GROM VLine - Google apps/Android&iPhone integration (1 Viewer)

[WaterCruiser]

any thoughts on the potential for upgrading the stock backup camera to a higher res one using the HDMI inputs on the V-LINE?

I'm not too familiar with the aftermarket backup camera scene- are there replacements that would fit nicely in the stock location and provide a clearer picture? or is the resolution more limited by the display itself, and not necessarily the stock camera?

the OEM multi-function screen resolution in the '04 LX470 is probably not capable of displaying native 1900x1200 HDMI resolution (nor the recent HDMI 1.3 standard, 2560x1600); if the VLINE could handle the full HDMI input, it would have to down-convert to whatever the screen could display since the OEM Nav system is unlikely to incorporate this. Check the VLINE specs when they come out - there may likely be limitations on what type of camera/video input would work - I'd bet they would be the same as the OEM backup camera

 

[shibubba]

Correct, it is not available on the retail version at this time. It is only available if you are a beta-tester.

I guess I'd be worried that apple would deny grom from using Carplay. Android less likely to deny as they are a lot more open source based.

 

[jLB]

any thoughts on the potential for upgrading the stock backup camera to a higher res one using the HDMI inputs on the V-LINE?

I'm not too familiar with the aftermarket backup camera scene- are there replacements that would fit nicely in the stock location and provide a clearer picture? or is the resolution more limited by the display itself, and not necessarily the stock camera?

If I remember correctly the MFD (nav screen) is fairly low resolution, and you are probably going to gain little to nothing.

I have to ask, even if it were possible, what exactly you would gain going higher resolution?

Factory backup cam: "Some kid left a bicycle behind my car."
HD backup cam: "Some kid left a burnt orange, 17spd, mountain bike with slightly out of round wheels and a kryptonite lock behind my car."

Factory backup cam: "I'm about to hit that 80 series behind me with the bull bar, I better pull forward now."
HD backup cam: "I'm about to hit that 1997 80 series in a non factory dark green metallic, with a rusty TJM bullbar, come up winch, fake ARB intensity lights and a license plate of "XYZ123" that's behind me, (what's his mud handle again?), I better pull forward now."​

 

[GXLee]

I guess I'd be worried that apple would deny grom from using Carplay. Android less likely to deny as they are a lot more open source based.

Good point, but I imagine it comes down to licensing as Apple has licensed other aftermarket stereos to use CarPlay. And with a billion iPhones sold GROM is likely to make their money back after paying the licensing fees.

 

[cwininger]

I have to ask, even if it were possible, what exactly you would gain going higher resolution?

Factory backup cam: "Some kid left a bicycle behind my car."
HD backup cam: "Some kid left a burnt orange, 17spd, mountain bike with slightly out of round wheels and a kryptonite lock behind my car."
​

I guess if I could see a little clearer then I would enjoy it. That's all.

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

For those who have it, how is the Android app support and additions? How does Google Play work for adding apps?

I have the UltraGauge Blue and it would be sweet to add the UltraGauge app to the Vline

 

[bamabrock]

Android Auto now works on your phone independently of a stereo. It will automatically activate when it connects to the factory bluetooth.

Android Auto - Android Apps on Google Play

 

[deanfun]

I pulled the trigger on a gen4 setup for my '07 LX. They aren't shipping until the beginning of December... will post up my thoughts once it's here.

 

[Schmidty]

I just did the same for my '05 LX. The promo price was to good not to give it a try.

 

[bozncsurf]

I just did the same for my '05 LX. The promo price was to good not to give it a try.

Can you post a link to the purchase site? I did Google but no luck - just the beta testing site. Thanks.

 

[deanfun]

You can get there by putting in your vehicle info on the GROM homepage. Or...
GROM-VL1-LEX

 

[abuck99]

What is the concensus on the best place to mount the V-line box?

 

[MastiffDad14]

Just ordered mine, ill post up my impressions when I get it installed.
Shipping beginning of December as others have stated.

 

[FJC]

Forgive me if this is an ignorant question but....

I have a 2003 LC that does not have factory Bluetooth, so no hands free calling. If I buy this and CarPlay is never approved would this turn into a expensive way just to stream music wirelessly? I know it allows more things but right now my main focus is phone calls thru the system

As I'm reading the thread and the product info in its current specs (without CarPlay) this would not allow me to make hands free calls through the system. If CarPlay is approved then I could make calls? I'm an iPhone user, so android auto I don't think would help me in this respect.

Am I correct in my assumptions? Someone please tell me I'm wrong.

 

[jLB]

Forgive me if this is an ignorant question but....

I have a 2003 LC that does not have factory Bluetooth, so no hands free calling. If I buy this and CarPlay is never approved would this turn into a expensive way just to stream music wirelessly? I know it allows more things but right now my main focus is phone calls thru the system

As I'm reading the thread and the product info in its current specs (without CarPlay) this would not allow me to make hands free calls through the system. If CarPlay is approved then I could make calls? I'm an iPhone user, so android auto I don't think would help me in this respect.

Am I correct in my assumptions? Someone please tell me I'm wrong.

Considering that the units that work in the 100 series are not yet shipping, and the beta versions, that are out there, have software that may or may not be in the production versions, I doubt that anyone, other than GROM, is going to be able to verify your assumptions.

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

Bades on the install/owners manual, it currently states that the BT will only stream music. Will that change? Probably. I would guess phone will be a CarPlay/app until the software/firmware advances.

If you want music and phone and dont care as much or the integration piece, go with one of the straight BT/USB models.

 

[FJC]

I had emailed Grom and they actually replied very timely and I just found Grom's reply in my junk mail. It currently won't do the phone calls....they are working on it, but no timeline. This was specific to iPhone.

 

[deanfun]

GROM appears to be very active on this club lexus thread... replying in the thread to questions:
anyone getting the grom vline? - Club Lexus Forums

 

[jLB]

Making my "leap of faith" and pre-ordering one as a Christmas present for myself. Worst case, I can always fall back to the current VAIS SL3B.

 

[abuck99]

I also pre-ordered one yesterday. Seems like a good price for the amount of technology it opens the door to. We will see...... Now I am forced to fix my speakers.