Rooting a Pioneer AVIC head device and replacing the OS - Android Head-Units

Hello people
Last year (2019) I purchased a Pioneer AVIC-Z710DAB head unit for my car. After realizing that the maps on the GPS are very old and awfully expensive to update, I really want to root the device and install an Android- or Linux based custom rom. Obviously I do not want to install a custom rom that does not provide equal functionality to the Pioneer system, but I don't want to keep the Pioneer system any longer as the GPS functionality is useless with old maps and the also old available updated maps are $150. I realize that the rooting and installation of a new system will require some time / work, but this does not matter a long as it's possible to do it!
Does anyone know if there is such a thing as custom roms that support functionality such as Bluetooth mobile devices, GPS, DVD / CD / MP3 discs, DAB+ and rear view camera etc?
Where can I find this rom and installation instructions? I have searched online for hours, but so far I have only found one page containing broken links.
As I am a new member on this forum, I cannot share this link in this post. But the page title is "The AVIC development MOD", from around 2016 and all links are broken / not working.
Any information is highly appreciated!
Best regards,
The norwegian guy

You won´t find anything...
Custom ROM will not be shared in here. There is no community for it.
Nearly all Pioneer head units have a proprietary OS. It seems to be android based.
May be this helps: http://bestandroidtoroot.com/post/pioneer-car-navigation-avic-z710dab-jupiter

rigattoni said:
You won´t find anything...
Custom ROM will not be shared in here. There is no community for it.
Nearly all Pioneer head units have a proprietary OS. It seems to be android based.
May be this helps: Link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rigattoni said:
Thank you for your reply :laugh: I'll certainly consider trying this one! Perfect!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hello. Still have not tried the link I was given by rigattoni, but I was wondering if anyone has any update on this?
I am now considering to buy a new head unit with Android OS. but this seems like a risk. Most of the ones I have seen are to me previously unknown Chinese brands and I do not trust any Pioneer head units with Android OS to work with Google maps and/or Waze amongst other apps!
- Is there any way to replace the OS of a Pioneer unit with Android OS with working standard Android apps and Google Play?
- If not; Are the Chinese head units with Android OS any good? Example brands are Erisin and Eonon, which seem to come with Android 10.
Thank you in advance!

Hi, have y'all seen this info/forum yet? It refers to information regarding development for the Pioneer head unit(s) OP was asking about. Edit: Going back over, I see OP specifically mentions this forum. Well thank you
The AVIC Development Mod
Introduction WhatIsBypass, AdamOutler and myself presentThe AVIC Development ModWe have eliminated the barriers to development on all AVIC units including Android Auto. You can now create your own ROM on an SDCard and boot directly into it. Weve broken all the security and obfuscations, and weve ...
avic411.com

Related

Ready to make my Joying better but I need some guidance

I am not new to flashing ROMs, been doing it as a novice for years on phones and tablets. I love Android and the openness of the environment so when I was ready to do a Android head Joying seemed like the right choice based on what i read and the float mount (Airmount?); I can still argue FOR joying on many fronts but there are a few Key items that just drive me nuts.
They are trying to be too proprietary, i get it you want to offer a specific environment but i came here for Android and I want just that.
why are the bluetooth settings in the Phone app???? and why is it so hard to connect a device???
Why are the settings in general so custom????
Now what I do like and certainly want to retain is the DSP, but it would be nice if the Sub settings where part of the DSP as they should be.
Communication sucks with joying, that may be a bit of language barrier but that leads into my last issue:
terminology - I am not a stupid person but i can't figure out what specific information is truly needed when I start looking at upgrades.
I think the important information is that I have a 7 inch SC9853 with Android 8.1, correct me though because i want to understand this. What is GTX and PX5 in reference to? Sofia is the non-intel based units, right?
So what ROM should I be looking at? I want to upgrade my current unit to Android 9 but Joying has said it will not get 9 which sucks because I just bought it a year ago.
So my questions are:
-What Custom ROM do I need?
-Is there a custom ROM that is based on 9?
-Does a custom ROM retain the Same DSP functionality? The way I understand it is that the UI is specific to the physical Sound Processor chip on the board, is that true?.
Mr.Adam said:
They are trying to be too proprietary, i get it you want to offer a specific environment but i came here for Android and I want just that.
why are the bluetooth settings in the Phone app???? and why is it so hard to connect a device???
Why are the settings in general so custom????
I think the important information is that I have a 7 inch SC9853 with Android 8.1, correct me though because i want to understand this. What is GTX and PX5 in reference to? Sofia is the non-intel based units, right?
So what ROM should I be looking at? I want to upgrade my current unit to Android 9 but Joying has said it will not get 9 which sucks because I just bought it a year ago.
So my questions are:
-What Custom ROM do I need?
-Is there a custom ROM that is based on 9?
-Does a custom ROM retain the Same DSP functionality? The way I understand it is that the UI is specific to the physical Sound Processor chip on the board, is that true?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In short (as so much has already been written about it):
your questions: There is no custom rom. question 2 & 3 are therefore not relevant.
Based on all licenses they must open their code as they are expanding on the Google system, but they don't. Try to get a loyer working on that in China. (This is for the system with all kind of custom hardware drivers. They do not have to open the source code for their apks). Note that this is FYT, not Joying. Joying is just a reseller of FYT hardware and software.
I do not know what GTX is. PX5 (PX3/PX30/PX5/PX6) are rockchip based units. The Sofia and Airmont SC9853i are Intel based units.
They close Bluetooth as they only want you to buy "their" hardware, e.g. the hardware suppliers they have contracts/arrangements with.
The settings are "so custom", because the unit IS custom. It contains a lot of hardware components and links to car hardware, you will never find in a phone. So that is not something you can blame them for, it is because an Android car head unit IS custom.
Google is in close cooperation with several car brands to make head units that ARE Android Auto. They now run in all kind of "unexpected" hardware "challenges", but they will succeed (google for it).
so then with that and based on what i see there isn't really much aftermarket support for any of these "Android" head units and they all mostly suck in their own way; you have to pick and choose the features you want the most and give up the rest...
so a head unit that just did Android Auto would be better than a on-board Android unit feature wise......

Root for TS9 Head Unit with Android 10.0

Hey all,
New member here. Recently purchased a Chinese Android head unit designed specifically for my 4Runner. I'm not an Android user, but I have just become introduced with the concept of "rooting." My understanding is it is similar to jail breaking an Apple device, which I have done before. I've heard of and seen others do it with other head units running various versions of the Android operating system. However, I am not familiar with the concept of rooting or the process of it. I just know it will unlock a whole new range of possibilities for the unit, with the possibility of making mistakes that could render it unusable.
I was wondering if anyone who has experience with this type of thing can walk me through the process? Or what types of things I can do after its done? Please keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing. Below are some more details.
Operating System Android: 10
Processors: CPU - T9 Octa-Core Intel IA 1.872GHz, GPU - Dual-core ARM Mali T820
Storage - 64GB
Memory - 4G
Screen: Display - LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS, Resolution - 1024x600
Connectivity - Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink
Thanks in advance! :good:
Running the same setup. I've looked through XDA and haven't found many others actually using these units let alone successfully rooting them. Seems like its hard to find updated MCUs for these as well. The version I'm running is relatively recent(05/2020) and it's trash. I'll most likely just continue to use headunit reloaded rather than worrying about rooting.
What were you looking to achieve with a root? Are you missing some functionality or looking to add something new?
bc8907 said:
Running the same setup. I've looked through XDA and haven't found many others actually using these units let alone successfully rooting them. Seems like its hard to find updated MCUs for these as well. The version I'm running is relatively recent(05/2020) and it's trash. I'll most likely just continue to use headunit reloaded rather than worrying about rooting.
What were you looking to achieve with a root? Are you missing some functionality or looking to add something new?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not missing any functionality besides the main issues everyone has with it (CarPlay wireless sucks, and I know rooting would not solve this). I suppose the only really annoying thing is that when I start the car, it loads the default launcher instead of the one I installed, Agama, despite my having set Agama as the "home app."
The only thing I really want to do with a root is be able to have a custom UI that is much more functional and attractive. Agama is okay, but I don't truly like any of the head unit launcher apps on the Google Play store and I figure with a root I'll be able to install a custom ROM or something that will be more attractive. Ideally, I want it to look sleek and modern like the xtron unit UI (can't post the link because I'm a new user)
Gatnos said:
Not missing any functionality besides the main issues everyone has with it (CarPlay wireless sucks, and I know rooting would not solve this). I suppose the only really annoying thing is that when I start the car, it loads the default launcher instead of the one I installed, Agama, despite my having set Agama as the "home app."
The only thing I really want to do with a root is be able to have a custom UI that is much more functional and attractive. Agama is okay, but I don't truly like any of the head unit launcher apps on the Google Play store and I figure with a root I'll be able to install a custom ROM or something that will be more attractive. Ideally, I want it to look sleek and modern like the xtron unit UI (can't post the link because I'm a new user)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you give Agama system modification privileges when you set it as the home launcher? I haven't had any problems with my launcher, but you might have a different MCU. Might help if you share your MCU version. Is CarPlay native with your ROM or are you using an app/emulator for this? I know with emulators like Headunit Reloaded, a separate app for launching wireless is necessary and fixes these issues.
Honestly, given that you're new to Android and the issues you're describing, rooting probably wouldn't help you out unless you already had a ROM that you knew would work with your system and solve these issues. Since it's difficult to even find anyone that's successfully rooted this MCU, the odds of finding a ROM that works with it(let alone one that you like) is pretty minimal. Your issues sound like they can be addressed from the app side anyway.
I'd suggest looking through the launchers on here if you don't like Agama anyway. There's quite a few with a lot of complete customizability. And your wireless mirroring should be able to fixed with a bit more info.
bc8907 said:
Did you give Agama system modification privileges when you set it as the home launcher? I haven't had any problems with my launcher, but you might have a different MCU. Might help if you share your MCU version. Is CarPlay native with your ROM or are you using an app/emulator for this? I know with emulators like Headunit Reloaded, a separate app for launching wireless is necessary and fixes these issues.
Honestly, given that you're new to Android and the issues you're describing, rooting probably wouldn't help you out unless you already had a ROM that you knew would work with your system and solve these issues. Since it's difficult to even find anyone that's successfully rooted this MCU, the odds of finding a ROM that works with it(let alone one that you like) is pretty minimal. Your issues sound like they can be addressed from the app side anyway.
I'd suggest looking through the launchers on here if you don't like Agama anyway. There's quite a few with a lot of complete customizability. And your wireless mirroring should be able to fixed with a bit more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MCU version: Ts9.4.3-3-63-30-C06681-190618
Not sure if that is what you were asking for. CarPlay is through a program called TLink that came installed on the unit. I suppose I would be more happy with the unit if the launcher did its job - launched, when I started the car. Modification permissions are on. Someone in another forum mentioned changing some autostart settings, in autokit.apk, that would allow me to start the correct launcher or carplay when I start the car. I would be happy with either option really.
Gatnos said:
MCU version: Ts9.4.3-3-63-30-C06681-190618
Not sure if that is what you were asking for. CarPlay is through a program called TLink that came installed on the unit. I suppose I would be more happy with the unit if the launcher did its job - launched, when I started the car. Modification permissions are on. Someone in another forum mentioned changing some autostart settings, in autokit.apk, that would allow me to start the correct launcher or carplay when I start the car. I would be happy with either option really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's what I was referring to. TLink is just a crappy mirroring app. This is most likely where your problem is with the connection, not the headunit or the ROM. I'm assuming you're using Apple since you're referring to Carplay and not AA. If so, I don't have any specific recommendations but I would imagine there's better emulators/mirroring apps out there that will function reliably. I'd look into that rather than trying to make TLink work like it should. If you want a reference of an Android Auto example, look at headunit reloaded. This app emulates a native Android Auto connection so you're able to have wifi auto connects, usb auto connects and full AA function on a generic android headunit without any type of dongle. I would imagine there's something similar out there for Apple Carplay.
Your MCU is out of date, I'd try to get the update from my seller for you but I'm actually in the process of returning mine due to a display defect(most likely shipping damage). If it wasn't for this, however, I would have had no issues on the stock ROM.
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Hi there,
Gatnos said:
Hey all,
New member here. Recently purchased a Chinese Android head unit designed specifically for my 4Runner. I'm not an Android user, but I have just become introduced with the concept of "rooting." My understanding is it is similar to jail breaking an Apple device, which I have done before. I've heard of and seen others do it with other head units running various versions of the Android operating system. However, I am not familiar with the concept of rooting or the process of it. I just know it will unlock a whole new range of possibilities for the unit, with the possibility of making mistakes that could render it unusable.
I was wondering if anyone who has experience with this type of thing can walk me through the process? Or what types of things I can do after its done? Please keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing. Below are some more details.
Operating System Android: 10
Processors: CPU - T9 Octa-Core Intel IA 1.872GHz, GPU - Dual-core ARM Mali T820
Storage - 64GB
Memory - 4G
Screen: Display - LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS, Resolution - 1024x600
Connectivity - Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink
Thanks in advance! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here the how to root it, go to that sise://xethongminh.net/threads/huong-dan-root-dau-android-ownice-c960.3115/ hope it work for you.
comt said:
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@comt - 2 questions about TLINK 3.7.5 (I have it also):
Have you been able to get the steering wheel buttons to work with CarPlay apps? I want the voice button on the steering wheel to activate Siri. Right now, it is only mapped to TLINK which starts the TLINK app...
Have you been able to get it working in wired mode? For me, even though the headunit recognizes when I attached the phone via USB, I can never get CarPlay to work wired.
thanks!
I am interested in Tlink 3.7.5, I currently have version 1.1 I believe on my headunit and im getting lag, Echo during calls etc I dont know why my headunit has such an old version
Has anyone figured out how to train the steering wheel buttons in the TLink app to work with CarPlay? As long as CarPlay isn't active, there is a menu to set them, but no matter what I do, I can't train it - I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. My steering wheel buttons work fine with the default Android OS.
comt said:
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to reactivate Tlink?
My head unit came with an old version of tlink that would never connect to my phone. I received a firmware "update" from the seller to address the issue which which caused a tlink error. I recently installed Tlink 3.7.5, no error but needs activation.
TS9 (Spreadtrum SC9853I)

Real Android Q update

Hi team,
I have just bought a car equipped with an android car radio.
I have browsed the various topics dealing with android head unit but I need your clarification.
Can we update the mcu in the rom? or vice versa?
I understood that I had a fake version of android Q and I did not find an android head unit equivalent to mine in the posts.
I found this post where the android unit has the same specs as mine but that really needs to be verified.
I copy the characteristics of my car radio.
Thank you in advance for the help you could give me.

China headunit flash Android Auto.

Hi all,
Some time ago I found a thread on here that directed people how to reimage the head unit with an Android Auto. Is this possible for all head units, or are there things to watch out for? I tried searching but could not find the relevant info(Could be on me).
If I go into About Device of the Head Unit all it shows me RK3368 as name, no more info. All I can find is a thread how to update a headunit with the PX5 to Android 10, which it is already running. If possible I'd really like to flash Android Auto on it, as the current solution feels a bit like a bandaid solution.
Bump
Found some more info. It's a S32F0 MCU, with a PX5 board.
Still trying to figure out if it's MTCB or MTCD and if I can flash Android Auto on it. Any help would be appreciated
DragonSlayer3X6 said:
Found some more info. It's a S32F0 MCU, with a PX5 board.
Still trying to figure out if it's MTCB or MTCD and if I can flash Android Auto on it. Any help would be appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so here is an obvious question - why on earth would you put Android Auto on a real Android device? Android Auto is a scaled down version of true Android with some "lite" functionality and support for some basic apps. Android Auto is for those who (for some reason) can't install a proper Android Head Unit.
To put it simply, you can do everything on your Android that you can on Android Auto but not the other way around.
You have S32F0 as MCU, meaning it's not MTCx. Luckily for you, you can still use the only mod that matters - Malaysk. Forget anything else. With Malaysk you can customize your head unit with nearly no limitations to make it fast, user friendly and overall just awesome.
Go to this thread and follow it's instructions.
iceblue1980 said:
Okay so here is an obvious question - why on earth would you put Android Auto on a real Android device? Android Auto is a scaled down version of true Android with some "lite" functionality and support for some basic apps. Android Auto is for those who (for some reason) can't install a proper Android Head Unit.
To put it simply, you can do everything on your Android that you can on Android Auto but not the other way around.
You have S32F0 as MCU, meaning it's not MTCx. Luckily for you, you can still use the only mod that matters - Malaysk. Forget anything else. With Malaysk you can customize your head unit with nearly no limitations to make it fast, user friendly and overall just awesome.
Go to this thread and follow it's instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Ice,
Thank you for you answer!
My main reason is the ability to mirror screen. I don't have a 4G dongle attached to my radio, as that is quite expensive over here. So I was thinking to be able to use my own phone as mirror onto the radio to navigate, play spotify etcetera.
For example I can copy my phonebook to the head unit, unfortunately both me and my wife use the car, which causes a very long contact list with duplicates etc.
What I've seen with friends is that Android Auto fixes some of those issues, as you don't run a seperate instance of the phonebook or whatever, but it's a mirror from your phone.
I've seen Malaysk's post, but also read in the thread there are quite some issues and support is flaky at best. Are those posts stirring sh*t for no reason, or do they have a point?
Finally, the seller claims my headunit is real Android 10, with build number 205150. I cannot find anywhere if this is real Android 10, or the so called fake android 10.
DragonSlayer3X6 said:
Hi Ice,
Thank you for you answer!
My main reason is the ability to mirror screen. I don't have a 4G dongle attached to my radio, as that is quite expensive over here. So I was thinking to be able to use my own phone as mirror onto the radio to navigate, play spotify etcetera.
For example I can copy my phonebook to the head unit, unfortunately both me and my wife use the car, which causes a very long contact list with duplicates etc.
What I've seen with friends is that Android Auto fixes some of those issues, as you don't run a seperate instance of the phonebook or whatever, but it's a mirror from your phone.
I've seen Malaysk's post, but also read in the thread there are quite some issues and support is flaky at best. Are those posts stirring sh*t for no reason, or do they have a point?
Finally, the seller claims my headunit is real Android 10, with build number 205150. I cannot find anywhere if this is real Android 10, or the so called fake android 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mirror screen functionality on Android Head Units is shaky at best.
You don't need 4G dongle - hotspot from your phone to give access to the Internet on your head unit - that way you can run any Android app on the head unit, Spotify, YouTube, Internet Radio etc etc. Make sure to give full permissions to your phone
Use BlueTooth on your phone to use handsfree calling. Use Google Voice to dial any number (no need to mess with Contact Books), your wife can do the same and your Android Head Unit will not sync contacts back to your phone
I know Malaysk developer as I'm also a Russian-speaker and his work is exemplary. If anything, his firmware is by far more stable and effective compared to anything you get from factory. People who complain about it, simply do not have the right skills of installing it and using it. Spend some time with Malaysk tutorials - well worth it. Malaysk also offers ROOT natively and Viper4Android which means you can tweak most parameters on your head unit and considerably improve the sound in your car.
Doesn't matter what Android version you have. You should go with Malaysk firmware for Android 9 (most stable). You will need to get a "rollback" software to successfully install it if your Android is anything but version 9. For that you'll need to purchase MOD Installer Pro 2 for €10
Whatever is possible to do your Android Head Unit will only be possible with Malaysk. If Malaysk can't support it, then it's simply not doable.
You can also look into "profiles" on your Head Unit. I.e one profile will have your stuff, and the other one will have your wife's.

Help in identifying my Android Head Unit

Hi All, first post,
1. I did a search on google and XDA for key info I obtained from the unit, no luck.
2. The unit resembles this unit - but mine is 10.1 Inch but the interface and apps are basically identical to this unit.
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/TS18-9inch-4G-2din-Car-Radio_1600324427529.html
3. Also, unit is Android 10, which is quite old, if upgradeable, would it make a difference to the look and feel?
I tried using the supplier / installer but he is not forthcoming with info, not sure why so hoping someone can point me in the direction, the unit has a mold that fits my Toyota Rav4 2017.
The goal is, to find out how to update the bluetooth / phone app (it sucks) as a starting point.
finally, here are some pics of the unit pre-install and hardware info in settings.
Thanks in advance
joumasepoes said:
Hi All, first post,
1. I did a search on google and XDA for key info I obtained from the unit, no luck.
2. The unit resembles this unit - but mine is 10.1 Inch but the interface and apps are basically identical to this unit.
- https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/TS18-9inch-4G-2din-Car-Radio_1600324427529.html
3. Also, unit is Android 10, which is quite old, if upgradeable, would it make a difference to the look and feel?
I tried using the supplier / installer but he is not forthcoming with info, not sure why so hoping someone can point me in the direction, the unit has a mold that fits my Toyota Rav4 2017.
The goal is, to find out how to update the bluetooth / phone app (it sucks) as a starting point.
finally, here are some pics of the unit pre-install and hardware info in settings.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... don´t even think that you would be able to upgrade Android to a newer one. It´s already the current actual Android version.
You really should blame the vendor that BT is a mess. That is nothing the forum can help with. Your MCU is special for Toyota and you won´t find a matching update for your special unit.
Go back to the seller and ask for an update otherwise you open a dispute on Alibaba. This is the one and only way to get them start working.
Sorry, but these special units with this MCU, that is not easy going.
rigattoni said:
Well... don´t even think that you would be able to upgrade Android to a newer one. It´s already the current actual Android version.
You really should blame the vendor that BT is a mess. That is nothing the forum can help with. Your MCU is special for Toyota and you won´t find a matching update for your special unit.
Go back to the seller and ask for an update otherwise you open a dispute on Alibaba. This is the one and only way to get them start working.
Sorry, but these special units with this MCU, that is not easy going.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Rigattoni,
this explains why I couldn't find anything really while searching a few hours yesterday.
Thanks for the info!!

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