Hi,
There seems to be an extreme lack of info on the stock stereo head unit that came with my 2020 86.
The system appears to be a JBL/Harman unit.
- PN: pt296-18190-20
- Update - I found a link to the head unit's manual
- The only link I can find is on JBL's EU site
- It's MSRP is 880 on the Toyota parts site
Let me caveat this post with a few points.
- I did not buy my 86 to listen to music or pay particular attention to the screen.
- I'm here for the rich engine sounds and connection to the 86/FRS/BRZ experience.
- I have a android phone
- I'm currently testing Android Auto
- I don't the the requirement for USB + Bluetooth
- Audio seems less decent than it should be
- I don't like voice enabled anything
- No 'google voice'
- No Alexa
- No Siri
- That said, I do want to take hands free calls
- I'm searching for a happy medium
Today I tested the USB Media with a couple of USB flash drives.
- Here is what I tested and the results
- File system format
- exFAT - did not work
- FAT32 - works
- Audio File
- FLAC - did not work
- MP3 - works
- M4a
- WMA
- MP3 TAG Format
- Both ID3v2.3 and ID3v2.4 - works
- Did not test version 1 TAGs.
- No album art was displayed
- I was disappointed that exFAT file system was not recognized.
- The FAT 32 drive was 250Gb
- The exFAT drive was 128Gb
Also I had a H.264 video on both USB flash drives.
I've attached some (not really good) photos from the quick trial.
- Sadly I don't think the 1/8 3.5mm plug is functional.
####
I thought I'd update this original post with my experiences with Android Auto
- As noted above, I'm not really happy with having Google (or any assistant) in my life.
- I've experience Android Auto app disconnects.
- I blame this on pulling some serious 'Gs'
- They all can't be explained by this & sadly is not the worst issue.
- Significant cut outs and interruptions during song/audio playback.
- A quick Internet search turned this up.
- https://support.google.com/androidau.../3280169?hl=en
- It's very clear that I'm not the only one experiencing this issues.
- Likely to be fixed in an upcoming 'Android Auto' update.
- I don't believe it is related to our JBL/Harman head unit.
- The touch screen input on the JBL/Harman head unit stinks.
- It is ok for selecting features but interactive features (e.g. zooming) have issues.
- Serious input lag
- Poor contrast ratio.
- It is too difficult to discern roads and traffic issues while driving.
- Hell! I wound up on a gravel road yesterday whilst seeking the curved roads I now crave.
- I find myself pulling over to disconnect my phone (USB) and look at Google Maps directly on my phone.
- Voice assistant/commands works.
- I'm able to reply to messages.
- Voice assistant audio clarity is fine.
- Phone interaction (taking calls) works well.
- Update - listened for call clarity and Google Maps directions
- Both were clear and crisp (Did not experience what Tcoat has been experiencing)
- I've posted a (bad) photo of my phone audio settings.
So for the moment I'm planning on ditching Android Auto in favor of a USB or plain Bluetooth solution. I find it easier and less distracting to interact with my phone to manage audio and maps.