[Mike-Mike]

After looking at these Android head units for over a year, I finally pulled the trigger:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IB8V2AO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_psMKxbQQQ1S36

Should be in on Friday, I will post pics and let you all know how it turns out.I chose this since it was Jeep specific, should be relatively plug and play.* Most of these Android units are from China and just sold by various different resellers like Joying, Auto Pumpkin, Eonon, RoadNavi.com, etc.

I chose Joying based on reading all about these on XDA, Reddit, and various car forums.* Joying seems to fair better than the rest.* And it was fulfilled by Amazon and on Prime.* So I figured if I had any problems, Amazon would help out.

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[Mike-Mike]

Ordered some parts from Amazon to help with the install:

Got this hoping I could just reuse the Jeep factory GPS:

Pc-case 0.5ft Rf Electrical Wire Connector Fakra "C" Plug to SMA Male Straight Assembly Extension Coaxial Cable Rg174 15cm for GPS Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OOD2TGW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_dA8MxbK62KCZG

And this hoping to run an extra USB port or 2 to the glove box area:

AmazonBasics USB 2.0 Extension Cable 2-Pack - A-Male to A-Female - 3.3 Feet (1 Meter) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH13Q8W/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_lB8MxbDFPE5A4

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[Mike-Mike]

Generally on Android I use Google Maps, but I might try a different one on the Joying. I have gotten used to the Garmin on the 430N having the speed limit signs, which I really like and Google Maps do not. So I will probably try iGo or Sygic

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[Mike-Mike]

Well it arrived, but it is not installed yet. I had ordered an adapter from Amazon to keep the USB port in the console, but it did not arrive.

It also was overcast and thundering, and I thought it was going to rain, but it did not. I will probably not wait on the adapter, and go ahead and install it in the morning. Here are some pics of the package:

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[Mike-Mike]

Succes!

I will post more details once I get it all set up and can type from my computer instead of my phone

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[Mike-Mike]

Easy installation, super simple. Hardest part was getting the stupid clips holding the stock radio and GPS onto the 430N off the 430N.

I used an adapter from AMAZON to use the existing Jeep GPS

http://imgur.com/Jcn7VOi

I got it hooked up and tested the internal mic and it was ok, but callers on the other end said I was louder with the external mic. I put it on the Mopar Jeep handles, and ran the cord down the pillar and over the instrument cluster, way easier than I expected

http://imgur.com/tf6670i

http://imgur.com/tU7sIun

http://imgur.com/6wZkqyQ

I did not need my USB extenders I purchased, the ones that came with it were long enough to reach in the glove box

http://imgur.com/HotjKFl

http://imgur.com/jpVT8S0

http://imgur.com/h3WVB4x

Put the iPod in there and it does get recognized by the Music app, but it does not show the song titles, just iTunes jibberish titles:

http://imgur.com/FufsjgG

In the advanced settings I found a way to add an iPod app, but it crashes immediately.

RAM:

http://imgur.com/gvyJIsj

Flash memory

http://imgur.com/fe9k3HZ

It recognized a 128 GB microsd card I put in, Samsung Evo Plus

http://imgur.com/qpOrCDp

Not sure what format it needs. I just out it in my computer and added MP3s, but it did not recognize it. From the head unit I wiped the card and then it recognized it and showed the full 128 GB available.

Easily changed the boot logo to Jeep

http://imgur.com/HqqpGot

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[Mike-Mike]

Mike:

does your jeep have the alpine speakers and sub?

I know it was a problem for the audio to work with these head units for people that have the alpine premium speakers due to the amp.

I have a sub, but not the Alpine premium upgrade. However if you look at the adapter that came with the Joying radio it has 2 different attachments, one marked as "Amp"

I did not use that one, but I believe if you do have the Alpine premium upgrade, then you would use that connection. I used the other connection and the "AMP" one is just hanging loose.

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[Mike-Mike]

Steering wheel controls sort of work. The volume controls on the right hand side work perfect in all apps. The middle nipple on the volume side changes source. Which works but for me is pointless since I am using apps for music. The source switches from Radio to DVD to Audio Video In, etc.

The track change buttons on the left hand side work in the default apps. It works on the Bluetooth music app, they work on a CD playing, or DVD. They are backwards though. Normally up goes forward and down goes backward but it is flipped. It will not work for apps like Google Play Music or Pandora. Oddly enough the middle nipple button on the left hand side works as a Mute button and works on every app, including Google Play Music and Pandora.

Also if you press the phone button on the steering wheel it brings up the Bluetooth phone app on the Joying. Not sure if it will actually answer or hang up, haven't tried that yet.

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[Mike-Mike]

Bluetooth phone app pulls all your contacts in a searchable list:

You can dial a number with a full keypad

The icon on the left with the phone and arrows takes you to a recent call list.

The magnifying glass icon takes you to look for available devices or change devices, etc.

The Bluetooth gear icon takes you to a screen to change settings

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[Mike-Mike]

If you make a call here is what shows on the screen:

The double arrows Switch it from the Joying to your phone.

If you need to hit numbers to get through an automated system, hit the dial pad on the lower left and it shows the number keys:

On the lower right there is an arrow, click that and it will minimize the whole calling screen:

One weird caveat with phone calls. People say they hear me fine, and I can hear them, but it feels like all the audio comes out of the front passenger side speaker. Again can still hear them, just sounds different than it did previously with the Uconnect.

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[Mike-Mike]

For those wondering about Sirius, I did install the app:

Play Store

Login screen

Initial view

Howard 100

Hits 1

Backspin

Overall it works pretty good. Needs data of course, but it sounds better than Sirius did via the 430N. Also couldn't find an easy way to switch channels. Those track buttons at the top didn't change channels. Those are for if you pause it.

I basically have to search for channels on the left or use my favorites on the right. Which is what I did, just added some channels to my Favorites.

I might keep it on there and try it out some more

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[Mike-Mike]

So after playing with the radio some more, I do not think it is saving it to the microsd card.

I think this screen on Google Play Music is just wrong:

Now it is up to 80 gigs, and the number below still says 176 GB free which makes no sense.

Going through the Settings of Android to the Apps menu it makes more sense:

Also when I look at the File Manager and there is a Google folder on the micro SD card, but it has zero files:

Whereas the Google Music folder on the "Flash" shows several hundred files in it.

Also, some apps allow you to "Move to SD Card"

And after you move them it says "Move to Device"

If you notice in the earlier pic, the "Move to SD Card " option on Google Music is grayed out.

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[Mike-Mike]

So I am still feeling it out. I love the fact I have Google Maps:

And it is great for the fact it will pop up turn alerts. I always have GPS audio muted, so the pop ups are good reminders. However even though I downloaded my city, it is still kind of sluggish.

Joying sent me a download of iGo and it installs on the GPS micro SD card in the GPS slot. I don't know if it is the fact it is in that card in that slot or the app itself, but it is very fast. Meaning I can change screens and flip through menus very quickly with no lag. But I do not really like the interface.

I have never used Waze before, but I downloaded it tonight. Very fluid and fast, and the interface is pretty good. I guess that is to be expected since it is so popular. Going to try it for a few days and see how it goes.

Google Maps is great cause it already has the names and addresses of all my contacts. But it does not list the Speed Limit. But it does do the pop up the hinges, so if I had Google Play Music up and running, I still get a pop up telling me to turn. But it is very sluggish.

Both iGo and Waze show the Speed Limit, but as far as I can do not have a pop-up for turns. Also do not have all of my contacts loaded.

Also I played around with music players. I removed the iPod (since it wouldn't work right) and loaded a bunch of songs on a Samsung 64GB thumb drive. The default music player is OK. A lot of people on Android forums rave about Power Amp. I also had never tried it, but I did today and hated it. I also saw some people post about Black Player. And wow, I love it, excellent interface for the current song playing:

So that is a keeper. Still will most likely stick with Google Play Music, but it is nice to have options.

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[Mike-Mike]

The problem I have with iGo is while it shows speed limits, it annoys the crap out of me when it tells me I have exceeded the speed limit. There are some roads here (I40 for example) where running the speed limit will get you run over. Do you have issues with the music volume when using waze? If I use waze, I can no longer adjust the volume without a reboot. Googler Maps and iGo are fine.

Got to try BlackPlayer, I'm not liking Poweramp either.

Do you have a 4.4 unit? I recall reading on XDA people having various issues with Waze on Android head units like volume knobs not working. I dof not have those issues, but maybe because of Android 5.1?

I turn the volume off on all the GPS apps. Every setting on them I Mute audio. Without that it lowers your music volume every time it has any sound.

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[Mike-Mike]

Does your phone have to be in hotspot mode all the time for the unit to have interwebs?

That is correct. However you can download a lot of stuff to the unit. For example I downloaded my city in Google Maps and a lot of my Google Play Music playlists.

I do that with my wifi at home. So when I am on the road it only uses minimal data. It will still function with out Internet, just have to use offline maps and offline playlists

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[Mike-Mike]

Thats unfortunate. I only listen to pandora, no radio, no saved music. Im more worried about the battery drain on my phone from running hotspot. Not too worried about data as I have plenty to spare, and shouldn't use anymore than I do now. But hotspot apps seem to eat battery life like crazy. Bottom line, Im not sure its worth it over an Android Auto headunit with built in bluetooth Pandora support (Pioneers NEX series) Although the price is a little cheaper.

Edit: Can it tether via bluetooth?

You could play Pandora on your phone and listen via Bluetooth. But I donot think you can tether via Bluetooth.

I liked Android Auto in theory, but didn't want to plug my phone in all the time. And I didn't want a "click limit"

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[Mike-Mike]

I sold my 430N on eBay for a solid chunk of change. Let's just say it was way more than the price of the joying unit on amazon

Mine is for sale on there now, hoping to get a pretty penny

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[Mike-Mike]

So I did a custom ROM from XDA last night, Malaysk v4 for MTCD

I couldn't get it to work with the GPS slot per the directions, kept getting this

So I put the update on a USB and plugged it into the cords I had in the glove box. Went to the System Update options in the Settings page and it worked. This screen was scary for a minute:

Then when I got here I knew I was good

New face

Seems a little snappier, he added some stuff. Gonna need to do some more tweaking, but I think I can get it where I want it

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[Mike-Mike]

I have both a Pioneer NEX and a Joying Android 4.4 unit. I like both units but really like the ability to customize the Joying. Android Auto can be flaky and it is a PITA to plug it in all the time. I also can't seem to find a messaging app that works with the HU correctly. I needed about $100 in Canbus adapters to make the Pioneer work with the SWC in the Jeep, I needed a $20 remote SWC setup for the Joying in my Ram (My Ram didn't have SWC at all until that unit was installed).

.

My original plan was try the Joying and if it didn't work right, return it and go to Android Auto. I really like the Joying, so I am sticking with it.

But yeah, at the time of my decision the JOYING was about $400 for everything needed, and i could install it all myself. The cheapest Android Auto unit was last year's Pioneer 4100Nex, and it varied in price, but still was over $400. And like you said, I would still need a $100 adapter, and potentially need help with the installation since the Jeep isn't a true Double Din, and I didn't know how complex it was to hook up the other stuff.

So just based on price and convenience the Joying was a winner for me.

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[Mike-Mike]

The actual install into the Jeep for the Pioneer wasn't hard.

You didn't have to modify the dash? It fits right in there? I thought people had to trim stuff with a dremmel?

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