[roberth]

I have a 2018 Boxster GTS (no factory Nav). I'm eager to add Android Auto to my vehicle, and have come across this kit out of Australia that I'm strongly considering purchasing.

https://www.naviplus.online/online-store/Porsche-PCM-4-0-Integrated-Apple-CarPlay-%26-Android-Auto-Upgrade-Package-p110423158

It appears to plug right into the PCM 4.0 bus, hence no "rip apart the PCM head unit" mods like on the PCM3.x units. It's basically a (1) video module kit for the PCM4.0 bus, (2) Android Auto / CarPlay module that plugs into #1, and (3) wiring harness. I've had several questions with the company out of Melboure that sells it - and they have been intelligent responses.

Price is pretty decent (1070 AUS to US, including shipping - so around $750 USD). Would love to hear if anyone else have any experience with integrating this into their Porsche before I pull the trigger.

Their Facebook page has a lot of videos of this setup in a variety of cars - but didn't run across one on Porsche.

 

[don]

I think Android Auto is a great idea but I'd be interested in hearing how easy the install is with this kit?

Is it not the same as this add-on module? Still a bit of work to get it running:

Android Module Added

Ordered this module from Korea around Thanksgiving. Between my trips and ordering extra parts, I finally had time to install it the past weekend. I only just really used it today, so photos are very limited. I am only plan to run Waze and JBV1 on it for now. I will provide a better review in...

www.718forum.com

 

[don]

There is also the sdk auto kit which quite a few people have used that I believe works well. Not sure if it is any different?

Porsche PCM Upgrade/Hack for Android Auto? Is this real? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

991 - Porsche PCM Upgrade/Hack for Android Auto? Is this real? - Is this real? Is it a hack or PCM upgrade? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=krw_g7x5MYQ&feature=youtu.be

rennlist.com

http://www.sdkautos.com/

I suspect all of these kits are using the same hardware?

 

[roberth]

There is also the sdk auto kit which quite a few people have used that I believe works well. Not sure if it is any different?

Porsche PCM Upgrade/Hack for Android Auto? Is this real? - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

991 - Porsche PCM Upgrade/Hack for Android Auto? Is this real? - Is this real? Is it a hack or PCM upgrade? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=krw_g7x5MYQ&feature=youtu.be

rennlist.com

http://www.sdkautos.com/

I suspect all of these kits are using the same hardware?

The difference in the SDK kit and NaviPlus is that SDK is basically an small PC that runs an old version of Android as a standalone device. Since it's old version of Android, it'll get pretty stale pretty quickly.

By comparison, the Naviplus kit is simply a client for Android Auto - and Android Auto runs on your phone (hence always stays current)

 

[don]

The difference in the SDK kit and NaviPlus is that SDK is basically an small PC that runs an old version of Android as a standalone device. Since it's old version of Android, it'll get pretty stale pretty quickly.

By comparison, the Naviplus kit is simply a client for Android Auto - and Android Auto runs on your phone (hence always stays current)

Ok that makes sense. I'm assuming the ROiK unit from Korea is also stand alone.

Do you know if you can run a split screen on the Naviplus kit to run two apps? Otherwise it does seem like the Android client could be a better option. Hopefully you someone can try it on their Porsche and review.

 

[roberth]

Ok that makes sense. I'm assuming the ROiK unit from Korea is also stand alone.

Do you know if you can run a split screen on the Naviplus kit to run two apps? Otherwise it does seem like the Android client could be a better option. Hopefully you someone can try it on their Porsche and review.

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't do split screen since that's not a feature of the new AA. That said, the new AA (the version that was released about 2 mos ago) has that little section at the bottom that has the controls for the secondary app. Example, if I'm navigating with a map but listening to a podcast, the podcast controls are at the bottom.

 

[Westcoaster]

I will start by saying that I do not (as yet) have a 718 but when it arrives one of my first mods will be to either add Android Auto or standalone Android OS to the PCM! I am so disappointed that Porsche won't let me check yet another option box and give them even more money to get AA which just about every other manufacturer includes for free!

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't do split screen since that's not a feature of the new AA. That said, the new AA (the version that was released about 2 mos ago) has that little section at the bottom that has the controls for the secondary app. Example, if I'm navigating with a map but listening to a podcast, the podcast controls are at the bottom.

Agreed, I have the update version of AA included in the Infotainment system on my 2018 GMC and there is no split screen available, since this vehicle is now my daily driver I have had a good amount of time to play with AA, it would be very welcome in the Porsche.

Ok that makes sense. I'm assuming the ROiK unit from Korea is also stand alone.

Do you know if you can run a split screen on the Naviplus kit to run two apps? Otherwise it does seem like the Android client could be a better option. Hopefully you someone can try it on their Porsche and review.

The ROik unit from KAP looks to be a great option (albeit currently at Android OS 7), the full functionality of what would be a tablet on the dash for all things Android can provide including internet, music and Navigation would be perfect. The SDK offered version is pretty much identical to the ROik unit but he offers support as well.

What I find very interesting is that PCM 4 appears to support Android Auto, and it would seem that Porsche has simply chosen not to offer it at this time. Remember that even Car Play is an option that they (the factory) can enable at build time, for a price of course!

 

[don]

I must admit I have been using Android 7.1.1 for a long time which was fine and only just bought a new phone the other week which has 9.0.

I'm often running at least 3 apps at once on two phones so I'd probably be leaning towards a system that can offer split screen as long as it is stable and reliable. It would be great to get rid of one phone or two to free up some air vents!

I have seen the SDK system running split screen as follows which would be handy:

My Android PCM mod

This is my project to add full Android to my 2017 Macan PCM While I used the SDK Autos kit to do the project, I have learned this isn't the only way to do it. I wouldn’t say I had the greatest experience with SDK. Once I received my unit, I never heard from them again after trying to contact...

www.macanforum.com

 

[SonicSid]

Ok, things are getting REALLY interesting here... In the link @don gave in post #3, there is apparently a way to simply enable AA on the PCM4 unit. No additional hardware is needed. AA is already installed and available on our PCM4, it just needs to be enabled...
Specifically, the fun starts at post #84 https://rennlist.com/forums/991/104...android-auto-is-this-real-6.html#post16020558

The steps listed by Chris2 are clear to me, but I work with embedded systems and firmware for my day job. Looking at the prerequisites to perform this mod, I have everything already. The repos Chris2 listed in his instructions have been pulled, but looks like others forked them so they haven't been lost. Google "PorschePCMStuff" for other repo mirrors.
My biggest concern is Chris2's instructions were for a 991 model. How different is the PCM4 firmware between the 991 and 982 models?

This is looking like a very interesting holiday project! Any other hackers interested in playing too?

 

[Westcoaster]

Ok, things are getting REALLY interesting here... In the link @don gave in post #3, there is apparently a way to simply enable AA on the PCM4 unit. No additional hardware is needed. AA is already installed and available on our PCM4, it just needs to be enabled...
Specifically, the fun starts at post #84 https://rennlist.com/forums/991/104...android-auto-is-this-real-6.html#post16020558

The steps listed by Chris2 are clear to me, but I work with embedded systems and firmware for my day job. Looking at the prerequisites to perform this mod, I have everything already. The repos Chris2 listed in his instructions have been pulled, but looks like others forked them so they haven't been lost. Google "PorschePCMStuff" for other repo mirrors.
My biggest concern is Chris2's instructions were for a 991 model. How different is the PCM4 firmware between the 991 and 982 models?

This is looking like a very interesting holiday project! Any other hackers interested in playing too?

Although not a programmer of any sort I do work with systems like this and can follow along quite well. The PCM system is made for Porsche, or at least to their specs by Harmon in Europe I believe, and it doesn't surprise me that the firmware for Android Auto can be enabled on the PCM. As for differences between the 991 and 982 versions I suspect that they would be centered around any parts of the firmware that are 991 specific and that the Infotainment sections were identical. My concern would be that you cannot let the dealer perform a firmware update on the PCM as it would wipe out the changes.

As much as I would prefer a full implementation like the MiB2 box provides, this route does have its advantages of simplicity, and has been said before, the AA check box on the configurator would made all of this a moot point. The advantage of the MiB2 box is that you don't actually break anything open from either a hardward or software perspective therefore the warranty should stay intact.

So @SonicSid keep us posted should you decide to forge ahead I am sure that I am not the only one interested!

 

[jimmuller]

The PCM system is made for Porsche, or at least to their specs by Harmon in Europe I believe,

I should have guessed. Ii might actually carry some code I helped develop! But probably not.

More to the point, how does one find which version of the PCM the car has?

 

[Westcoaster]

I should have guessed. Ii might actually carry some code I helped develop! But probably not.

More to the point, how does one find which version of the PCM the car has?

Jim, I can't quite tell from your Avatar picture but I would say that you have a 2017+ 718 if yes then it is PCM hardware version 4.0

 

[SonicSid]

I descended into this PCM4 technical detail rabbit hole til 2am last night as it was very informative for what we'd like to do here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1142493-retrofitting-pcm4-in-a-991-1-a-4.html

 

[Westcoaster]

I descended into this PCM4 technical detail rabbit hole til 2am last night as it was very informative for what we'd like to do here:
https://rennlist.com/forums/991/1142493-retrofitting-pcm4-in-a-991-1-a-4.html

Yep, a lot of work too! I don't think there will be many who will try this at home!

 

[jimmuller]

Jim, I can't quite tell from your Avatar picture but I would say that you have a 2017+ 718 if yes then it is PCM hardware version 4.0

Thank you. It is a 2018. The PCM version number really doesn't matter much, as it does what it does and I don't plan to modify it. But knowing the number does provide context for this kind of discussion.

 

[Westcoaster]

Thank you. It is a 2018. The PCM version number really doesn't matter much, as it does what it does and I don't plan to modify it. But knowing the number does provide context for this kind of discussion.

No worries...

When I get my car I really want Android connectivity of some sort, if it were simply that check box on the option sheet for me it would be a no brainer, but I won't be patching or rewriting the code in the PCM to get it! I am actively investigating the add on standalone Android option, this simply piggy backs on the PCM screen an CANBUS to give you access to what would be essentially an Android tablet via the PCM screen, and because these are simply external connections to the PCM there is almost zero danger of damage to the car or the PCM with the added benefit of being completely removable at any time.

 

[roberth]

I've decided to pull the trigger on the Naviplus module (black friday special!) to add Android Auto. I'll post photos of the install and a video of the unit in operation. It's shipping from Australia, so likely wont have installed until Christmas.

 

[DriveInHouston]

Keep us posted, remember to take a lot of photos during installation.

Good luck!

 

[Westcoaster]

I've decided to pull the trigger on the Naviplus module (black friday special!) to add Android Auto. I'll post photos of the install and a video of the unit in operation. It's shipping from Australia, so likely wont have installed until Christmas.

Cool, so if you don't mind me asking, why this over the ROiK external box? Also is your car (PCM) off warranty?

 

[roberth]

Cool, so if you don't mind me asking, why this over the ROiK external box? Also is your car (PCM) off warranty?

Car (and PCM) is still under warranty - one of the reasons why I was looking for a unit that simply plugged into the PCM bus vs requiring a mod to the head unit.

On the question of why this vs the ROIK unit. Three big reasons:
(1) I am a fan of the Android Auto interface. Moreover, it's in our other 2 cars so nice to have the consistency across vehicles (e.g. for my other family members)
(2) I'm leary of having a unit that's stranded on an old version on Android. At some point, that risks obsolescense. I think the ROIK is on Andrioid v7, so already three major versions behind.
(3) Using the stripped down AA interface will give me fewer reasons to be a distracted driver. Sounds corney, but it's true.

Unit arrives tomorrow. That was REALLY fast shipping from Australia to California.