Phoenix Android Audio retains Sync 3

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Guy

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I wanted to share.

Phoenix Android Audio has a new 12.1 inch tablet screen coming out that will replace the factory screen but not the sync 3 brain. It retains hardware ac controls as well as ALL of the original sync features including the voice commands and remote start by ford pass. Further, the sync 3 brain GUI is viewable right on the new screen.

Additionally, satellite radio is retained. Essentially what you are getting is a new bezel and a new screen to display your sync 3 along with the feature set of an android tablet.

This may actually be a pretty slick and viable option. Installation appears simple without having to Frankenstein the stock parts as well. It eliminates all those weird looking physical buttons just under the sync 3 screen that no one uses.

I don’t have a link handy but you can find it on their site for preorder.

UPDATE 3/22/19 — TXBRIAN

The unit:
https://www.phoenixautomotiveinc.co...on-radio-for-ford-f-150-f-250-f-350-2015-2019

Use code raptor10 for 10%

Phoenix Install Video:


Tools needed:
You need a Torx 10, 7mm socket with extension and two Phillips head (#2 and a small phillips)

Firmware Update:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ubh6eqqhxy7rl8b/AAAJrP7oSam-6v0PwVj6GU6Ya?dl=0



Adjust Screen Frequency/Refresh:
Go to settings
System info. Press and hold on the middle of the screen.
Enter code 7890.
Then under system settings. Scroll down until you see screen frequency. Change to high.
Save and reboot.

Adjust Screen Rendering:
Force GPU render and disable hardware overlay or or whatever it’s called in the same spot under dev options.

How to Change Boot Up Screen:
https://phoenixautomotivellc.freshd...e-boot-up-screen-on-android-tesla-style-unit-
 
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Sick03SVT

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Excuse my ignorance, but what would this offer over the B&O system that came in the 802? I read in the other thread where the 4.2" was replaced and I can understand why that might want to be done. Just curious what this might has to offer (besides the monster display) that I don't already have.
 
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Guy

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I have an 802 as well.

You’re getting everything you had stock plus an android tablet. You’re eliminating the ugliest part of the interior. You’re gaining features and upgrading the aesthetics.

I don’t own one. I don’t know how well it’ll work with the sync 3 system but this is the first tablet solution I’ve seen that makes sense. Eliminating the sync 3 system has shown to come out as a bad idea with features lost.
 

max_Raptor

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The top row of buttons is deleted?

The "start/stop, traction control, camera, etc."


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

dhmcfadin

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Also not sure what this means “The sound of the vertical screen head unit will usually be fed through AUX wires to the sound system of the vehicle.”
 
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Guy

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All three buttons are located to the top as bezel facing the sky.

I don’t quite get the aux wire line, but I believe the head unit itself has outputs for some applications but I’m told for this that the sound is produced by the same mechanism as stock. As in... canbus. Sync 3 to “stock amp” to speakers.
 

zombiekiller

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the nav function appears to be pretty slow and glitchy. Same thing goes for the time it takes to return to the home screen after canceling the routed destination.

Yes, it would be awesome to run an offroad GPS nav on the screen in the truck, but being that this is android and hell will freeze over before leadnav supports Android, it is kinda useless for my purposes.

bummer.
 
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Guy

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Ok... so I’ve been watching these full screen radios for about a year. Linkswell... Phoenix.... etc... and for many reasons I’ve not pulled the trigger. These things have been glitchy in various reviews and trials.

Fast forward to this platform.... it’s the first one that doesn’t replace sync 3. It’s just a replacement screen that will display the sync 3 GUI. Every feature remains in tact from sync 3 including the Ford Factory Navigation and Apple Play. This is also the first unit that doesn’t create issues with losing features, losing satellite radio, or hardware AC controls. From what I can tell, the head unit remains the factory sync unit.

We will see how it goes. I’ve taken one for the team and ordered it. It installs in under and hour and if it’s crap the worse that happens is I take it out and throw it away. It’s only 699. It’s not a huge gamble. If it works well and is pretty cool... I’ll let you all know.
 
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