'11 Toyota Prius Two with Android 4.4.4 Kit Kat Head unit Upgrade!

I have the Pumpkin version of this Android HU and although it takes about 20-30 seconds to fully boot up the backup camera works immediately I put the car in reverse, which is very handy as I also have to reverse off my drive. I guess the backup camera circuit is fully separate to Android and takes over the screen as soon as activated.

 

Did you ever get Torque working? What did Pumpkin say about it?

 

No I didn't. Pumpkin think it is either a problem with the 'app authority' or (more likely to me) a problem with the way Android 4.4 handles bluetooth connections. They say they have tested a WiFi adaptor with the unit and that works, which is also a solution I have seen elsewhere on the net when others have had similar problems.

Torque works fine on my phone so I'm not too bothered. I will try again if I upgrade the unit to Android 5, which is supposed to be available for it soon, or I may eventually try a WiFi adaptor.

Otherwise the unit is fine, I mainly use it for Google maps tied to my phone's hotspot (it doesn't use much data), for the radio, music using Poweramp and of course the backup camera which I didn't have before on my Prius model.

 

Correct, the reverse camera is run by the MCU on the device, not android. There are essentially two pieces to these units, the MCU which runs the Radio, Cameras, button functions, CD Player. and Android which sits on top and runs the screens, apps and other integrated functions.

 

I'd jump on one of these if I didn't have to give up my HUD. I mean, if it was just the nav arrows that stopped working maybe, but I'm assuming the rest would stop working too, right?

 

I'm not sure what you're saying? What HUD are you thinking you are giving up, I guess I'm not following.

 

I have a UK spec Prius T4 which didn't have nav, so my HUD had no nav arrows and works just the same as before the unit was fitted. I guess if the nav arrows are provided by the Toyota unit then they may disappear?

 

I don't see why you would lose the HUD ...just continue to use the Torque APP on the dash with your phone as you have before. Just because your new Android Stereo is Torque capable, doesn't mean you have to use the APP.

 

I have the Pumpkin Android 4.4.4 installed and my original HUD still works, except for nav instructions of course.

I asked a local car radio reseller if the original rea camera could be adapted, he told me that the signal on the original cable must be a simple "video" signal, and that I should consider replacing the origina Toyota plug with a standard yellow video out plug. Just some soldering...

In the meantime, I searched the web for a possible adaptor cable and I found this:

What do you think ?

 

Is this the same head unit?
Quad Core 1024*600 Android 4.4.4 Fit Toyota PRIUS 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Left & Right Driving Car DVD Player GPS 3G Radio WIFI-in Car DVD from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

 

sort of a dumb question, but here goes: is this still a good head unit for someone who doesn't use or care about all the android stuff? my data plan is pretty limited so i don't suppose it would be of much use, i just want a decent sounding/working head unit to play music through (mp3s via usb and bluetooth, mostly) and take the occasional call. all that other stuff is a bonus, but i was attracted to these models because they were designed specifically for the prius and they have a pretty factory look. giant screen is nice, too.

also, what's with all the different versions at wildly varying prices? are they basically the same unit with the same specs, save the quad core and screen resolution? trying to narrow it down but i'm a little lost here.

failing that, if anyone knows of cheaper prius specific options, i'm listening.

 

The unit is made in China, and if you have ever dealt with a Chinese company, they buy items from the same manufacturer and sell them as their own in many situations. This is nothing to be seriously worried about, if you want to know more about this specific type of unit, then head on over to the XDA forums. Its a dauntingly long thread, but the first post has a lot of good overall info on the unit. If you want the most reputable company to work with, I had good luck with people at the link in this thread and many people are happy with pumpkin branded ones as well (same overall unit, might be different firmware only).

HuiFei - 2 DIN Pure Android 4.2.2/4.4.2/4.4.… | Android Auto | XDA Forums

 

I purchased a unit, the seller is asking if the car has
an amplifier or if need to buy a canbus? I have a 2011.
Have any idea?

Aliexpress.com : Buy Canbus of car dvd accessories just be sold with car dvd from Reliable accessories bracelet suppliers on Great-Top | Alibaba Group

 

2011 Prius II does not have an amp from the factory.

 

So I need this?
Aliexpress.com : Buy Canbus of car dvd accessories just be sold with car dvd from Reliable accessories bracelet suppliers on Great-Top | Alibaba Group

 

There is no interface with the car systems on the 2010/2011 Prius II Base sound systems...so NO you do not need this. These specific systems are basic and easiest to upgrade.

 

OK, great! Thanks for the quick reply!!

 

Hi all

I have made similar posts in another thread, but since this one seems to be more frequently visited, I will post here as well.

I want to replace my OEM head unit with an Android unit like people have done on this thread. My car is a 2010 Prius III with JBL audio. What should I tell the seller to send me, to avoid all the hassle that others had to go through with the wrong harness being sent and some options not working due to incompatibility?

Also, since this thread is old, is there any update on which seller is the best to get this from? Or is Chen at DK auto still the seller that people go to?

In addition, could anyone recommend a backup camera to use with such head units?

Thanks.

 

All excellent questions.. I hope to do the same hopefully with this unit:

Quad Core 1024*600 Android 4.4.4 Fit Toyota PRIUS 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Left & Right Driving Car DVD Player GPS 3G Radio WIFI-in Car DVD from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

working with Chen on the purchase to get the correct wiring harness. We both have the Prius III w/JBL non/Navigation unit.. Mine has a model number 51882 on the face of the unit.. Is yours the same?

I'm thinking of getting the reverse camera but not a high priority, I was thinking about a DVR camera for recording (dashcam) as I may find that a more useful toy.

 

thanks for answering my question. I haven't yet removed the OEM head unit to look at it. I will do it tomorrow and let you know. I am also looking for a dashcam in addition to a backup camera. Which one did you decide upon?

And when resellers say that cars with "original amplifiers" need the canbus, are they referring to cars with the JBL audio system?