On the screen brightness, I just go to the setup menu and change it to 0-25 for night driving and I set it to 75-100 for daytime driving. Anything above 25 is too bright for night driving in my opinion. It only takes a few seconds to access that menu and change the brightness.

 

But the unit does have the functionality of auto dimming. Assuming the company you are working with is willing to take input and issue updates I think not having to do that manually would be a major benefit and from a programming perspective very simple. Seems like they are dimming by a percentage of the daytime brightness setting. They could easily dim to a user defined variable and even maintain the same UI.
Are they planning to do updates or is this kind of a non updatable one and done thing?

 

I was told by the supplier that the software can not be updated on this current unit. However, they do take whatever input that I give them from customers and I was told that they are now working on a new project. He said that the new project will take some time and will cost more if we want everything to be perfect because the Range Rover has a difficult system to work with from the start. Anyway, I will keep you guys updated on whatever news I get from the supplier.

 

I’ve been remiss in writing up a quick review of the unit and my install.

First of all, Ray was fantastic to work with. I had a bit of issue with my first unit and Ray did all the right things you want a vendor to do (but they often don’t). He responded quickly, sorted the issue with his supplier and had a new unit out to me within a few days.

The install was fairly easy. First time in I had it done in just under three hours. Next time was much faster... easily less than 1.5 hours from start to finish.

All in all, the unit is a huge improvement over the stock system. I’m using Apple CarPlay and... well, it just works like it should. Also, I’ve noticed an improvement in sound quality from my Meridian system... I was never thrilled with the sound out of the 19 speaker Meridian system, but whether streaming or through the audio from my phone, it is noticeably improved, which is a bit of a surprise.

There are a few niggles that are bothersome, that I do hope the supplier can fix. They are, in order of concern from my perspective:
1. HVAC controls are too dim during the day. I believe the light sensor is on one of the switch packs, which are now tucked away in the dash.
2. Auto dim screen at night. It’s retina scaring at night. You can jump into the settings and lower it manually fairly easily, but it really should auto dim to an acceptable level based upon ambient light without menu surfing while driving.
3. Volume will sometimes lower - totally random and seems to happen more on my wife’s phone than mine. This could be a CarPlay issue. And it was mentioned that if you close open apps on the iPhone it can help (yet to verify).
4. Auto-assist parking no longer functions. While I would like it to work, it’s not a big one for me as I never use it.

I do want to add that overall I’m very happy with my unit and wouldn’t ever consider pulling it out due to the items above... they are minor compared to the overall improvement to the screen and system.

Thanks again to Ray for his excellent support.

 

jettlag, thanks for posting your review. I really think this Android unit is the best upgrade/modification that I've made to my L405 Range Rover since I've owned it. The 2013-2016 Range Rovers are in serious need of this unit and unfortunately some are missing out on how great it is due to it not being so called perfect. I'm almost sure that if this unit was without flaws then it would cost twice as much if not more.

 

Update: My supplier just informed me that they decided not to produce another cable to enable the automated park assist because it would cost too much. However, he sent me a video on how you should connect the wiring to enable the feature. He said that it is a real simple connection. I don't have the automated park assist so I can't test this to see if it works. Anyone interested in the video, please send me a text and I will forward it to you...

 

Update: Courtesy of forum member pherplexed...

 

I'm checking the car into Landrover on Monday for a Park Sensor disconnect issue. (LR issue, not the Android head) They'll connect the LR computer while I wait to fix. I'm going to ask the techie if it's possible to digitally disconnect the light sensors on the switch packs. No harm in asking. I'll let you know what he says. Everything else in the car is digitally switched. Can't see why that can't be turned off.

 

Does anyone know what all the menu items in the lower half of the Settings page of the AutoPlay app actually do? I've switched them on and off and they seem to do anything as far as I can tell. The Mandarin English may be to blame. I'm sure they must do something.

 

I agree, some of the menu items in the AutoPlay App don't seem to do anything. I'll keep playing around with mine whenever I have time and I will update you guys if I notice anything worth mentioning.

 

Has anyone installed this yet in a 2015 RR Sport and have all or any issues sorted out? Also has anyone updated the cameras (rearview) as well?

 

I have sold a few RR Sport units and I've also installed a unit in a 2015 RR Sport...the RR Sport owners are very pleased with the unit. Forum member Keith2027 posted a review in the L405 forum...I guess he didn't know there was a thread here in the L494 forum. Look for member Keith2027 and read his review...

10.25" Android Screen for Range Rover L405 2013-2016

Hey guys, I've worked out a deal with the company that makes these units so that I can offer them for sale here in the US. I will be keeping inventory stocked with the most popular units. Check out my new website... www.androidaftershock.com

www.rangerovers.net

 

I have one of these great units installed in my RRS and have the wireless Carplay dongle also.

Does anyone know if i need to have bluetooth connected to the android head unit, or can i just connect to the dongle? Or will having it connected only to the dongle not allow the use of the RR mic?

I'm not sure, but I think they may be conflicting each other when trying to connect (but could be wrong).....so any help or advise would be great.

 

I have one of these great units installed in my RRS and have the wireless Carplay dongle also.

Does anyone know if i need to have bluetooth connected to the android head unit, or can i just connect to the dongle? Or will having it connected only to the dongle not allow the use of the RR mic?

I'm not sure, but I think they may be conflicting each other when trying to connect (but could be wrong).....so any help or advise would be great.

Did you purchase your unit from Android Aftershock?

 

Yes Ray.....everything is working great.

Just wondering if I need both bluetooth sources enabled or not?

 

Yes Ray.....everything is working great.

Just wondering if I need both bluetooth sources enabled or not?

I don't use the Android bluetooth at all. The CarPlay dongle has it's own wifi and bluetooth connection and it uses the microphone included with the Android unit. However, I don't recommend using wireless CarPlay because it's not that stable. I always have mine plugged in and it works great. Before iOS 13, I was able to use the Range Rover bluetooth connection along with CarPlay. However, something in iOS 13 changed the call audio routing and it conflicts with CarPlay when trying to make or receive calls. Therefore, I ended up removing the Range Rover bluetooth connection from my iPhone.

 

Thanks very much Ray.

One last question if you don't mind - when putting into reverse the OEM system is very bright (the camera) is there anyway to make this a little dimmer as it's really bright especially when dark.

 

Go to the Android Setup menu and lower the display brightness...I have mine set to 35 all the time now but 25 is even better at night.

 

It’s already set at only 10....but when putting into reverse the OEM system is really bright (camera only) the rest is fine

 

That's interesting...I haven't noticed that with my unit and I'm not sure if anyone else has had this problem. Can you send me a short video of what you're describing? I will forward it to my supplier and see if he has any information regarding that.

 

Thanks for responding. I want be using CarPlay, android user myself. So I will be ordering the current version from you if I decide to keep the vehicle.

 

The current unit seems to run pretty smooth on Android 7.1 as long as you don't have a lot of apps on the system. I've deleted any and all apps that I don't use at and the system runs pretty good. I don't think you will be disappointed in the current unit and software if your just doing the basic stuff like music apps and navigation.

 

Ray once we can get a software update to speed up boot-up time I'm a buyer immediately for my 2015 RR Sport. On a side note, dealer gave me a 2019 Velar as a loaner this week and these new head units are gorgeous! Do you know if there are any plans to make something that replicates these in the near future?

it would also be great to get the main menu screens similar to these.

 

Ray once we can get a software update to speed up boot-up time I'm a buyer immediately for my 2015 RR Sport. On a side note, dealer gave me a 2019 Velar as a loaner this week and these new head units are gorgeous! Do you know if there are any plans to make something that replicates these in the near future?

it would also be great to get the main menu screens similar to these.

View attachment 282537

View attachment 282538

The Android main display screen can be changed in the setup menu by switching the Theme...

 

The CarPlay display screen is an iOS feature...this is enabled by connecting your iPhone to the Android unit using the included CarPlay dongle.

 

Hey All, I've talked to Ray who has been awesome at answering questions and close to taking the plunge. The only other feedback I'm trying to gauge is the (lack of) good auto-dimming - Does anyone have pictures of the unit during the daytime in the sun at the 35 brightness, and then have pictures when set at 35 what that looks like in the dark throughout the car after it dims at night.

Just don't want to have to keep going back and forth to the brightness function, especially given when I go to work it is bright and when I drive to home it is dark - I would hate every time I get into the care to have to adjust.

I look at the picture above and it seems to overwhelm the light in the car.

Thanks,

 

Hey All, I've talked to Ray who has been awesome at answering questions and close to taking the plunge. The only other feedback I'm trying to gauge is the (lack of) good auto-dimming - Does anyone have pictures of the unit during the daytime in the sun at the 35 brightness then what that looks like in the dark throughout the car when it dims at night.

Just don't want to have to keep going back and forth to the brightness function, especially it is usually bright when I drive to work and dark when home - would hate every time I get in to have to adjust.

I look at the picture above at it seems to overwhelm the light in the car.

Thanks,

The pic that I posted above is with the lights off so the screen is the only light that's on in the vehicle. I will try to do a short video or maybe a few better quality pics to show the screen brightness set at 35 with the lights on at night. I will also take a pic to show what the 35 screen brightness looks like during daylight driving.

 

I was about to pull the trigger on one of these and then I noticed the bold text on the retail page that says "No DVD Function". I assume that means for my vehicle with factory DVD player and headrest screens it would no longer work? That's a major deal for me as a parent with two 5 year olds. Is there a workaround or plans to integrate DVD support?

 

The "No DVD Function" refers to the Android unit itself. Your factory DVD player will function the same as it always has and so will the rear seat entertainment screens. To put it real simple, the Android unit just piggy backs off of your factory system. All of your factory functions will remain the same. However, if you have the auto park/park assist feature then you will need to modify one wire on the Android harness to keep that feature.

Here's a short video to show the factory DVD playing with the Android screen installed...

 

Hey guys, I just want to remind you that the discount code 2019w84it will end on 12/31/2019...I have only 6 units remaining in stock for the L494 Sport and my next shipment won't arrive until late January or early February.

I want to thank everyone that has purchased this unit from me and contributed to helping answer questions or giving their reviews on this forum...and I greatly appreciate those that have shown their support by clicking that DONATE NOW button on my website. I'm proud to say that the Range Rover community has helped me start and grow this small business. I'm also really happy that I have been able to help you guys enjoy your Range Rovers even more by bringing this awesome product to the US. Anyone who has a 2013-2016 Range Rover and has not upgraded to this Android unit is truly missing out on something great. I really enjoy hearing the feedback from highly satisfied customers after they have installed it. After having this unit in my own L405 for months, it's weird seeing any 2013-2016 Range Rovers with that outdated factory screen now. Anyway, I really appreciate all the support from you guys and I will always look forward to helping the community the best that I can.

 

Few questions I have for you.
Can a Video from a DVD be played while driving?
Are you able play videos from the unit itself while driving or thru usb from phone?
Thanks

 

Hi all.
In your opinion this Android device :

10.25 Pollici Android 7.1 2 + 32GB di Navigazione GPS Per Auto Bluetooth Multimedia Player per Terra Range Rover 2012- 2016 _ {categoryName} - AliExpress Mobile

10.25 Pollici Android 7.1 2 + 32GB di Navigazione GPS Per Auto Bluetooth Multimedia Player per Terra Range Rover 2012- 2016 di alta qualità con spedizione gratuita in tutto il mondo su AliExpress Mobile

m.it.aliexpress.com

can be installed on my L494-2013/2014?
Many thanks.

 

Hi, these units look amazing but does anyone know what happens when pressing the heated seats button on the HVAC control unit? Does it bring up a control screen when in android?

 

No, it does not bring up the heated seats or HVAC control screen when you have it in Android mode. However, it will bring up the control screen the same as always when you have the screen in OEM mode.

 

And what about the cameras?
There are some ideas to improve the resolution of surrou d cameras?
Is it possible to change them with others that have higher resolution?

 

And what about the cameras?
There are some ideas to improve the resolution of surrou d cameras?
Is it possible to change them with others that have higher resolution?

Your OEM cameras will still work the same with the same resolution. If you want better camera resolution then you will need to add aftermarket cameras with higher quality imaging.

 

I don't really understand what you're asking but if you're referring to only upgrading your OEM cameras then I'm not sure how you will be able to do that with the factory unit. The Android unit is already configured to use the OEM cameras but it also has 2 additional inputs for aftermarket cameras. I don't have a link for you but I'm sure you can find aftermarket cameras if you do a search online. I think someone actually posted a link for an aftermarket camera system just recently so you might find the link on this forum.

 

Many thanks for your reply.
I'll try to explain you better (sorry my bad English).
I've recently change my Discovery Sport MY16.5 with surround cameras with (my dreams) a L494-MY 11/2013 (so I think the first edition) that have the surround cameras.
I've immediately noted that the differences about GUI graphing interface (not very good), poor resolution respect my previous Land Rover and at least but not less important, a worst refreshing when all cameras are activated.
So, does a new 10.25 Android system and a different OEM cameras will make me a jump in all these aspects?

 

Many thanks for your reply.
I'll try to explain you better (sorry my bad English).
I've recently change my Discovery Sport MY16.5 with surround cameras with (my dreams) a L494-MY 11/2013 (so I think the first edition) that have the surround cameras.
I've immediately noted that the differences about GUI graphing interface (not very good), poor resolution respect my previous Land Rover and at least but not less important, a worst refreshing when all cameras are activated.
So, does a new 10.25 Android system and a different OEM cameras will make me a jump in all these aspects?

The Android screen does have much better resolution than the OEM screen so the OEM camera image will look a little better on the Android screen. However, if you're really concerned about camera image then you might still need to add aftermarket cameras. Once again, the Android screen has 2 additional inputs for aftermarket cameras.

 

Ok very good and thank you for your explain.
Then I'll have to decide about wich brands/model in the Amazon's auctions.
There are multiple proposal of different sellers but seems all product are equal eachother.
What do you think?