Quote:
Originally Posted by eRajesh The lack of Android Auto in this car is really getting to me now. It makes navigation/making calls/changing music while driving a major pain. Definitely going to get a third-party HU installed early next year. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by RJ21 Facing the same problem. Lack of Apple carplay and Android auto is now really getting on my nerves. Toyota people are unofficially quoting over 1.5 lakhs for the fitment of new Innova's headunit in Fortuner which is just absurd . Please let me know which 3rd party HU you decide to go for. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by eRajesh I was waiting for the new Fortuner so that I could install its HU. But for 1.5l? LOL. Will go for a Pioneer one. I plan to get the upgrade done in Jan next year so will keep you posted. |
I kinda managed a fix for Android Auto for my Fortuner (and really this could apply to any car for that matter, and many may already be using this setup with or without modifications). I stumbled upon it while looking for a decent mobile mounts for using google maps on mobile while driving (given the lack of easy usability of the OEM navigation). Chanced upon different styled magnetic mobile mounts on Amazon, fixed, vaccum based, AC vent mounts, flexible, rotatable, etc. While I did not have a a great experience in past, this time I tried my hand again as my most reliable Spigen clamp mount (which could be placed on the top of the dash was unavailable. Rest all, including AC vent mounts or windscreen mounts were either incompatible or block wayy too much real estate on the windscreen or could cause damage in long term. Plus then there is shakiness issue on windscreen mounts or AC vent mounts. Long story short, got two magnetic mounts which could easily fit on my fortuner dash with minimal obstruction to the front view or any other parts on dash while being reliable holders.
It was then while surfing the android auto app (on my Pixel 2XL) that i found that there is an option for Android auto to automatically start once it is connected to a Bluetooth device. There i got an idea, whereby combined power of a strategically placed sturdy mobile mount could immediately activate Android auto the minute the phone and car's bluetooth get paired (which is one thing that happens almost instantly with fortuner's HU). Viola, it worked and I have a working wireless Android auto at a convenient location on the dash. Although not on main head unit, I am far comfortable using Android auto on my phone, given a choice. Rest all features and usability requirements remain the same whether you operate Android auto on phone or on car head unit.
I assume that many would have already figured this out, but still listing the pics and step by step process:
1. Place magnetic mounts on convenient location on the dash (look for a more permanent usable place - one that can act as an alternate screen).
Note: In my setup, I have placed two mounts - one flexible one at top, which can either help mobile stand on top of dash, or bring it in front of digital clock (partially covering central AC vents - for hot days), and second, fixed mount on blank area next to SD card slot (I have a screen guard installed over the entire screen - so it won't damage the original unit at time of removal).
2. Place the metal chip in mobile case at back (you have option to permanently paste it too) and test the magnetic mount.
3. Start the Android Auto app on mobile. Go to settings, and scroll down to 'auto launch' option under 'phone screen' settings. This allows you to configure which bluetooth devices can automatically launch android auto app. Your car bluetooth should be listed here, along with any other paired BT earphones. Select the relevant car option and you are set.
4. Step in your car (with phone's bluetooth switched on). Place the mobile on the magnetic mount. Switch on screen rotation as per requirement. Then start the ignition like normal operation.
Note: The additional step of switching on bluetooth and screen rotation can be avoided if your mobile has these options permanently switched on, say to stay connected with your earphones / smart watch).
5. Within seconds of the music system coming on, the phone will automatically pair with car's HU and Android auto app will start immediately.
6. Post connection, the best part is that the android auto app works through car's bluetooth, so the music, notifications, calls, navigation directions are all relayed through the car's music system. Just that your phone acts as the android auto screen instead of car's head unit.
7. Added advantage is the voice commands of google which can play music on compatible apps, runs navigation on google app, and makes calls, seamlessly without the need to touch your phone.
While the magnets work well in city traffic and slow speed bumps (the phone stays in place without shaking), will test the setup and see how it performs on long runs with imperfect roads.
Given the bluetooth of Head Unit connects and works well (and I am not too fussed about the average music output), if this setup works well in long term I would prefer not changing or upgrading the head unit or speakers.
Also, need to see how seamlessly does the wireless setup continue to work for long durations (I still prefer wired connection over wireless setup), and the long term effects on the phone screen and battery.
Will report long term use and also if it works same way on apple car play, using my wife's phone (didn't get access to it much during DIY process
)
Attaching some pics for reference. Apologies for the night pics on use. Had to later get another phone to take pics of my mounted phone. Will post more pics during next ride.