Lexus Carplay Upgrade 4 Month Review and Tips

Lexus Carplay Upgrade 4 Month Review and Tips
Link to installation video: • Lexus Apple CarPlay & ...
Links to the Carplay / Android Auto unit:
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* Have used it for 4 months and thousands of miles,
* on local, high-way, and out of state trips.
* Family members who like and don't like technology.
* Overall, very positive experiences.
Tips and Settings
Correction first:
* Don't stick the Antenna to metal as there can be interference.
- The manual says that but I ignored it in my installation (not correct).
- Practically, I haven't noticed a problem and it may impact some of your installation/connections.
Tips:
1. AUX on the dash and wheel control; no need to long press Menu to switch back to the original Lexus infortainment.
2. Remote lever/touchpad setting, e.g. remote lever
3. Phone audio echo/loop (for the other party): change Mic Pre-config for IS or LX.
Connection
1. Bluetooth and Wifi on, occassionally reconnect.
2. USB: charger and wired carplay, always works; but may have to give permission.
* USB cable does not affect opening or closing of the glove box.
3. Multiple devices, automatically connect to one; USB wired connection is picked up first.
Control
1. On remote lever or joystick, make sure the setting is correct.
2. Left and right (most used) for horizontal and vertical navigation.
3. Up and down (rarely used) to FAST vertical scroll.
4. This is one feature I don't fully appreciate, but it works.
Key Features
SIRI
1. SIRI is the lifesaver, especially on the trip.
2. You can access almost everything available to Carplay via Siri.
3. Long press Remote Lever, Touch Pad or one of the Enter keys.
4. Lexus Voice Assistant on wheel remains the same, and cannnot be used to activate Siri.
Phone Calls
1. Again, use Siri to make phone calls or read messages, etc.
2. Good news: On-wheel buttons to receive and reject (hang up) calls WORK!
* Use them to receive/reject incoming calls
* Or to activate the phone/contact page on Carplay.
3. You can still use Remote or Phone to look up and make calls.
Maps and Modes
1. Google Maps and Apple Maps both work nicely.
2. Apple Maps works seamlessly with Siri
* There appears to be a way to activate Google Maps from Siri but I haven't figured that out.
3. I use TuneIn radio while on Maps:
* Full Maps or split with Maps and Now Playing
* Automatically mute/reduce the volume on radio, when there is voice guidance or incoming call.
* Sound quality is great! Though I normally only listen to talk show radio and can be biased.
4. Alternatively, with on-wheel control, you can easily (manually) switch to other media sources, e.g. AM/FM.
Long Term and Long Trips
* Overheat? No problem with mine. But some people place the unit in the glove box.
* It is in the radio unit on the AC passage.
* On the road, Siri is handy, receive calls on the wheel, and other carplay control (brief) on the remote (right-hand side).
Android Auto
1. Downloaded Autolink (third-party app) but that was not working/used.
2. Use the built-in Android Auto (on Android One device).
3. Tested USB and WiredAuto, worked fine.
4. Likewise to activate Hey Google/Assistant, by long press Remote Lever, Touch Pad or Enter.
5. Didn't use Android Auto extensively; tested it with an outdated Android One phone and Maps with offline (downloaded) data.
Different Configurations
* Wiring can be different depending on your model and configuration. Make sure to check and get support from the seller.
* For example, for some models, there is an additional Audio Ground Wire to be connected separately.
* Some people reported having to update firmware on the carplay unit.
* It supports 360 cameras, either original Lexus cameras or aftermarket ones. But I haven't tested it as this is not part of my model/configuration.
Things to Know
1. Installation can be tricky, and wiring varies on configurations.
2. Remote lever is not the best control but works just fine.
3. On-wheel buttons are not fully utilized, only the two phone-related buttons. Would be good to use other buttons such as arrow keys to navigate the carplay system.
4. If you have to use other audio sources such as AM/FM or other bluetooth audio input, you won't be able to have AUX and audio from carplay at the same time. Unlike the original Lexus infotainment, which can give your voice guidance regardless of your audio mode.
Overall, my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive so far.
God bless!