Radio Upgrades... Let see them.
- Thread starter 4RunninMD
- Start date
Terminator03
New member
I don’t understand why you would be using Bluetooth at all if hooked to Android auto (maybe this is the source of your problem?) I don’t have an Android, but my Sony XAV-AX5000 supports CarPlay and Android auto. I use CarPlay because I have an iPhone. Anyway, if I’m plugged in to CarPlay, Bluetooth doesn’t work, nor does it need to. CarPlay completely syncs everything with the phone for calls, music, navigation, etc. The only time Bluetooth gets used for calls, or music is when I’m NOT plugged into CarPlay. Phone calls and other functions are way clearer when direct connected with CarPlay so I never use Bluetooth unless I’m driving a very short distance and don’t want to plug/unplug the phone. Doesn’t Android auto function the same as CarPlay? All I know is I’m super happy with the sound and functionality of my Sony.
evan1242
New member
You are right. Bluetooth is not being used when plugged in for AA or ACP.
More than likely a problem with Android Auto rather than the radio.
We have sooooo many problems with customers androids working with android auto after a new radio install.
Apple Car Play works every. Single. Time.
evan1242
New member
I would go with the kenwood DMX706S or the DMX906S if you want wireless. The wireless AA tends to work better than being plugged in. Androids have to many needed and changing USB “handshakes” to make it really reliable.
I have no idea how it works. If I am on the phone without USB plugged in, it has to be BT. If I plug USB in, does it switch off the BT? Don't they go hand in hand? I am pretty sure I couldn't run Android Auto unless I paired the phone via BT first.
I'll turn BT off and see if 1) the AA works, 2) If the phone works.
So calls are made through bluetooth with android auto. I turned off BT. Plugged in USB, plugged it into the radio and BT turned back on. I made a phone call, fuzzy while plugged in, fine when unplugged. Then I turned off BT while still on the phone through the radio (but still plugged in) and it dropped the call from the car.
Terminator03
New member
Ok, after reading Evans post, I’ve come to one conclusion... Roy, you should probably keep the stereo, but dump the droid. Both platforms have their pros/cons (I’ve had both), but honestly, for data transfer and connectivity with music, video, and data, Apple is where it’s at inmo. Everything just works, and every product they make seamlessly integrates with zero fanfare/effort. Just depends what important to you, I guess. For me personally, I’ll never go back unless apple really f’s up somehow.
I don't see that happening any time soon. I was an early adopter of Iphones and got out around Iphone 4 or 5. Switched to the S4, then one of the Edge phones, and been in the Note lineup ever since.
Things I like about the Iphone- They are simple and everything seems to work.
Things I hate about the Iphone- Their proprietary BS- Cords, software, etc. Lack of adding memory to the phones. I have never needed to delete anything on my phone because of the sick amount of storage between the phone itself and the internal memory card. It's nearly impossible to upgrade/change iphones and move your information unless you have a degree in computer engineering. IMessage. I have missed so many texts from Iphone users because they are sending Imessages by mistake instead of text messages. They show up on another device that doesn't get used much.
I do have Ipads at home and run Ipads for all my work guys and they are great. I do haven an active Iphone in my X3M because they don't have support for AA
. I only use it for the data/maps/carplay. With that being said, tech support said to try a different USB into the back of the radio. I did that yesterday. Took the whole car apart, pulled the radio and plugged the USB directly into the back of the radio. SAME PROBLEM.
Terminator03
New member
I don't see that happening any time soon. I was an early adopter of Iphones and got out around Iphone 4 or 5. Switched to the S4, then one of the Edge phones, and been in the Note lineup ever since.
Things I like about the Iphone- They are simple and everything seems to work.
Things I hate about the Iphone- Their proprietary BS- Cords, software, etc. Lack of adding memory to the phones. I have never needed to delete anything on my phone because of the sick amount of storage between the phone itself and the internal memory card. It's nearly impossible to upgrade/change iphones and move your information unless you have a degree in computer engineering. IMessage. I have missed so many texts from Iphone users because they are sending Imessages by mistake instead of text messages. They show up on another device that doesn't get used much.
I do have Ipads at home and run Ipads for all my work guys and they are great. I do haven an active Iphone in my X3M because they don't have support for AA
With that being said, tech support said to try a different USB into the back of the radio. I did that yesterday. Took the whole car apart, pulled the radio and plugged the USB directly into the back of the radio. SAME PROBLEM.
As I mentioned, both platforms have their pluses and minuses. One thing I’ve found to solve the memory issue you mentioned is I currently have a iPhone 7 with 128g. That would be a decent amount of storage on its own, but a few years ago, I was upgrading my iPad mini to a newer model, and didn’t have enough iCloud storage to easily transfer the data, and as you mentioned, it can be quite cumbersome trying to do it without a lot of technical expertise. After research, I decided to just pull the trigger on the upgraded cloud storage for $2.99 a month (basically the cost of a coffee). Not only did it make it super quick and simple to transfer everything over (it even used my same wallpaper so the new iPad looked identical to the old), but now I don’t even come close to using 1/4 of the 128g storage of my phone even with 2500 songs in my iTunes library, and 10’s of thousands of photos and videos. In short, I could easily function with an even SMALLER internal memory now! I recently had to send my phone back to Apple for a connectivity issue that was a known issue with some 7’s, so I used an 8 for a couple of weeks while they completely replaced not only the mother board, but also added a new battery, completely free of charge. Even switching the phones back and forth was completely seamless because of the iCloud backup. Other than the phones being different colors, EVERYTHING on the phone was retained identically from wallpaper to app arrangement. Not trying to sell you on Apple, but since you already have iPads I thought I’d mention this option, in case you were unaware of how it works, or how easy it is to use. Just as an aside, both my wife and daughter have the newer XR, but I chose to keep my 7, especially after it was rebuilt free of charge because it is smaller, which I prefer for pocket carry, and I’m not a fan of the lack of home button on the newer models.
KrazedJD
New member
I am not sure this classifies as a radio upgrade in the sense of replacement, but here is what I did on the cheap if you will. I had an old LG G-Pad 8" collecting dust. I thought this might be a great test bed for a simple android radio swap and how I would use WiFi tethered to my mobile phone. I downloaded an app called CarLauncher to give a radio look or feel to the interface. Honestly I barely use it as my primary use model is Waze and some music app (Pandora/Spotify). As far as making the unit "stick" in place I was able to use Neodymium magnets which worked with my factory Nav Touch Radio. Additionally I did make a custom Toyota wallpaper and minimized useful apps for driving for that home display.
Here is how it looks:
Car Launcher is app I tried:
Removable shot:
Phone mount for teathering WiFi:
Here is how it looks:
Car Launcher is app I tried:
Removable shot:
Phone mount for teathering WiFi:
Artval4gv8
New member
Details on the RAM mount? And links please.
I am not sure this classifies as a radio upgrade in the sense of replacement, but here is what I did on the cheap if you will. I had an old LG G-Pad 8" collecting dust. I thought this might be a great test bed for a simple android radio swap and how I would use WiFi tethered to my mobile phone. I downloaded an app called CarLauncher to give a radio look or feel to the interface. Honestly I barely use it as my primary use model is Waze and some music app (Pandora/Spotify). As far as making the unit "stick" in place I was able to use Neodymium magnets which worked with my factory Nav Touch Radio. Additionally I did make a custom Toyota wallpaper and minimized useful apps for driving for that home display.
Here is how it looks:
Car Launcher is app I tried:
Removable shot:
Phone mount for teathering WiFi:
KrazedJD
New member
Sure thing here ya go, I used a 1/2" Drill bit to drill another slot to rotate mount facing me:
RAM Composite Double Socket Arm
RAM X-Grip Universal Phone Holder with Ball
RAM 11mm Bolt Head Adapter Ball Base
Artval4gv8
New member
[MENTION=44932]KrazedJD[/MENTION] Thank you!
evan1242
New member
The 8500 is a great radio. The AVHW4500NEX is even cheaper if you don’t care about built in navigation.
The ones that are coming out now are just like you said big floating screens. Not much else new. If you don’t care for the big screen go with the older 4500 or 8500. Both great units.
Kai-runner
New member
I have a Pioneer 5201NEX in mine. Needed the built in GPS to help me navigate the mountains.
Thanks for the update on this. Was looking at this HU for when I eventually upgrade but I'll hold off for now. Let us know if it gets fixed or what you replace it with.
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