VL2 is the superior product IMO. It's standalone Android device. No smartphone is needed for it to work, other than for WiFi hotspot. You guys that are looking for a "bug free" product..keep looking because it doesn't exist! Grom has been good patching all the issues quickly. Mine have been working great, no complaints. My only concern now if they're going to upgrade VL2 to newer Android version. Android 8.1 is two generation old now. Some developers might drop support for older devices. As long as Google Maps, Waze and a few music streaming apps continue to work, I'm happy.

 

Still torn between BS and GROM. Can someone point me to installers in the DFW area? What should installing something like this cost? Thanks

 

Installing Vline is super easy and can be done in 30 minutes or less. I think they have a video on their site of the GS350 install.

 

Heads up to anyone with the GROM VL2. The latest 3.10.0.0 firmware has a bug where when you plug your phone in, you will lose joystick and map/menu button functionality. The unit itself will continue to operate and do what it was doing, but you will need to reset it or use a Bluetooth device to interact with it until it’s reset. I spoke to GROM on the phone today, and they were able to replicate it, and say they should have an update released today that should fix it. So don’t update yet if you see this post. I’ll update this when and if the fix has been implemented.

This might also resolve the issue @Markkus was having with his RX too. He’s probably long gone by now but I’m sure other RX owners are having the same issue so we’ll see.

EDIT: Looks like issue is resolved with new firmware update (v32.26). They promised a quick fix, and they delivered. Every time I've contacted them for support they have been great.

 

Thanks for the heads up!

I've been having an issue where when I receive a text or a call and am running Android Auto the UI seems to switch to car's stock screen. Is there a setting i need to adjust?

 

It's supposed to do that, I think. VL2 doesn't have a SIM card to handle calls or text. Call/Text are still handle thru the OEM infotainment if your phone is still linked to it via BT. On my 2015 GS, right side of my screen pop-up with OEM call screen when I get a call. Left side still remain in AA. Not sure what happens on 2016+ GS with fullscreen.

 

Interesting. What about when you get a text message? My AA interface changes to stock from AA, which is a bit annoying.

 

When I get a text, OEM text screen pop-up. I can select if I was to read or reply to text. Once I'm done reading or replying to text, it switch back to VL2. Do you have 2016+ GS with Fullscreen? Not sure how those with FS behave.
To clarify, if you get a text to your phone number (SMS), OEM interface will handle the text. If you get a text thru any other means (Hangout, WhatsAp, Google Voice, etc) Android Auto will handle the text.
Here's a picture of what happen when I get a text via Hangout. AA will display the message and read it out loud to you if you want. You can reply via voice.

 

Looks like no cursor issue is resolved with new firmware update (v32.26). They promised a quick fix, and they delivered. Every time I've contacted them for support they have been great.

 

I just bite the bullet and ordered the Grom... hopefully all will go well

 

You didn't bite the bullet -- ok, your wallet did -- but you upgraded big time! Congrats! The unit has been great, and the company's support has been great too. You'll love it, it's an upgrade in every sense.

 

Thanks for the explanation! I'm actually on a replacement unit and I could have sworn that when I had it set up previously, my sms would show up via messages app in AA. Maybe I'm going crazy or just need to double check all settings I have a 2014 so it is not a full screen set up. As much as I'd like that I kind of like having a side screen for consumption or climate control.

 

Correction: when you get a text (SMS to your phone number), if you are plug-in via USB and Android Auto is running, AA will read your SMS to you. Just confirmed this as I was running out to get lunch when my sister SMS me. The OEM screen will pop-up if your phone is paired to your Lexus. If you don't want the OEM screen to pop-up, un-pair your phone. You really have no need for Lexus Enform anymore now that you have GROM. If you are not connected to GROM via USB (running standalone mode) then you will have to use your phone to reply to SMS if you're un-paired from your car. I think I like having AA handling my SMS and calls. So I'll plug-in from now on and just use Android Auto.

 

Ah that makes sense! Thanks for checking this. It looks like because both systems are connected to the phone (bluetooth and via cable) both end up responding. I'll play with this some more but it looks like to use AA the phone MUST be plugged in since there is no wireless support. I do prefer using AA as the Google assistant wipes the floor with everything else and responding via voice is very accurate and useful.

 

Yup I like AA too, the new interface is neat and easy to navigate. I'll be unpairing my phone to Lexus Enform. Useless system.. good riddance.