Sony parking brake connection

I'm considering this head unit:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XAV7000/Sony-XAV-AX7000.html

Sony XAV-AX7000

It requires a connection to the parking brake. I was hoping I could just ground out the connector and it would work, but I found an old thread indicating that Alpine at least requires some sort of sequence of grounding and ungrounding and won't accept constant ground. Anyone know if Sony is the same?

Also, do they really require the parking brake to be pressed? Who even uses a parking brake in an auto anyway? My wife's van requires the vehicle to be in park to do some things, but having to press the parking brake seems silly.

Suggestions for best options to defeat this thing?

 

https://www.amazon.com/MicroBypass-Parking-Brake-Override-Bypass/dp/B005SVTMKU

This is one way
Google search for others

 

Reviving this thread... Someone with a touch screen radio, what functions require the silly parking brake maneuver? Is it just detailed settings, or also simple stuff like pairing a phone?

 

Android Auto requires the parking brake to be engaged during setup. I am dealing with this issue right now and trying to find a solution.

 

Anyone know whether I have to install the mic? It comes with a mic on a wire, like I'm going to route this ugly thing up to my visor or something. I don't want that, but not sure if I should connect it and tie it up somewhere where I can get it, or just leave it off. I want to do hands free like once a year and would prefer it just used the mic on my phone.

 

Well, I installed the gadget from Amazon and it did not work. Android Auto was not fooled. I grounded the parking brake connection to get through install and now it's just hanging open. I don't see any features it is denying me. If I need to I'm going to just install a switch, but so far it hasn't asked me to press the brake besides the initial setup.

 

Man if I were you I'd just install the Mic, it's not difficult and it isn't that ugly. Slap it up at the top of the a-pillar and enjoy hands-free calling whenever you want.