GROM VLine - Google apps/Android&iPhone integration

[jLB]

I received a pre-release firmware (USB) from Grom, that actually seems to have fixed the "boot loop issue", eliminating the need to pause before starting the car.

Grom seems to be knocking out the bugs, a little at a time.

 

[OregonB]

This thread tracks back to last summer and Grom website still is kinda startup...would you say is it worth the issues to install (05 Lexus lx)? Thanks.

 

[kennethdart]

This thread tracks back to last summer and Grom website still is kinda startup...would you say is it worth the issues to install (05 Lexus lx)? Thanks.

Google "club Lexus grom vline" to read more user experience.

 

[jLB]

This thread tracks back to last summer and Grom website still is kinda startup...would you say is it worth the issues to install (05 Lexus lx)? Thanks.

The physical install was about the same as any the of the other stereo add-ons (Grom/VAIS/USA-Spec) for our vehicles, that emulate a CD/MD/DVD changer. Mine is installed on an 06 LX.

From the threads that I've been following, it seems iPhone users are having a better user experience with the VLine than Android phone users are. As an iPhone user I've gradually moved from the native DashLinQ interface over to the CarPlay interface and have been pleasantly surprised. I saw something about "Android Auto" now being able to be side-loaded, but haven't tried it.

I pre-ordered the VLine in 11/16 at a discount ($299), which felt like an incremental increase over the VAIS SL3B ($229) that it was replacing. When I first installed the unit (late 12/16) it showed lots of promise, but didn't really feel worth the money that I had spent on it. If they've truly got the "boot loop issue" (my biggest bitch) resolved with this latest firmware, it has just become worth every penny that I paid for it. If they continue knocking out the other minor annoyances, I can see how it could be worth the full retail price of $499 in a short period of time.

 

[MastiffDad14]

I'm still waiting for hands free calling, I hope they release the update soon.

 

[jLB]

I'm still waiting for hands free calling, I hope they release the update soon.

I assume that you're looking for a native DashLinQ handsfree app.

Are you using an iPhone or Android phone with the system?

On CarPlay there is a hands free calling feature, but they do need to tune the echo canceler a bit, as the far end gets some degree of their own voice echoing back at them.

I wonder if Android Auto offers a similar hands free feature...
Android Auto APKs - APKMirror

 

[abuck99]

Iphone user. I typically just stream XM sat through my phone via BT. Sometimes it connects seamlessly, then I occasionally get a frozen screen and have to cycle the ignition off and on. I occasionally loose reverse cam function, and occasionally it will show connected but won't stream my blue tooth XM and need to cycle the ignition on/off. Running the latest software. It's not perfect but I was an early adopter and got in at the $299 price. Patiently waiting through updates.

I have the GPS ant. connected, but no app for that. Anyone using that function?

 

[jLB]

I have the GPS ant. connected, but no app for that. Anyone using that function?

I've used the VLine GPS with Waze, Google Maps, Torque, a few offline map apps, and a few GPS test apps. Every app I have tried with the native GPS has been able to get a location, some don't seem able to determine speed, sat count, etc. (I did open a ticket with Grom on the issue) As I have gradually migrated to CarPlay, I've been using the Apple Maps more, and been less dependent on the native GPS unit. The "Hey Siri", "Navigate to ______" has been a too convenient, compared to the others, to ignore.

 

[OregonB]

The physical install was about the same as any the of the other stereo add-ons (Grom/VAIS/USA-Spec) for our vehicles, that emulate a CD/MD/DVD changer. Mine is installed on an 06 LX.

From the threads that I've been following, it seems iPhone users are having a better user experience with the VLine than Android phone users are. As an iPhone user I've gradually moved from the native DashLinQ interface over to the CarPlay interface and have been pleasantly surprised. I saw something about "Android Auto" now being able to be side-loaded, but haven't tried it.

I pre-ordered the VLine in 11/16 at a discount ($299), which felt like an incremental increase over the VAIS SL3B ($229) that it was replacing. When I first installed the unit (late 12/16) it showed lots of promise, but didn't really feel worth the money that I had spent on it. If they've truly got the "boot loop issue" (my biggest bitch) resolved with this latest firmware, it has just become worth every penny that I paid for it. If they continue knocking out the other minor annoyances, I can see how it could be worth the full retail price of $499 in a short period of time.

Thanks much!

 

[abuck99]

As for mounting locations of the Vline- instead of the glove box, I think it could be mounted
in the console space behind the cig lighter. I was in there a couple of weeks ago wiring some switches into the console and found that there might be enough room. You'd have to run USB extensions so you don't have to tear the console apart for updates. Like one of these- Amazon.com: USB Flush Mount Cable – Rerii 1 Meter 3ft Dual USB Extension Flush, Dash, Panel Mount Cable, for Car, Boat, Motorcycle and More: Computers & Accessories

 

[jLB]

It appears that they have released the v10 firmware that fixed my "boot loop" issues on startup

GROM Firmware

 

[charlesrg]

I've updated mine to the latest last weekend. And I was very pleased with Carplay. That makes things so much easier.

 

[charlesrg]

As for mounting locations of the Vline- instead of the glove box, I think it could be mounted
in the console space behind the cig lighter. I was in there a couple of weeks ago wiring some switches into the console and found that there might be enough room. You'd have to run USB extensions so you don't have to tear the console apart for updates. Like one of these- Amazon.com: USB Flush Mount Cable – Rerii 1 Meter 3ft Dual USB Extension Flush, Dash, Panel Mount Cable, for Car, Boat, Motorcycle and More: Computers & Accessories

Are you installing yours there ? If yes please take few pictures too.

 

[MastiffDad14]

I assume that you're looking for a native DashLinQ handsfree app.

Are you using an iPhone or Android phone with the system?

On CarPlay there is a hands free calling feature, but they do need to tune the echo canceler a bit, as the far end gets some degree of their own voice echoing back at them.

I wonder if Android Auto offers a similar hands free feature...
Android Auto APKs - APKMirror

I have an android phone, not sure what they would need to make it work hands free. I don't even care if the calls show up on the Vline screen, but if I have bluetooth enabled for music why can't the calls go through the car as well.

 

[abuck99]

Are you installing yours there ? If yes please take few pictures too.

I am ok with mine mounted in the glovebox at the moment I may move it if I need to recover that space. While I was installing some switches on the center console, I noticed there was a fair amount of room under and just forward of the console.

 

[jLB]

I have an android phone, not sure what they would need to make it work hands free. I don't even care if the calls show up on the Vline screen, but if I have bluetooth enabled for music why can't the calls go through the car as well.

Because the bluetooth profile being used is for streaming audio not handsfree calling.

It might be worth trying side loading the Android Auto referenced above, as it does seem to address the issue:
Android Auto

 

[westwardCruiser]

I've updated mine to the latest last weekend. And I was very pleased with Carplay. That makes things so much easier.

I don't see anything on GROMs website about supporting Carplay, can you explain how that is working? It is a new feature?

I'm also wondering if it is worth the gamble to order one of the newer discounted versions and order an extra wire harness, then try to put the LEX4VL1 firmware on it.

 

[jLB]

I don't see anything on GROMs website about supporting Carplay, can you explain how that is working? It is a new feature?

I'm also wondering if it is worth the gamble to order one of the newer discounted versions and order an extra wire harness, then try to put the LEX4VL1 firmware on it.

It is my understanding, that the CarPlay implementation has not been approved by Apple, but if you do the secret handshake (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) it is made operational in "beta" mode.

From memory, one (or more) of the "interfaces" appear to be modular, which may mean just swapping the firmware may not work.

 

[jLB]

I got bored during a long rain delay at my son's baseball game, and did some fiddling with video on the VLine

Amazon TV - Does seem to work, but the application interface is a bit clunky on the VLine.

Netflix - Doesn't currently work (Error 0013). Netflix workarounds/fixes don't seem to help. Older clients, similar issues.

AirPlay - Seems to work on non-HDCP content, but crashes or errors on streaming Netflix from iPhone to VLine.

KODI - Seems to work but it is obvious from the tiny (and I do mean tiny) text, that they are expecting this to be run on a much larger screen.

Although the VLine documentation mentions that the HDMI-IN port works with a software plugin, I can’t seem to find it and am unable to make the HDMI-IN port work.

CaroO - Currently no VLine support for USB cameras​

 

[LouisianaRubicon]

I read the whole thread but have a few questions. I use an iPhone 6s and use google play to stream music and google maps a lot.

Will this work well for that?

I have unlimited data on my phone, do I have to set up a wifi hotspot or can the vline use the data from my phone directly? (Does this make sense)

My wife uses android, will it be an issue to switch back and forth depending on who drives the 100 that day?

What's the general consensus, is this worth it for an iPhone user?

I'm really looking for plug and play.

Thanks for the help in advance, just bought the LX Saturday.