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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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    It has an octacore processor, very responsive & performs way better than my first one. SWC are retainable & yes I do have a JBL unit. Just a small caveat; the backlight does not dim. I had to download "Night Owl" app to get this function. I also downloaded Wifi Analyzer to make it connect to my phone's hotspot automatically.

    Overall, its many features outweighs those two deficiencies I mentioned. You're also going to need the USB retaining cable for the center console & GPS retaining cable, if you wish, but otherwise it comes with GPS antenna. I just preferred its original & already installed GPS antenna (see images). Both of those I found in Amazon. 20180712_173652.jpeg 20180712_173601.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  2. TheChip

    TheChip Senior Member

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    Can you post a link to those cables?

    And how does the night owl app work? I really dont want a massively bight radio when I'm road tripping at night.

    Otherwise it sounds like an amazing head unit!
     
  3. kurobaxkaito

    kurobaxkaito Junior Member

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    One last thing before I commit to this purchase... Can I use my stock reverse camera or do I need to put the new one on in order to use it? I'm just trying to figure out how much much original equipment I can reuse and what will be third party.

    Thanks in advance!
     
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  4. Knaplullig

    Knaplullig Junior Member

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    Depending on the connector you have:



    Or



    On other forum they talk about this one:

    Connects2 Ltd
     
  5. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    The app is fantastic and very easy to use. You can launch a widget on the main screen as your quick dimmer button. It also has settings where you can have it adjust automatically by syncing its time with GPS or your local time.
     
  6. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    Yes, in fact this unit has option to enable reverse guide lines as well as the trajectory guide lines which are very nice features. The trajectory lines curves as you turn your steering wheel, allowing you to see the position of your tires with respect to your steering wheel column. The only thing I didn't like about the stock camera is its resolution. It's poor in comparison to many of the aftermarket cameras out there. But please be advised that wiring your camera with an aftermarket one, albeit doesn't require running video wires from your trunk, can be an arduous task.
     
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  7. TLfromVA

    TLfromVA Junior Member

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    @P13-T5

    Thanks for posting this. Since Toyota's recent announcement dropping some Entune services, I'm considering changing out the OEM head unit that's installed in my 2014 Prius (Trim Level 4), which includes JBL Greenedge audio. I've only started researching other head units, but your story has caught my attention as it sounds like a lot of capability for a good price. I have a couple of questions for you should you have a moment:

    1) You posted a link to this product on Aliexpress (see above) in post #8, which you wrote over six months ago. Does today's link go to the same product? (Sorry I couldn't embed the link. At the moment, the system hasn't credited me with enough of a post count to embed links.) It largely fits what you've written about but there's at least one minor detail that you mentioned that I don't see here. You said (in post #19) that there's a built-in microphone but I don't see that mentioned in the product description, so I thought that I'd ask about that.

    2) All over Aliexpress, I see a lot of head units for Gen 3 Prius years 2010-2013. The unit that you've linked to seems to be about the same (2009-2013 are listed).For some reason, 2014 is listed on very few. Do you know why that is? What year is your car? Do I need to be concerned that the listing doesn't call out 2014? (The plastic bezel for the one shown today in the link has a brushed black anodized aluminum look to it while the OEM unit in my car seems to be lighter in color.)

    3) Besides the GPS and USB adapters, were there any more wiring harness issues that you had to address? any other "warnings" or insights that are worth passing along?

    4) Are you still pleased with this head unit and would you still recommend it? Are there any upgrades that you would recommend?
     
  8. DimitrisTS

    DimitrisTS Junior Member

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    I miss the auto volume adjustment in relation with car's speed of the oem HU.

    There are several apps on google play that can control volume according to gps speed which brings back this function BUT...

    None of those seem to work.. tried at least 5 different. They seem they pickup the gps speed fine but their attempt to adjust the volume has zero effect..

    It seems to me that those android HU have some special-different volume control than usual phones-tablets..(?)

    It would be so nice to have this feature )
     
  9. T.C Palma

    T.C Palma Junior Member

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    is the rear camera plug and play?
     
  10. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    Yes and No: Yes because you won't have to snake AV & power wires to the head unit; No, because it will need jury rigging the power connector of the camera to the car's proprietary connector. It's not hard but just requires close attention when connecting the wires and making sure they're matched accordingly or you risk damaging the camera.
     
  11. TLfromVA

    TLfromVA Junior Member

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    @P13-T5
    You may have missed it, but could you take a second to look at and reply to post #27 above? Thanks!
     
  12. P13-T5

    P13-T5 Member

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    sorry for such a delayed response. I have since upgraded to an Android 8 head unit. I'm not sure if the link to that is still active. You asked about the microphone; yes, it's built-in and usually located next to the CD slot.

    My car is a Gen 3, 2013 and I do see most of them say 2009-2013 & nothing about '14s. But I think all Gen 3s have similar wiring harness configuration. I suggest inquiring with the vendor.
    The bezel for my car is dark gray but the black head unit matches the rest of the trim (dash, door trims, etc,) just fine.

    As far as possible issues that I can think of, is your back up camera. Unless you plan to keep it stock then you're fine; otherwise, you might have to jury rig the wiring. I've replaced mine with an HD 1080 aftermarket camera for clearer resolution.

    I'm very pleased with my current head unit. I love the fact that I won't have to go to the dealers & pay $300 for map update now that I'm able to use Waze GPS.

    I hope this answered you questions. The one I have now is similar to the one linked below:

    https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F283421506372

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  13. RyanEJ25

    RyanEJ25 Member

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  14. Evoking

    Evoking Junior Member

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    I have just got this radio I have a 2010 Prius with jbl but I’m getting the run around with this unit because the harness was suppose to be a plug and play but it’s not now there telling me to modify my current harness which I don’t know what to do
     
  15. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    If you get a chance, you can google your specifice head unit and your car, then a whole bunch of "how to" videos will pop up. I almost pulled the trigger on an after market head unit, but after watching the "how to" videos and seeing how much work it was, I changed my mind.The videos seemed to show that you need this adapter and then another adapter. One video pretty much shows you how to make your own wiring harness! Lots of work! Anyway, check out the videos and I think you will have success!
     
  16. Evoking

    Evoking Junior Member

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    Actually I found a stereo please near where I live and they found the right harness and it was a plug and play and now I have a nice screen with CarPlay and I still get to keep my back up camera I love it
     
  17. badbrakes1998

    badbrakes1998 New Member

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    I got a Boss Audio Android Auto head unit and honestly... It is nice but not nice enough to justify the cost. If I bought a better head unit I would guess it would be much more reliable.
     
  18. Evoking

    Evoking Junior Member

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    I spent 300 plus harness and install was 180 but at least I have review camera steering wheel controls and now wireless CarPlay and also xm Apple Music and more
     
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  19. darkgiant

    darkgiant Member

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    I am looking to install an aftermarket head unit for Apple CarPlay, but I am curious how well this Android one that OP installed has lasted? My main concern with these units is how long they last (in terms of software, as Android can be prone to "slow down" as time progresses with new updates, etc...). Also curious how system and major Android updates work for that device?
     
  20. Evoking

    Evoking Junior Member

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    Your absolutely right I couldn’t tell you because I’ve only had mines installed for only 1 month now and the only thing I can tell you if I had to complain is my Apple CarPlay has a lag of 2 seconds so when I change the song 2 seconds later it changes but as far as conversions I don’t see it or Apple navigation same thing but that’s just mine and I’m ok with it