I could not find a topic specifically on a 2nd gen Highlander or Hybrid Highlander Radio Upgrade to Android base Head units
I have spent a lot of time gathering info on this topic as I purchased my own for my 2008 highlander Hybrid without JBL.
If you have JBL and Nav originally your wiring might be different a bit and you will need canbus harness to my understanding.
there are 2 models of aftermarket OEM fit Head units in the market
Android or WinCE based
WinCE is the old unit and I am not interested in that (i.e. Rosen)
Android based units are now upto android 4.4.4 as of April 2015
they come with 8gb NANd flash
1-1.6ghz CPU
1GB ram
Bluetooth 2+
Radio with RDS support
32GB SD card / USB support
NO support for iphone new connector but the old 30pin ipods are supported as an option on most units
the screen is 8"
resolution is 800x480 base but I got 1024x600 as HD for 20$ more.
there are many many sellers out there almost all are based in China.
the way you categorize these is based on the MCU model number
these units have main CPU called MCU that manages the many different components attached to it so your GPS or Bluettoth does not connect to the android system it connects to the MCU as to the android unit and radio etc
then the MCU manages them
there is thread on XDA that explains it well http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Generic_Android_Head_Unit/MCU_Explained
and here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Generic_Android_Head_Unit
for the highlander I mostly saw 2 options
Mstar MST786 (cedric/Mstar) 1.0 to 1.2 Ghz Cortex-A9 Dual Core processors are found in the units in the Tonghai Create AN-21U Wiki or Thread or [Sion thread].
and
RockChip RK3066 (KGL/KLD/JY/MD/GS/RM) 1.6GHz Cortex A9 Dual-core processors are found in the units in the Hui Fei Wiki or Thread
I ended up getting a Rockchip MCU unit made by Joyous (JY)
the sellers hide the real identity of what they sell usually with their own made up brand so you have to look at the MCU version of the unit in the android >settings> about device page
the MCU firmware can not be changed with another company even if it is the same MCU model ie Rockchip vs Mstar
but the android firmware is interchangable and there is actually custom firmware for the android part on XDA
considering I bought a RK3066 MCU unit I followed this and the forum thread for it http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/HuiFei_Android_Radio
here is a Russian site about this unit http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=557670&st=8140
here is a link to the unit I bought
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...-Highlander-2008-2011/239539_32286625546.html
at the moment my setup comes out to 370$ to 450$ including the expensive fast DHL shipping (you get it in 3-5 days from 7000 miles away)
Here is a link to installation video
Here is a link to how to Tap into your original backup camera and feed it into the big screen from the MDF
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...tory-look-nav-stereo-unit-11.html#post7823553
Harness E11 - pin 2 is reverse
Harness E11 - pin 4 is GND for camera
Harness E11 - pin 2 is Positive for camera
Here is thread on the back up camera disabling on the MDF and keeping it only on the head unit
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/122-2nd-generation-2008-2013/403477-wiring-help-back-up-camera.html
my 2008 Highlander Head unit has 2 Radio antennas, a bigger one and a smaller one but I can only use the bigger antenna in the android Head unit and the small is not used. I do notice that my Radio reception is suffering. now I am wondering if there is a way to integrate both antennas or is it perhaps because I am missing out on a connection perhaps a antenna amp or power connection.. can some one please help me out with that.
some more pics of the Joyous android head I got
http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/lovemytechy/library/Highlander 08/Radio Android Head
you can install almost any android navigation app you like
perhaps Waze while you tether the head unit with your phones internet (I personally think is the best nav app as it has the most current data on map, speed cam, traffic)
but considering the phone tether is not the most convenient most of these units come with igo primo which is very nice, or Sygic or Tomtom.
the maps on these are at least 6-12 months old but will do the job
here is a good forum with experts on nav apps
http://fixmygps.info/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=16
I think Navitotal is another forum on that.
you have google play and can install any app that fits in your free space memory
My Joyous unit does connect to the lighting and dims a bit when the lights are turned on to avoid glare.
the unit buttons can change color to rainbow or any set color you like. not all units can do this.
BC06 Bluettoth module in mine can connect to the OBDII bluetooth module while connected to my phone with no issue
you need to use the external mic on these for phone calls as the internal ones are almost garbage or do not work at all.. so you have to find a place to hand the mic.
the ipod usb cable and the extra USB plug from the back of unit has to be routed somehow into the cabin..
I have not finished installation but when I do I will try to update this post.
Work in progress...
Update September 2015:
we have more members join the club and add the pearls of wisdom here since couple months ago
look at the post #2 for the radio reception discussion.
By now almost all the new units have the Quad Core processor which is RK3188 MCU with 16gb memory.
I have signed up as re-seller for Joyous Head units in USA and should be able to offer you discounts or free upgrades depending on the market PM me before you order from
carjoying.com
the original ROM has only 1GB of partition for apps installation vs Malaysk ROM has 2GB in the current version.
I would recommend Malaysk Custom ROM on XDA forums
Quad Cor: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60591423&postcount=12068
Dual Core: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58249825&postcount=7614
Per Joying Android 5 Lollipop is in development for these head units
find the latest Original ROM for your head unit here http://www.carjoying.com/Joying-blog/12.html
Update October 2015:
1) check this out, the XDA memebers are enhancing the
MTC radio and the
MTC Music app.. cool stuff
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...app-modding-radio-music-movie-kld-jy-t3217197
2) I personally upgraded the SOM in my HU to RK3188, easy process
3 screws to open the metal top of the radio
2 screws to open the old SoM RK3066
plug in the RK3188 and close it up
Boot to recovery and flash the new correct ROM. it is noticably faster and a bit more NAND Flash now.
If anyone need the RK3188 SoM I have them in stock drop me an email.
=================
April 2016 UPDATE
1) JBL HARNESS for Highlander installation
check these posts
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...lation-questions-answers-15.html#post10186505
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-vI0yTw...Interface.html?tp=3486&source=pjn&subid=43737
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...lation-questions-answers-15.html#post10161633
2) Android 5.1 has not been released for our model yet. I will announce when it is release. Do not install the ROM 5 update from other models or you will end up with a bricked head unit.
=================
JUN 2016 UPDATE
Added a link above for removing the back up camera from MDF and having it only on the big screen of the head unit as always thanks to sweenyp.
Malaysk ROM 4.4.4 is still the #1 ROM for our units and updated bi weekly almost.
Malyask also has released mtcB android 5.1 ROM that would work on our head units but needs more work as xposed still not working.
I have spent a lot of time gathering info on this topic as I purchased my own for my 2008 highlander Hybrid without JBL.
If you have JBL and Nav originally your wiring might be different a bit and you will need canbus harness to my understanding.
there are 2 models of aftermarket OEM fit Head units in the market
Android or WinCE based
WinCE is the old unit and I am not interested in that (i.e. Rosen)
Android based units are now upto android 4.4.4 as of April 2015
they come with 8gb NANd flash
1-1.6ghz CPU
1GB ram
Bluetooth 2+
Radio with RDS support
32GB SD card / USB support
NO support for iphone new connector but the old 30pin ipods are supported as an option on most units
the screen is 8"
resolution is 800x480 base but I got 1024x600 as HD for 20$ more.
there are many many sellers out there almost all are based in China.
the way you categorize these is based on the MCU model number
these units have main CPU called MCU that manages the many different components attached to it so your GPS or Bluettoth does not connect to the android system it connects to the MCU as to the android unit and radio etc
then the MCU manages them
there is thread on XDA that explains it well http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Generic_Android_Head_Unit/MCU_Explained
and here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Generic_Android_Head_Unit
for the highlander I mostly saw 2 options
Mstar MST786 (cedric/Mstar) 1.0 to 1.2 Ghz Cortex-A9 Dual Core processors are found in the units in the Tonghai Create AN-21U Wiki or Thread or [Sion thread].
and
RockChip RK3066 (KGL/KLD/JY/MD/GS/RM) 1.6GHz Cortex A9 Dual-core processors are found in the units in the Hui Fei Wiki or Thread
I ended up getting a Rockchip MCU unit made by Joyous (JY)
the sellers hide the real identity of what they sell usually with their own made up brand so you have to look at the MCU version of the unit in the android >settings> about device page
the MCU firmware can not be changed with another company even if it is the same MCU model ie Rockchip vs Mstar
but the android firmware is interchangable and there is actually custom firmware for the android part on XDA
considering I bought a RK3066 MCU unit I followed this and the forum thread for it http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/HuiFei_Android_Radio
here is a Russian site about this unit http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=557670&st=8140
here is a link to the unit I bought
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...-Highlander-2008-2011/239539_32286625546.html
at the moment my setup comes out to 370$ to 450$ including the expensive fast DHL shipping (you get it in 3-5 days from 7000 miles away)
Here is a link to installation video
Here is a link to how to Tap into your original backup camera and feed it into the big screen from the MDF
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...tory-look-nav-stereo-unit-11.html#post7823553
Harness E11 - pin 2 is reverse
Harness E11 - pin 4 is GND for camera
Harness E11 - pin 2 is Positive for camera
Here is thread on the back up camera disabling on the MDF and keeping it only on the head unit
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/122-2nd-generation-2008-2013/403477-wiring-help-back-up-camera.html
my 2008 Highlander Head unit has 2 Radio antennas, a bigger one and a smaller one but I can only use the bigger antenna in the android Head unit and the small is not used. I do notice that my Radio reception is suffering. now I am wondering if there is a way to integrate both antennas or is it perhaps because I am missing out on a connection perhaps a antenna amp or power connection.. can some one please help me out with that.
some more pics of the Joyous android head I got
http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/lovemytechy/library/Highlander 08/Radio Android Head
you can install almost any android navigation app you like
perhaps Waze while you tether the head unit with your phones internet (I personally think is the best nav app as it has the most current data on map, speed cam, traffic)
but considering the phone tether is not the most convenient most of these units come with igo primo which is very nice, or Sygic or Tomtom.
the maps on these are at least 6-12 months old but will do the job
here is a good forum with experts on nav apps
http://fixmygps.info/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=16
I think Navitotal is another forum on that.
you have google play and can install any app that fits in your free space memory
My Joyous unit does connect to the lighting and dims a bit when the lights are turned on to avoid glare.
the unit buttons can change color to rainbow or any set color you like. not all units can do this.
BC06 Bluettoth module in mine can connect to the OBDII bluetooth module while connected to my phone with no issue
you need to use the external mic on these for phone calls as the internal ones are almost garbage or do not work at all.. so you have to find a place to hand the mic.
the ipod usb cable and the extra USB plug from the back of unit has to be routed somehow into the cabin..
I have not finished installation but when I do I will try to update this post.
Work in progress...
Update September 2015:
we have more members join the club and add the pearls of wisdom here since couple months ago
look at the post #2 for the radio reception discussion.
By now almost all the new units have the Quad Core processor which is RK3188 MCU with 16gb memory.
I have signed up as re-seller for Joyous Head units in USA and should be able to offer you discounts or free upgrades depending on the market PM me before you order from
carjoying.com
the original ROM has only 1GB of partition for apps installation vs Malaysk ROM has 2GB in the current version.
I would recommend Malaysk Custom ROM on XDA forums
Quad Cor: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60591423&postcount=12068
Dual Core: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58249825&postcount=7614
Per Joying Android 5 Lollipop is in development for these head units
find the latest Original ROM for your head unit here http://www.carjoying.com/Joying-blog/12.html
Update October 2015:
1) check this out, the XDA memebers are enhancing the
MTC radio and the
MTC Music app.. cool stuff
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...app-modding-radio-music-movie-kld-jy-t3217197
2) I personally upgraded the SOM in my HU to RK3188, easy process
3 screws to open the metal top of the radio
2 screws to open the old SoM RK3066
plug in the RK3188 and close it up
Boot to recovery and flash the new correct ROM. it is noticably faster and a bit more NAND Flash now.
If anyone need the RK3188 SoM I have them in stock drop me an email.
=================
April 2016 UPDATE
1) JBL HARNESS for Highlander installation
check these posts
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...lation-questions-answers-15.html#post10186505
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-vI0yTw...Interface.html?tp=3486&source=pjn&subid=43737
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...lation-questions-answers-15.html#post10161633
2) Android 5.1 has not been released for our model yet. I will announce when it is release. Do not install the ROM 5 update from other models or you will end up with a bricked head unit.
=================
JUN 2016 UPDATE
Added a link above for removing the back up camera from MDF and having it only on the big screen of the head unit as always thanks to sweenyp.
Malaysk ROM 4.4.4 is still the #1 ROM for our units and updated bi weekly almost.
Malyask also has released mtcB android 5.1 ROM that would work on our head units but needs more work as xposed still not working.