Yep. Using the "Hey Siri" method through the VLine mic has worked fairly well for me.
GROM VLine - Google apps/Android&iPhone integration (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter therealdutch
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Yep. Using the "Hey Siri" method through the VLine mic has worked fairly well for me.
prospeed
Supporting Vendor
Hi guys I just got the vline and wondering how do I access the apple CarPlay feature? Do I need to download a beta firmware? Thanks
Look towards the bottom of this page for the secret CarPlay handshake:
GROM VLine - Google apps/Android&iPhone integration
GROM VLine - Google apps/Android&iPhone integration
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From GROM update email:
New OTA 2.0.1 for VLine is ready for you to enjoy.
Let us have some of your precious time to explain this update and what to expect in the future.
What's new?
How to apply and what is involved?
Let us have some of your precious time to explain this update and what to expect in the future.
What's new?
- We have improved loading time, removed some redundant code and services.
- We have added OTA firmware update for main board (Vbase). No need to use USB stick from now on.
- Instant on for up to 2 hours after ignition is off.
- More reliable audio experience in all plugins.
How to apply and what is involved?
- We recommend the following sequence for update:
- Update your VBase software first. Here is the page to download and apply the firmware via USB stick:
- http://gromaudio.com/software-vl1.html Make sure to apply the firmware that is compatible with your car! If in doubt, chat with our specialists.
- After next boot, go ahead and connect VLine via WiFI and go to Settings -> About device -> Vline system updates -> Check for update
- It will download around 180MB file and will restart the system to apply. If you do not see the screen during that time, it is fine, simply wait for up to 15 minutes, and keep your ignition on.
- After update is done you should be ready to roll again
- You might not see the loading time improve much at first. It will get better over time though!
- We have scheduled next update in late June 2017
- Our new update will come with improved UI/UX, suited for non touchscreen users and will not require swipes
- Presets screen. Will allow to attach any station, folder, playlist from any plugin directly to home screen button for fast access.
- Spotify with offline playback
- SoundCloud and Youtube with offline playback
- Better integration with Google Maps
- Improved voice search for locations/POIs (points of interest)
- Improved voice search for music
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Has anyone installed the latest firmware version 12? I installed the new firmware and the latest OTA updates and it broke my Vline. I have since reverted back to version 10 FW, but it doesn't seem compatible with the latest OTA updates. Half the time I start my car the Vline is not recognized or my screen doesn't work. I've corresponded with Grom and they either don't respond or send me the wrong firmware. I have been a big supporter of Grom and was a beta tester when they introduced Vline.
Sorry for the rant, but wanted to share before anyone else is planning to update their firmware to version 12.
Sorry for the rant, but wanted to share before anyone else is planning to update their firmware to version 12.
After the latest firmware/software update, I noticed bluetooth connectivity issues with A2DP, and have been using only CarPlay until they can get the issue resolved. I did submit a ticket about the issue and they seemed well aware of the problem, but did not have an ETA on the fix.
Is this the same issue that caused you to try and revert to the V10 firmware?
I upgraded to the latest version of both OTA and firmware. The previous version was good to go as soon as I turned the key. This version is more random in its start up behavior, and I usually have push the disc button to wake it up; and when I do that the screen reverts to the NAV permission screen instead of going directly to the last app I was using. Also BT connectivity needs a push once & a while to get it to connect. I dont use apple car play too much; I stream Sirius via BT from my iPhone, and I have a 128gig thumb drive full of music that I listen with. I wish the music library search function was a little easier to work with. I had considered a using mini-BT keyboard as a more/better typing interface.
I prefer it when it starts at the "NAV permission screen", because it means that the reverse camera is going to work without having to press "Disc" before shifting into reverse. I found that "Audio" switches back to the VLine (sometimes you have to press "Audio" a second time to switch from the OEM CD/MD display of the VLine to the native VLine display).
My issue was the vline wasn't recognized every other time I started the car and the display would no longer work until I power cycled the vline by unplugging the cables. I rely on my backup camera in tight parking spaces, so it was a big inconvenience to unplug the cables from the vline to make the display work again. I'm still having problems with version 10 firmware, but at least the display doesn't turn off when the vline isn't recognized.
I also have to switch to the nav permission screen if I want the backup camera to work. It's a puzzle trying to get this thing to work properly every time I start the car. Carplay works good when it works, but I'm thinking about going back to bluetooth or a usb connection.
I'm still over here waiting for hands free calling using Android phones.
Any updates on this guys? Been watching and trying to decide if this is money I want to spend...
Thanks
Daisy
Thanks
Daisy
Over the last 7-8 months, they have fixed most of the major issues (reboot loops and crashes).
Overall, I'm still enjoying mine.
I started off primarily using the A2DP (music over bluetooth) much like the VAIS SLB3 that it replaced. I also played around a bit with some of the "web radio" stations. A few months in, I kind of evolved into using the CarPlay interface. I just recently setup a Spotify premium account and have been using the "native" Spotify application more and more.
I wouldn't give mine up, but I wouldn't install it in a vehicle for one of my family members either, as there are still some little quirks in the system.
Some examples off of the top of my head:
Overall, I'm still enjoying mine.
I started off primarily using the A2DP (music over bluetooth) much like the VAIS SLB3 that it replaced. I also played around a bit with some of the "web radio" stations. A few months in, I kind of evolved into using the CarPlay interface. I just recently setup a Spotify premium account and have been using the "native" Spotify application more and more.
I wouldn't give mine up, but I wouldn't install it in a vehicle for one of my family members either, as there are still some little quirks in the system.
Some examples off of the top of my head:
- The reverse camera doesn't work every time, but there is a workaround when it doesn't work (Press "disc" [to change to the OEM disc changer] before placing the vehicle in "reverse").
- Bluetooth A2DP is broken in the most recent software. (Allegedly they are working to fix this)
- Making voice calls through CarPlay have a nasty echo. (Allegedly they are working to fix this)
- HDMI input listed in the manual, isn't functional (yet)
- Certain apps, downloaded from the app store, don't seem to run correctly (Netflix for instance).
- Occasionally it starts up (CarPlay) with a distorted display. If you can press where the buttons are supposed to be, you can exit and return which will fix the display.
- Don't login to spotify with a free account (it won't work anyway), or you'll have to reset the system to add a premium account (which does seem to work just fine)
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JLB,
Thanks for the update! I am willing to deal with some growing pains, that's part of being an early adopter.
The issues you listed seem to be something that can be dealt with.
Appreciate the feedback!
Daisy
Thanks for the update! I am willing to deal with some growing pains, that's part of being an early adopter.
The issues you listed seem to be something that can be dealt with.
Appreciate the feedback!
Daisy
Kudos to you for your patience. I wouldn't want to deal with those kind of hassles. I would just install this instead
Select Toyota Scion Lexus 02-12 Bluetooth Hands Free Car Adapter Kit
and just get a cheap tablet to do everything else, or just my use spare Nexus 6 phone.
Maybe, but in my case, the VLine replaced a Vaistech SL3B. In the early days, I would pull the cable to the VLine and fall back to the SL3B when I got fed up with the VLine. At its current level of functionality, I would be extremely disappointed to have to fall back to a simple Bluetooth adapter. For example Waze/Google maps/Apple maps on the phone/tablet, with the sound piped through the speakers, is vastly different that running it on the VLine natively or through CarPlay with the display on the MFD. Having Torque on the MFD vs looking at a tablet or phone is another example. Where would I mount or store the phone/tablet? Is it going to be an attractive nuisance for someone to break out a window when parked?
Then again, I've spent the last ~35 years working in IT, diagnosing and resolving technical issues. The reason for my caveat in my earlier post that "I wouldn't install it in a family member's vehicle.", is that some people just don't have the patience/personality to deal with these types of issues. Don't interpret my previous post to mean nothing works. Most functions do work, but it is not perfect. As I encounter issues, I put it on my list and open a ticket with GROM. If GROM wasn't making progress on fixing the issues, I would have yanked it out and sent it back a long time ago. If you're expecting OEM quality/reliability, it's not there yet, but if they continue resolving issues at the current rate, it will be much closer by Christmas.
