitely not a plug and play install.
     
    kc5dlo likes this.
  5. TheChip

    TheChip Senior Member

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    Well damn :( If you stumble across one that would work with the JBL model let me know!

    How is the performance? Nearly all of the ones I've seen have 2gb of RAM, which I worry will cause stutters with google maps or torque.
     
  6. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

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    Performance is great! No experience with Google maps. I use Waze. Torque worked fine. Only problem is you can only connect 1 Bluetooth device. So either your OBD2 or your phone....
     
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  7. TheChip

    TheChip Senior Member

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    Ouch! Does the head unit have a USB port in the back, or front that I could connect to the OBD2 port? My ooooold Android head unit had a USB port in the back that you could connect whatever you wanted to.
     
  8. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    I found this on Aliexpress website and I had been searching for this particular kind. It's JBL compatible and will retain SWC, back up camera, USB, and GPS. This item came from China and had a bit of a communication issue with regard to the harness and I had to re-wire couple of things; Other than that everything is great. So, should you decide to get this and have questions about the harness, just let me know. Oh, and one caveat (which may not matter so much to others) is that the button illumination is not dimmable. The green light stays lit but it's tolerable and the unit looks great nonetheless.

    Head Unit: Aliexpress Android Head Unit

    You'll also need to purchase the following seprately to retain your USB and OEM GPS antenna. I found these two on Amazon.

    Toyota USB/ Auxilliary Cable: Amazon Axxess AX-TOYUSB
    Toyota GPS Cable: OEM GPS Antenna SMA Connector Adapter
     
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  9. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    This unit connect to multiple bluetooth devices. I got my OBDII and Galaxy S7 connected simultaneously with no issues.
     
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  10. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

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    Cool! Apparently they upgraded this unit since I bought mine almost 1 year ago....
     
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  11. Inza2

    Inza2 Member

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    Aha, now I see, it's not exactly the same unit as I have. They just look very similar.... :)
     
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  12. TheChip

    TheChip Senior Member

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    That's really the issue with AliExpress. They all look exactly the same, most of them use the same pictures, and the same pictures for the body of the description. For example, the one linked above says 2gb of RAM and 4gb in different places in the description...there's just no way of knowing what you're actually going to get. There are a few on AliExpress stating androind 8.0 and 4gb of RAM, but in the description it says androind 6 and 2gb...so I need to decide if it's worth taking a risk and getting an inferior unit, or even one that doesnt work.

    Still foggy on what makes the one linked above JBL compatible. Is it just a port in the back the JBL system plugs in to?
     
  13. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    Yes, so it looks like different carriers in China use the same parts and frame for the unit. Where they differ from one another is the firmware and hardware component installed. This unit for instance is an Octacore processor, most are only Quadcore. It also has 32GB ROM and 4GB of RAM. I like the fact that this one is able to retain the SWC particularly the voice command. By default Google search, voice command, comes up when you press the button (mic icon).
     
    #13 P13-T5, Mar 21, 2018
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2018
    kc5dlo, Dylan Doxey and TheChip like this.
  14. Kaze

    Kaze Junior Member

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    I just got mine installed thanks to your tutorial. But I am hearing a very small hissing/static sound come from the back speaker.
    It doesn't get loud with the volume up or down. Turning the volume to mute, the sound goes away.
    Wondering if you noticed the same thing?
     
  15. kurobaxkaito

    kurobaxkaito Junior Member

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    I would love to do the same. I have a 2012 Prius Plug-In Advanced with HUD. I noticed that the first photo also shows the HUD button and I'm wondering if you were able to retain the features for that or if it's completely useless.
     
  16. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    The only connection of the HUD to the head unit is the turn-by-turn GPS guidance. Otherwise, everything else remains normal. I purchased the HUD control on Ebay & replaced the original one with another without the GPS button.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  17. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    I do get the hissing too but it's pretty faint. I presume from the amplifier.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  18. kurobaxkaito

    kurobaxkaito Junior Member

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    Thanks for the info, I would really want to try this. When you say you got a HUD control on Ebay, I'm not too sure what you mean. Do you have an Ebay link that I can look at?

    Also, one other thing, is it possible to continue using the integrated microphone or do I have to connect a new one?
     
  19. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    You're welcome! The original HUD control for my car came with a NAVI button. However, since I lost its functionality when I upgraded my head unit, I didn't want to have a button that serves no purpose so I decided to replace it. The European version of HUD control doesn't come with NAVI button (attached photo is similar to what I have).

    You won't need a microphone. The unit already has a built in one. BTW, I've upgraded my head unit with Android 8.0. I got it off Ali Express (http://s.aliexpress.com/MZZJnimA?fromSns=Copy to Clipboard). This one retains many features of my car. I have trim five, not sure if features are available on other trims.

    Some of the features include:
    - Open door indicator
    - Reverse parking trajectory guide lines
    - Better amplifier
    - Active rear camera view
    - Adjustable LED backlight color 20180320_164448.jpeg 1188703709-1875489585.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  20. TheChip

    TheChip Senior Member

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    That's exactly what I'm.looking for!

    How's the head units speed and responsiveness? And does it dim with the dash control and retain the wheel button functionality? Do you have a jbl system?

    I may end up getting this one!