Noob question about Android HUs
 

OK, so I'm sure this is really basic and obvious to you guys, but can someone explain to me in basic terms how an Android (or similar) HU functions in a vehicle?

I'm reading all about the great things that they can do with running Waze and Torque and all the other apps, but I'm not fully clear how they get internet signal to begin with. Do you have to tether it to your phone? I get that you can use Google Maps as your nav, since the HU has connectivity to the interwebs, but I'm missing HOW it's connected.

I'm even more confused, since some HUs offer WiFi, which means that you're then piggy-backing WiFi off of your phone, which is already feeding the HU? Just seems convoluted.

I guess I'm just also concerned about potentially compromising my entire head unit system if I run over my data cap, or have bad signal, or phone is dead, etc.

Thanks for any clarification!

I use my phone to hit spot and my hu to pick up the Wi-Fi signal. There is also a cord that will accept SIM cards to receive service directly.

I download and update apps at the house since the Wi-Fi signal reaches the driveway.

Basically the only time I hotspot is for GPS and that uses hardly anything. Day to day I just run torque and us the radio or old iPod for music

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

OK, so let's say that 95% of my driving time is going to be using only GPS and Pandora (or streaming from media), I'd still have to hotspot my phone for all that to work?

Whereas, say, an OEM HU I'd just bluetooth the streaming music, and the OEM Nav takes care of itself?

Thanks

To answer your first question : YES you will need to run hotspot when using Pandora or any other Internet based services. Most android hu have Sims slot where you can buy a sim and pay monthly for data like a regular phone.

The oem hu is perfect for streaming music and it's also good if use your navigation every now and then.

An android HU is for those who wants to have apps like torque, youtube, etc. It's more of a distraction than anything. Stick with the oem if you're only using the programs like you mention above.

Just download offline maps and music on headunit. Such way you won't need Internet connection every time you drive. That is how it is done on my Android headunit, I can live for weeks without Internet connection.:thumbsup:

So would an OEM unit like one out of a 2013 BRZ be a good pick? Or did you mean one of those really new, more expensive ones taht are going for like $800-1300?

OEM BRZ head unit can run apps, or can FR-S do so as well?

BRZ HU SUCKS. Hands down the worse HU I've ever had in a car. I'm amazed that Subaru actually put them in their cars they are that bad.

Coming from S2000 and 500T, I'm spoiled with factory Scion HU :bellyroll:

Yeah, I'd guess that in 2008 the Subaru HU was pretty good. lol Not so much now!

Thanks, that's kind of the word on the street that I heard, which is why I was confused when someone said to get an OEM unit for my needs. I had a line on a used one, but I guess I'll skip that now.

So, then, what should I be looking for, in terms of just a basic HU with Nav, bluetooth, and a screen? Is there a Scion version that's better or something?

What headunit do you have now and what's your budget?

Stock FRS HU (not the touchscreen, just the LCD base unit). Works well enough, but it's an eyesore, and lacking Nav.

Budget is kind of whatever. Under $500 ideally. I'm in no rush to swap HUs, it's more of a "if I come across a deal" kind of thing. I just dropped a bunch this weekend on headers, exhaust, OFT, and some other JPM interior pieces, so I'm a bit tapped now.

Hope that helps.

If youre not an audiophile then $500 is good enough.

How are you at wiring?

If you dont like stock then get an android HU since its has alot of usability and much cheaper than most touchscreen headunit. For example low end touch screen unit starts out at $300 for the most basic function such as radio, bt, and aux. Compare this to an android unit where you get a ton more.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Android-4...pVlLh9&vxp=mtr
you can grab something as listed above.
Dont forget adapter for your car if youre going this route.

This is just my opinion i rather prefer android based over regular touch HU. As of now im looking to upgrade my headunit for an android base but i gotta sell my stock BRZ HU first. I travel ALOT so having some sort of unit that can stream online radio, youtube etc will be a plus for me.