CarLinkLife 12" Android Screen - '10-'21 (2 Viewers)

[BobTheBrogrammer]

The loss of OEM remote start doesn’t matter much to me since my 2018 remote start is telematics only, which is non functional since they killed the 3g network.

I forgot about phone volume being a factor.
Yeah, sometimes I get my rig, place my phone in the charging cradle and start driving. Can't hear the song, so I hit the steering wheel UP volume. Still quiet, then it hits me, turn up the phones volume! Works every time.
Thanks for bringing that up Clint!

On iOS devices you can set up an automation to automatically max out the phones volume when connecting to a specific bluetooth source. I have mine set up so that whenever it connects to the GX is adjusts the volume and opens my maps app.

Im sure theres a similar thing for android but im not 100% sure since I haven’t touched one in 5 years lol

 

[BobTheBrogrammer]

It appears that Hamilton Motor Company will be selling a similar unit. Same comapny provides the shell as CLL but the Hamilton is doing the programing and wiring in the US. I was about to pull the trigger on the CLL version especially with the 2.0 version but now I'm thinking twice and will wait for Hamilton to release a US version.





Not sure when it will be available but might be worth waiting as it will be specific for the NA market.

Ooh, Im going to be keeping my eye on this one. Glad I haven't really been in a hurry to buy one of these. If im going to spend $1100+ on a head unit Id rather have a U.S contact if/when issues arise. Fingers crossed, Hamilton removes the extra volume knob though because I really don't like having two.

Edit: I just watched the video and I actually really love the idea that they use the oem lexus os in the new display for audio, nav and climate instead of running an android OS over everything. I work as a software engineer and id much rather trust a system that works but has an antiquated UI versus a shiny new UI on android but its kinda hacked into the oem functions. "If it aint broke, dont fix it"

 

[brm98]

Ooh, Im going to be keeping my eye on this one. Glad I haven't really been in a hurry to buy one of these. If im going to spend $1100+ on a head unit Id rather have a U.S contact if/when issues arise. Fingers crossed, Hamilton removes the extra volume knob though because I really don't like having two.

Edit: I just watched the video and I actually really love the idea that they use the oem lexus os in the new display for audio, nav and climate instead of running an android OS over everything. I work as a software engineer and id much rather trust a system that works but has an antiquated UI versus a shiny new UI on android but its kinda hacked into the oem functions. "If it aint broke, dont fix it"

I'm in the same boat. I was 'this' close to ordering the CLL version after Bob's 2.0 update. Seeing the airbag light and back up camera fixes was the last part of the puzzle.

However, if Hamilton can do the programing and wiring in the US for our market, offer US support (not that CLL support was bad, heard good things) and wiring specific to our market would be a huge bonus. I just hope there isn't a "tax" for that US production. Bring it to market under 1K and you will not be able to make them fast enough.

 

[iT4RZ4N]

Ooh, Im going to be keeping my eye on this one. Glad I haven't really been in a hurry to buy one of these. If im going to spend $1100+ on a head unit Id rather have a U.S contact if/when issues arise. Fingers crossed, Hamilton removes the extra volume knob though because I really don't like having two.

Edit: I just watched the video and I actually really love the idea that they use the oem lexus os in the new display for audio, nav and climate instead of running an android OS over everything. I work as a software engineer and id much rather trust a system that works but has an antiquated UI versus a shiny new UI on android but its kinda hacked into the oem functions. "If it aint broke, dont fix it"

Yeah I'm never a fan of the complicated Android UI looking head units. I understand it is very functional but for my vehicle I'd prefer a more simple interface with just the information I need. Not a whole bunch of mostly useless apps.

 

[brm98]

Update from Hamilton:

"Brad,

The screen will be priced slightly less than CarLinkLife. Look out for it to go online in the next week.

Best,

Dave"

Looking forward to making this change!

 

[MrTorgue]

Update from Hamilton:

"Brad,

The screen will be priced slightly less than CarLinkLife. Look out for it to go online in the next week.

Best,

Dave"

Looking forward to making this change!

That's good news, assuming the ones for the 2010-2013 are also cheaper than CLL.

 

[BobTheBrogrammer]

Update from Hamilton:

"Brad,

The screen will be priced slightly less than CarLinkLife. Look out for it to go online in the next week.

Best,

Dave"

Looking forward to making this change!

Oh this is awesome. I was expecting this unit to be priced higher than the CLL product TBH.

I also had a quick exchange with Dave. He didn't answer all my questions but told me that everything will be detailed out when the product releases this week.
I did ask specifically about the volume/tuning knobs and based on his response, it seems like they might either be removing them or making sure they dont operate separately from the OEM knobs. He said they were waiting on some final feedback from the manufacturer, so I'm guessing its a point of concern for them. Heres hoping they dont operate like the CLL ones

That being said, I think I may spring for this when it comes out. They have a 3 year warranty on all their products and a 30 day refund which definitely makes me relax a little.

 

[Acrad]

FYI: Hamilton is now a “paid” Clublexus vendor.

Discussions about Hamilton Motor Co Lexus GX Upgrades for CarPlay® and Android Auto - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - Discussions about Hamilton Motor Co Lexus GX Upgrades for CarPlay? and Android Auto? - We have created this thread to share all updates and answer any questions about Hamilton Motor Company upgrade systems for the 2014-2021 Lexus GX and the 2010-2013 Lexus GX that add...

www.clublexus.com

Hoping they don’t forget the 10-13 owners

 

[MrTorgue]

Hoping they don’t forget the 10-13 owners

Me too.

 

[MeefZah]

The video linked in the Club Lexus Link above looks great. I hate spending money... but man, I will probably do this...

 

[BobTheBrogrammer]

Has anyone seen this yet? Looks like CLL just came out with one suspiciously similar…

 

[MeefZah]

Has anyone seen this yet? Looks like CLL just came out with one suspiciously similar…

I'm sure it's same-same. I highly doubt Hamilton (or CLL, for that matter), make those things. I do find CLL's images suspect - as they appear to be using the Lexus 2022+ factory dash image since the 4wd knob is visible on the right side and it wouldn't be there for pre-22 models.

 

[BobTheBrogrammer]

I'm sure it's same-same. I highly doubt Hamilton (or CLL, for that matter), make those things. I do find CLL's images suspect - as they appear to be using the Lexus 2022+ factory dash image since the 4wd knob is visible on the right side and it wouldn't be there for pre-22 models.

Yeah a big reason I haven’t sprung for any of the CLL stuff is because they’re using the 2022 stack in images and clearly just photoshopping CarPlay or other images onto the displays. Just seems sketch imo.

Hamilton has mentioned that they are working with the same manufacturer, but have given them different specs. Obviously we don’t have the Hamilton unit on sale yet so we have no idea if that’s substantial or not.

 

[MrTorgue]

Yeah a big reason I haven’t sprung for any of the CLL stuff is because they’re using the 2022 stack in images and clearly just photoshopping CarPlay or other images onto the displays. Just seems sketch imo.

Hamilton has mentioned that they are working with the same manufacturer, but have given them different specs. Obviously we don’t have the Hamilton unit on sale yet so we have no idea if that’s substantial or not.

We at least you have GX*Bob's video to go by on the CLL unit. I trust GX*Bob's real world review and experience.

Now Hamilton has to make sure to do a version for 2010-2013's or they'll lose a good deal of potential consumers me included.

 

[thecapedcapper]

Does anyone have a long term review? @Kungpaodog ?

 

[Kungpaodog]

Does anyone have a long term review? @Kungpaodog ?

So far so good. I had to update the Android Auto app on the head unit once so far. I was able to hook up my OBD2 dongle and install Car Scanner so I can set up custom displays for transmission temps, or anything else I want to read.

 

[FishWithChris]

still no word on the Hamilton system? I tagged them in their thread on ClubLexus, but with the CLL dual system avail, pending impacts from tariffs, may order that instead of waiting around on Hamilton

 

[sheptastic]

still no word on the Hamilton system? I tagged them in their thread on ClubLexus, but with the CLL dual system avail, pending impacts from tariffs, may order that instead of waiting around on Hamilton

I’ve been checking regularly, but still not available on Hamilton’s website. When I asked them about timing, they just said “soon”. That was a month or so ago. I’m supposed to be on a list to be emailed when they’re available. They did tell me that the knobs on the bottom left and right would control driver/passenger temp, rather than duplicating the volume and tuning like CLL.

 

[thecapedcapper]

So far so good. I had to update the Android Auto app on the head unit once so far. I was able to hook up my OBD2 dongle and install Car Scanner so I can set up custom displays for transmission temps, or anything else I want to read.

I ended up buying a 2nd hand carlinklife unit for my 200... but the harness is wrong and I've gotten little from support.

 

[knoxcreole]

Update from Hamilton:

"Brad,

The screen will be priced slightly less than CarLinkLife. Look out for it to go online in the next week.

Best,

Dave"

Looking forward to making this change!

That's funny because the newer CLL is $50 cheaper lol