ANDROID head units... anyone?

i know im not a big poster here, more of a lurker. anyways looking to upgrade my stereo to get gps, bluetooth all that junk. i found these radios on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Android-6-2..._Dash_Units_w_GPS&hash=item1c3663931b&vxp=mtr and my buddy put one in his older mercedes suv, its pretty awesome actually. i have an android phone and it links up seamlessly and allows you to do whatever you want. im looking at putting it in my tacoma (2009 double cab NON JBL with 6cd and aux port) and using the textured oem look double din install kit from *********. couple questions:

-anyone have any experience with one of these radios going into a tacoma? any issues?
-this thing comes with backup camera but id like to keep mine... dont like the look of the cheap camera on the license plate. any way to keep my camera? maybe just take the wires from my cam and splice them into the harness supplied with the radio?
-how about that double din install kit they sell at *********? looks like it fits right up..

ive done plenty of radio swaps and wiring stuff, just curious if anyones used these android platform ones. thanks for any input!

 

i have no input for the android based radio but what i am here for is to say that you can keep your stock back up camera. the camera is wired to your rear view mirror so unless you want it to show up on both the new radio and the mirror then yes you could splice and tap into the wiring otherwise no need! the new radio come with one as an option for those who do not have a back up cam. some have kept the camera and used it in the front bumper to aid with parking in tight areas or even to be used off road

 

i will say i had a no name brand radio like this in my honda.. it lasted for about 3 months.. It was great at first but then it started to have problems.

here are some things to think about before you take the plunge..

it will run off your data for most of the apps. So if you are on an unlimited Data plan its good but if you have a limit (2gb) be in for a shock because this thing will eat up your data plan.

If your looking to do something like this for android there isnt really another option. If you have an Iphone all the new pioneer have App Radio where you can access GPS, apps, ect... pioneer only allows Pandora and BT for android right now on receivers that still have the dvd player.. but i think Appradio 2 has more android features..

As far as EQ i would want more customization there isnt much other than treble and bass...

The OS of android on this is 2.3.4 which is an older version of android and wont be up to par of what i could be with the new OS (ICS or jellybean)



IMO If your going to spend that kind of money go with a reputable company and brand, but hey its your money.. i will say that i got the Pioneer 3500BHS and love it..and right now pioneer 3500BHS is cheaper than this android one from Crutchfield right now..

 

Yeah, I'd stay away from a no name brand as well. If you don't necessarily need a CD/DVD player, the Pioneer AppRadio is only $40 more at Crutchfield than the one on eBay. And it will likely last much, much longer. If you do want a CD/DVD player, then the AppRadio that has one is $100 more than the one without a CD/DVD player. Both are compatible with a lot of Android phones as well. This page has a list of all the phones its compatible with. Just scroll down a little ways and you'll see the list.

If you buy the AppRadio from Crutchfield, here, you'll get a free dash kit, wiring harness, and instructions on how to install the deck in your truck. Crutchfield sells a dash kit with the textured finish and one that is smooth. So make sure you get the one with the textured finish if that's what you want.

 

Don't get the AppRadio from Pioneer...BeeRadd and I have spent the last week trying to get his damn iPhone to work with it, and he's hundreds of dollars into it in extra accessories.

 

Dang man. That's a bummer. I thought they fixed all the problems the AppRadio 2 had and put those fixes into the AppRadio 3.

 

I would also avoid ********* if I were you. I ordered the scosche dash kit & he sent me a metra kit that was missing pieces. There was absolutely no response even when I hinted at the further purchase of audio being dependant on the response. Contact Mr Marv instead. He does great work & is very helpful before & after purchasing.

 

I have had a different experience with the App-radio. I love mine. I put in the parking brake override and it works like a champ. I have an I phone 4 and have had no problems. Took me about 1 1/2 to instal from start to finish

 

thanks guys. Im looking into those pioneers.. I really like the android functionality though. ill have to compare some features and take the plunge on something. maybe ill post back up once I decide and get it all installed

 

Pioneer X5500 works friggin amazing in my taco