If you own the Crown Focus Apple CarPlay, what are your thoughts on it? I have been looking around for a solid Apple CarPlay unit that will work with my 2014 LX 570.
What are your thoughts on the Crown Focus Apple CarPlay? (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter Charlielj
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We got the same questions before we installed their kits. We did not put too much confidence when we place the order to be honest, considering this is a new brand in aussie market but we gave them a try. We placed the order on Tuesday afternoon, received it on Wednesday morning, never imagined it was so quick. We installed it on last Saturday, comes with a QR code for the installation manual which is quite a new style of instruction delivery method. We got a 2013 LX570 I think it should be same head units as 2014, the installation is pretty easy, CrownFocus made the cable sockets ready for LX570 factory head units, unplug the original cable, plug their cable sockets and then plug the original cables into their kits supplied ports. About 4-5 cables sockets then everything gets done Takes us about 1 hour for the installation. When we start the car and paired the phone with bluetooth, we just been amazed by the sounds quality. Tried few other brand stereo system before but never feel their sounds quality is such a fantastic experience. Their system is based on Linux which is perfect, we used few andriod based stereo systems but after couple months using they are all got stuck and very hard to use. Linux system is the awesome choice for car stereo upgrade. Just one thing we are not very sure is about the switch between CrownFocus carplay interface and factory interface, gave Frank a text message on Saturday night, he just replied immediately and our question get solved in 2 mins, thats also we didn't expect for. Over all for the review, it is definately worth, cost less than $1k aud offering plug & play installation plus wonderful after sale service, and 12 months warranty, put new technology into this 11 years old car. I am getting more confidences that we can keep it for another 11 years and longer because of this new factory features add on.
Do they make one for an LC200 ?
Apparently yes, though whether it works with US models I can’t confirm
2009-2014 Toyota Landcruiser LC200 Wireless Apple Carplay & Android Au
CrownFocus 2009-2014 Toyota Landcruiser LC200 wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto integration kits Automatic & Wireless connection working on factory touchable screen, steering wheel control, music skipping, phone mirroring, individual wireless Bluetooth system and variety of system language...
jdmcrownfocus.com.au
I’m curious how it compares to the EC Off-road version that a few people on the forum use?
www.ecvisionsound.com
There are a couple features like OBD2 integration (which presumably might allow me to use OBD Fusion in the EC Off-road version) which are attractive. (BTW if anyone can confirm that functionality I’d love to hear about it)
Interface Module unit to suit Landcruiser 200, Car Play & GPS, Android
Module to Suit Toyota Landcruiser 200 series For Sahara 2013 - 2015 Car Play / GPS INTERFACE MODULE to suit Pre-faceift SAHARA with rear/front/side cameras This Aftermarket module to suit Sahara models 2013-2015, after the facelift in 2012 & before the facelift dash in 2016, unlike the older...
www.ecvisionsound.com
There are a couple features like OBD2 integration (which presumably might allow me to use OBD Fusion in the EC Off-road version) which are attractive. (BTW if anyone can confirm that functionality I’d love to hear about it)
Can you switch back and forth between the native unit for climate control, etc?
Just curious to know if anyone has installed this on an LX570 or LC200 from the US market? Looking to install something like this in my 2015 LX570. I like that it runs on Linux instead of android like so many others. Appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, opinions or experience related to this product.
I'm curious about this one as well. Seems like a better option than the android based ones that seem to break with every update and need to be installed somewhere accessible so you can do frequent reboots.
The mention specifically the sound both on the website and this video which seems really promising. I've heard the Grom isn't always the greatest for the sound.
The mention specifically the sound both on the website and this video which seems really promising. I've heard the Grom isn't always the greatest for the sound.
Anybody know of a north american retailer?
I’ve taken a chance and have purchased. I did an online chat and they asked me to take pics of my stock unit to verify and they came back and said it should be supported, no problem. It should arrive 7-10 days and as soon as I can find the time to install it I’ll let everyone know. Wish us all luck we need this to be a good product
edit: reread the notification and actually it's approximately 10-20 days for shipment arrival. I'll check-in in a month
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I also escaped TX. Also bought this. Will let you know when I receive.
I’ve taken a chance and have purchased. I did an online chat and they asked me to take pics of my stock unit to verify and they came back and said it should be supported, no problem. It should arrive 7-10 days and as soon as I can find the time to install it I’ll let everyone know. Wish us all luck we need this to be a good product
edit: reread the notification and actually it's approximately 10-20 days for shipment arrival. I'll check-in in a month
Sick, please keep us posted! My biggest concern is loss in audio quality and having a lot of bugs (and the need for restarts).
Will do! I have those exact same concerns with any of these aftermarket interfaces or swaps, but what I like about this one (on paper) is that it’s OS is Linux (not android) so I’m hoping stability will be much improved over competition. Also, the few reviews I’ve read have stated the audio quality is great, maybe even improves the stock ML a little - though I’m not sure how that could improve but if it sounds close enough that I can’t tell the difference I’ll be fully stoked. Cheers
Linux all day everyday! I have been hopeful for this device because both in their descriptions and their youtube videos they mention sound quality. Grom/whole screen replacements just talk about random features like being able to download random apps on to your device - I just don't have any desire to play ping pong on my screen while I wait somewhere haha.
I bought the LX to have a relaxed ride that is capable and I don't need to think about things.
**Edit**
Got it all working. My knowledge was the limiting factor. They gave me what I needed plus some extra cables.
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Received and went to install, but the connectors don’t seem to match. Interesting as they took pains to reach out when I made the order and ask for picture of my unit. Maybe they are unfamiliar with USA models.
Got it all working. My knowledge was the limiting factor. They gave me what I needed plus some extra cables.
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Received and went to install, but the connectors don’t seem to match. Interesting as they took pains to reach out when I made the order and ask for picture of my unit. Maybe they are unfamiliar with USA models.
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Pics of their unit and my oem cables.
Supplied cables
My 2020 HE head unit
Back of OEM unit
OEM connectors to head unit
Supplied cables
My 2020 HE head unit
Back of OEM unit
OEM connectors to head unit
These are supposed to connect in to the head unit per the instructions. Just don’t match.
Emailed them and awaiting reply from Aus time.
Emailed them and awaiting reply from Aus time.
I'm sorry to hear this happened to you. Will they let you exchange it for the correct unit? Crown Focus also contacted me shortly after I'd ordered to confirm fitment, which I responded to with several photos of my head unit. I received the correct unit from them a few days-week ago. I just had it installed by a local professional installer here in Atlanta who was doing a bunch of chrome delete and light upgrade work on my LX. It works great - the only issue he had was figuring out how to calibrate the touch screen which after reaching out to the manufacturer via the email comms I had with them verifying my model, I was able to obtain the procedure in an email response within about 30 minutes. The installer is an authorized GROM installer and said the Crown Focus seemed to have a few less features than the Android units but connectivity was simple and fast and the performance seems to be better than the grom units. I only used it on the way home from picking up the LX yday but sfsg. Seems to work well; haven't customized or calibrated to my taste yet. I hope you're able to get yours resolved. It seems to be a good product once installed.
G
Good to know it works for you!
Got reply from Crown Focus support. I guess I need to remove more than I thought. The radio stuff really goes through the CD player unit below the screen, I had not taken all those parts off. The instructions were just a pictogram of the cables and when I asked for instructions they just said simply "it's all plug and play". I'll get back at it tomorrow and see where I get.
Good to know it works for you!
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Could you let me know how goes the audio? I’m most interested in audio and if it has any freezing/issues that require restarts. I have read grom doesn’t sound the best or has a slight lower quality and then there is the numerous freezing issues report
