GROM Audio VLine VL2 Alternatives

[mrjarhead]

Given the Android units that are out there on AliExpress and elsewhere that give you a larger upgraded display, allow you to switch back to the factory OS at will, And work with the factory installed camera, And give you wireless carplay and wireless Android auto,

There is no way I would mess with GROMs solution anymore, especially since it's about the same price range, and installing a completely new screen is only slightly more trouble once you got the center console apart anyway.

Example:

[Brian35XR]

Given the Android units that are out there on AliExpress and elsewhere that give you a larger upgraded display, allow you to switch back to the factory OS at will, And work with the factory installed camera, And give you wireless carplay and wireless Android auto,

There is no way I would mess with GROMs solution anymore, especially since it's about the same price range, and installing a completely new screen is only slightly more trouble once you got the center console apart anyway.

Example:

In 2024 you may be correct but back at the time that the VLine first became available, the Chinese 'Tesla style' screens were not so advanced. I did alot of research back then and none of them supported keeping your factory screens, GROM provided the only solution like it at the time.

Given how advanced they have become, how much variety you get being able to increase the processing power, bigger screen size, improved screen resolutions, faster updates, the abilities to keep the factory screens in-tact, AND how many problems I've had with this damn GROM unit since owning it... I would definitely opt for the Chinese screens nowadays. I might even consider doing it now even after owning the GROM all these years! You prompted me to do some updated research of them now.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

I think my hesistancy has always been the lack of centralized support for those screens being that there are so many vendors/sellers out there.

[mrjarhead]

Often there are multiple vendors selling the same hardware, with varying levels of support since they aren't the manufacturer.

I've installed probably 10 of these newer generation screens over the past year on different cars. What's great Is that wireless Android auto (and carplay) is extremely common now in these generic units.

One thing to look for with the M37 and Q70 screens, is to ask the vendor whether or not it supports the original system and being able to switch back and forth, and if it supports the original backup camera.

If it does not, do not buy it. Some support this and some do not.

Also, there are 12.3-in screens available now that park on top of the area in front of the original screen location. I'm torn as to whether this looks really disjointed, or it's not too bad and looks like more of the modern billboard style infotainment displays we're seeing these days.

[mrjarhead]

Example of the 12.3" units.

[Brian35XR]

Just reviewing AliExpress the product descriptions are as inconsistent as I remember them back then. The same listings will advertise the screen as being both 10.25in and 12.3in in the description with no option to choose between them - https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqOmCDe. Even your "12.3in" screen says it's 13.1" in the picture, LOL. That being said for a few inch gain i would probably opt for a 10.25in to not lose the factory recessed look. The bigger screen does seem to jut out and forward quite a lot.

It's also a bit unclear if any work with the factory backup camera, i think they work with a camera that they sell separately? They claim all the other factory settings and buttons work though.

[mrjarhead]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805551145309.html

Here's one of the few that do. If they don't state it in the listing, you have to specifically ask.

The bigger screen setup is also from what I can tell intended to ape newer design philosophy.

Consider that across many different brands, the current design language in the industry, at least the trend right now is towards NOT integrating the screen deep in the center dash - it's the opposite.

The larger screen is not as integrated, but it arguably refreshes the look to more reflect current trends.

[Q70sGuy]

Anyone have one installed and can show us how « switching » to the original OS works? Given the screen is a completely different dimension and resolution I’m curious how that will work and how the all-around view would work as well.

[David__Allen]

Anyone have one installed and can show us how « switching » to the original OS works? Given the screen is a completely different dimension and resolution I’m curious how that will work and how the all-around view would work as well.

I’ll try to get a video next chance I get, but it’s pretty intuitive. If you do something like change an HVAC setting (temp, fan speed) it will toggle to the factory display for a few seconds so you can see the changes made. Press the settings button, info, etc… it will do the same. There is also an icon within the GROM “app” menu to switch to the factory display. If you toggle the input from USB/ipod to anything else (AM/FM radio, cd, etc…) it will stay in the factory menu. The GROM only takes over the display when the input is set to usb.

Day to day, it is seamless enough that I have minimal complaints if any. I have seen videos of other Android/CarPlay devices and noticed that they don’t all work the same (nifty city, no-name aliexpress units).

I plan on buying one for my wife’s QX70 and I will be sticking with GROM despite the $200-$300 difference over the no-name units. My experience with their customer support is also pretty good for a small company that supports such a wide variety of makes and models. The first one I received was acting up and none of the software or firmware versions they sent me fixed the issue, so they sent another and had me send mine back.

[Ilya]

Anyone have one installed and can show us how « switching » to the original OS works? Given the screen is a completely different dimension and resolution I’m curious how that will work and how the all-around view would work as well.

I’ll try to get a video next chance I get, but it’s pretty intuitive. If you do something like change an HVAC setting (temp, fan speed) it will toggle to the factory display for a few seconds so you can see the changes made. Press the settings button, info, etc… it will do the same. There is also an icon within the GROM “app” menu to switch to the factory display. If you toggle the input from USB/ipod to anything else (AM/FM radio, cd, etc…) it will stay in the factory menu. The GROM only takes over the display when the input is set to usb.

Day to day, it is seamless enough that I have minimal complaints if any. I have seen videos of other Android/CarPlay devices and noticed that they don’t all work the same (nifty city, no-name aliexpress units).

I plan on buying one for my wife’s QX70 and I will be sticking with GROM despite the $200-$300 difference over the no-name units. My experience with their customer support is also pretty good for a small company that supports such a wide variety of makes and models. The first one I received was acting up and none of the software or firmware versions they sent me fixed the issue, so they sent another and had me send mine back.

Q70sGuy was asking about the non-GROM units but IMO, I wouldn't waste my time with any of these. I have not seen anyone give ANY of these Chinese knockoffs a resounding recommendation where as I can recommend the GROM (particularly the VLite over the VLine) all day and twice on sunday.

[David__Allen]

Q70sGuy was asking about the non-GROM units but IMO, I wouldn't waste my time with any of these. I have not seen anyone give ANY of these Chinese knockoffs a resounding recommendation where as I can recommend the GROM (particularly the VLite over the VLine) all day and twice on sunday.

I should learn how to read

I completely agree, though. One of my main concerns with these unbranded units would be long-term compatibility. GROM regularly releases software and firmware updates to keep up with phone updates. I doubt that is the case with any of the ones from Aliexpress.

[mrjarhead]

Q70sGuy was asking about the non-GROM units but IMO, I wouldn't waste my time with any of these. I have not seen anyone give ANY of these Chinese knockoffs a resounding recommendation where as I can recommend the GROM (particularly the VLite over the VLine) all day and twice on sunday.

I should learn how to read

I completely agree, though. One of my main concerns with these unbranded units would be long-term compatibility. GROM regularly releases software and firmware updates to keep up with phone updates. I doubt that is the case with any of the ones from Aliexpress.

That is not really that much of a concern realistically.

If all you're doing is running Android Auto or carplay, it is essentially screen projection, all the work is done by the phone.

There is a mountain of installed base of factory head units, and third party head units, that support carplay and Android auto and that have never been updated, and continue to work fine with phones.

With the suppliers of the generic radios, some do release updates, it is hit and miss. It is also hit and miss if you get it OTA, or you have to request or check with them specifically for an update.

That isn't really an issue, The crucial part is whether the carplay and Android auto part ever gets updated - And depending on the third party that typically supplies that layer for the generic manufacturers, it may actually get OTA updates. Typically it's Z-link or one or two other suppliers for the phone interconnect layer.

In general, the updates issue is not the Boogeyman it's made out to be.