Upgrading The Electronics

For what you're talking about doing, an aftermarket unit is going to be your best bet. Search a lot here before making a purchase. I've bought a few things before doing enough research, only to find out what I wanted to do could be accomplished easier or more effectively through other means. There is a wealth of knowledge in the posts and members here for sure. I'm by no means an expert, but here's what my impressions of your situation are so far:

No DVD watching is not possible on the "activity" screen. I haven't seen a factory DVD head unit for a Prius, and if there were one, I'd expect it to be rather pricey. I'd go with an aftermarket unit or just buy a portable DVD player.

No factory offering had carplay for a Prius. There may be a unit today in some model that has it, but you'd be treading in new waters for that. Minimal offering from aftermarket, but it's there.

There is a bluetooth module available to plug into the factory unit that will give you both music connectivity as well as phone functionality.

You could either replace the entire factory unit or do a stealth install, leaving the factory unit in place. Plenty of examples that demonstrate both.

Welcome to the club! I just bought mine about a month ago, and I'm still learning as well.

 

It's not a perfect solution, but you can hook your phone up to the aux port in the center armrest/console. If you have voice controls on your phone, then you can say what you want to play and listen to it over the car's auxiliary input.

 

If you can wait a bit, I'll sell you the bluetooth adapter I *just* purchased. I haven't even gotten it yet, but I've already decided to replace the factory radio.

 

aftermarket 2 din touchscreen. you get all the latest features BT, DVD, etc. the dash comes apart easy, the wiring is a bit complicated, but if you've ever soldered, you can do it.

 

If you're looking to install a double din, I have a Schosche TA2103B stereo installation kit for the Prius. I have an extra one for sale. The A/C retention wiring harness that comes with the kit allows the A/C controls to work as well as allowing you to use your factory aux jack. Best part no soldering.

 

Mine is single din, I use the extra cubby for my phone. Plus I don't like double din screens. But can fit easily either way.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I had this in my '04 using the scosche kit, probably the same one taz is selling. metra axxess steering wheel button interface. it worked excellent.

 

Get a good tablet that will save you lots of grief for video watching.

For Podcast I found USB/SD to FM transmitter to be working great with my Gen II. I download podcasts in my tablet and copy over to USB. Some FM transmitters may have AUX plug and Bluetooth as well.

 

For portable GPS mount.. This might offer best solution.