Android Head Unit?

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Has anyone replaced the 5th gen factory head unit with an android one recently? I have a 2016 SR5 with basic navigation. I'm trying to figure out what adapters and such I'll need to keep everything functional. Any comments or advice would be much appreciated. I'm looking at this unit or something similar https://www.amazon.com/XTRONS-Andro...&qid=1524070519&sr=1-3&refinements=p_4:XTRONS

I personally didn't replace my HU, but I did add an adapter kit to my radio. I'm not sure of what your intentions are in regards to replacing your HU, but I'll explain my setup.

I usually install a Pioneer HU immediately with every SUV I buy, but in this case, I didn't. I like the stock HU, but I missed sitting in my truck at night and watching movies and playing Nintendo.

I found this kit and was happy that I bought it.

Beat-Sonic IF-02AEP Smartphone Mirroring Kit

and

https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/adapters/wireless-display-adapter-2/p3q-00001 - bought on eBay for $20.

Also had a 3-port HDMI splitter in my house. Took minutes to setup and it's plug-n-play to the radio. No splicing or anything needed.

I now mirror my phone to my radio with no lag. I watch Netflix perfectly fine. I have my Nintendo Wii / SNES classic hooked up in my trunk.

Here's some pictures

Original post

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...u-do-your-5th-gen-today-1718.html#post2730464

Updated post

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...u-do-your-5th-gen-today-1728.html#post2733789

I can also mirror Google Maps fine and can use that to be displayed on my radio.

Again, wanted to give you an idea of what I did when I opted out of replacing my original HU.
 
I considered installing an Android HU and putting a Project Fi data-only SIM in it, but after quite a bit of research and fact they're almost all stuck on an old OS, I decided that a traditional HU with Android Auto was the better choice. I ended up with one of the new models with wireless Android Auto and am pretty happy with that choice. The alternative would have been one of the newer Sony head units. The HU you link to looks promising, though.

Here's my recent post:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/233131-audio-upgrade-17.html#post2962863

As far as what you need, Crutchfield is the place to go. If you add your car, it'll show you exactly what you need for the install. Their customer support is responsive too, which was nice.
 
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I'll be lurking here, because the factory system sucks but I don't want to lose my steering wheel controls.

idatalink maestro. all my steering wheel controls work

had a kenwood dnx-893s previously.. moved up to a alpine x208u for more screen size. flawless steering wheel controls with both nav systems
 
Hey so this site phoenixandroidradios.com makes tesla style screen that upgrade your system. I called them today about 4-runners and they said that they would be open to making one if they got enough demand for it. I think it would look sick in the 4-runner completely rplaces ac buttons and screen with long touch screen. I would check it out and if you like it please email them that you want one for a 4 runner. heres a pic of it in a Tundra and it looks dope. Spread thread if interested. Its like $600 bucks
12-1-tesla-style-android-navigation-radio-for-toyota-tundra-2014-2017
I'm interested

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 
I considered installing an Android HU and putting a Project Fi data-only SIM in it, but after quite a bit of research and fact they're almost all stuck on an old OS, I decided that a traditional HU with Android Auto was the better choice. I ended up with one of the new models with wireless Android Auto and am pretty happy with that choice. The alternative would have been one of the newer Sony head units. The HU you link to looks promising, though.

Here's my recent post:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/233131-audio-upgrade-17.html#post2962863

As far as what you need, Crutchfield is the place to go. If you add your car, it'll show you exactly what you need for the install. Their customer support is responsive too, which was nice.


This times 2. You have a back up essentially. If you get a pioneer for example, with GPS + android auto, you have the best of two worlds. and a well known company. Crutchfield is the way to go , they are over the top customer service .
 
Idatalink maestro is the way to go!. Flawless and then get a head unit with android auto. Too much can go wrong with these 3rd party head units and there is very little support.

I went with the alpine x208U also, love the larger screen and if I could do it over and not eat a loss on the $1500 head unit, I would have gone with the X109U. I just didn't think it would fit and after I custom made my kit for the 208, it think it would have.
 
Idatalink maestro is the way to go!. Flawless and then get a head unit with android auto. Too much can go wrong with these 3rd party head units and there is very little support.

I went with the alpine x208U also, love the larger screen and if I could do it over and not eat a loss on the $1500 head unit, I would have gone with the X109U. I just didn't think it would fit and after I custom made my kit for the 208, it think it would have.

I've been happy with the Alpine. I'll be interested to hear how you like the pure Android experience.
 
I used to work in car audio, so I don't care much of Crutchfield.

But, since I don't do this work now I don't keep up with it.

I've had Alpine and Pioneer head units and gotten good performance from both, so I guess I need to look into this more because I have some audio goodies rotting in the closet that I'm not using.
 
I personally didn't replace my HU, but I did add an adapter kit to my radio. I'm not sure of what your intentions are in regards to replacing your HU, but I'll explain my setup.

I usually install a Pioneer HU immediately with every SUV I buy, but in this case, I didn't. I like the stock HU, but I missed sitting in my truck at night and watching movies and playing Nintendo.

I found this kit and was happy that I bought it.

Beat-Sonic IF-02AEP Smartphone Mirroring Kit

I've always liked the BeatSonic stuff, but always wondered about one thing. If you turn your phone to landscape or put it down and turn the screen off, does the mirrored screen do the exact same thing or does it keep showing Google maps (assuming thats what it was on)
 
I've always liked the BeatSonic stuff, but always wondered about one thing. If you turn your phone to landscape or put it down and turn the screen off, does the mirrored screen do the exact same thing or does it keep showing Google maps (assuming thats what it was on)

I tested this a few minutes ago, as I never really paid attention. If you turn it landscape, it will mimic it. That I did know. However, if you lock your screen, the radio will go black and show your phone's lockscreen. Hope that helps!
 
Hey so this site phoenixandroidradios.com makes tesla style screen that upgrade your system. I called them today about 4-runners and they said that they would be open to making one if they got enough demand for it. I think it would look sick in the 4-runner completely rplaces ac buttons and screen with long touch screen. I would check it out and if you like it please email them that you want one for a 4 runner. heres a pic of it in a Tundra and it looks dope. Spread thread if interested. Its like $600 bucks
12-1-tesla-style-android-navigation-radio-for-toyota-tundra-2014-2017

message to phoenixandroidradios sent :)
 
Hey so this site phoenixandroidradios.com makes tesla style screen that upgrade your system. I called them today about 4-runners and they said that they would be open to making one if they got enough demand for it. I think it would look sick in the 4-runner completely rplaces ac buttons and screen with long touch screen. I would check it out and if you like it please email them that you want one for a 4 runner. heres a pic of it in a Tundra and it looks dope. Spread thread if interested. Its like $600 bucks
12-1-tesla-style-android-navigation-radio-for-toyota-tundra-2014-2017

I would definitely be interested. I'm also interested in the Alpine direct replacement units if they made one for the 4runner. I'm happy with the Kenwood I just installed, but I would far prefer something that's a massive upgrade with better fit and finish. I don't care TOO much about a car's tech, but the Entune was so useless that it was making me consider trading the 4runner for something else. I'm FAR more content with the 4runner after installing the aftermarket HU.

I have had hands on experience with the new Alpine 9in floating screen. very solid built radio. Just a basic aftermarket kit and no mods.
I would love to see some pics in a 5th gen/
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/alpine...ite-radio-ready-black/6195080.p?skuId=6195080

This HU was mentioned in another thread when it was first announced. I pointed out that it has terribly low resolution - same resolution as our stock stereo but 3" larger on the horizontal. And no wireless AA or wireless carplay. I like the idea, but it's quite disappointing for a $900 HU, and I worry about it getting stolen.
 
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So, messaged Phoenix - they'd start development if there was enough interest.

Enough interest = 300 people would buy it.

Do I think it's realistic - yes. But I don't think that is a good number for a GB or something like that. They would be willing to take PayPal pre-orders and once hit 300, would start development. 1-4 months till product would start shipping.

Thoughts?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
 
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