You might want to check with GROM before ordering. As I understand it, 2013-2014 radio were slightly different from 2015+. I believe the hardware are all the same, it's the firmware that may be different.

 

As wack as this sounds, I have learned that limiting the apps you install on the VL@ makes it more reliable. I hate to say it , but Android is kinda a mess, and twice I have had apps like Netflix, Amazon prime or a different streaming app somehow mess up the Android networking stack or bluetooth, and break wireless CarPlay or make it much less reliable to connect to my phone. both times I factory reset the VL2 and removed alll the apps and everything was fixed. Just a FYI.

 

Seems that the firmware on Lexus is much more unstable. It's rock solid on my Acura. Not a single problem to report since first installation. No BSOD, no screen glitches, nada. Hope it stays that way

 

GROM got back with me and told me the difference is with the connection cables and that the correct one for my 2013 is the LEX7VL2, despite also showing it on the compatibility list on the LEX89VL2 as well. Just as a heads up for anyone else who plans on ordering in the future

 

Thank you for the heads up. That sucks but luckily it shouldn't be an issue for me since I will probably download 1 or 2 at most. How apps did you have installed before encountering any issues?

 

I don't think apps are causing network stack issues. At least I've never experience this in any Android devices I've used in last few years. Probably something wacked with the firmware or ROM.
I believe VL2 comes with 16GB ROM, these are the apps I have installed and I still have about 50% space left.
On my RLX, I rarely use VL2 in standalone mode because the **** control makes it difficult to navigate. I almost always plug my phone in via USB to use Android Auto 99.9% of the time. The menus are much simplified in AA making navigating around much easier. When I had VL2 on my GS, the RT mouse was easier to use than turn **** on my Acura, so I used standalone mode more.

-Google Maps
-Gmail
-Chrome
-Waze
-Netflix
-Amazon Prime Video
-Amazon Music
-Plex
-Spotify
-Station
-Pandora
-iHeartRadio
-Ring
-YouTube
-a couple others apps I can't remember

 

I just ordered one so I hope I don't have any issues. Notice the factory system has a slight delay when I switch between HD and regular radio stations.

 

how did you install the all the apps to AA, i just recently installed my VLINE2, but it wont let me install android apps , the wifi always shuts off on the unit .

 

Just install apps from Playstore. Try tether to you phone mobile hotspot.

 

If I recall, Google Playstore is not installed by default. You have to install that first, then you can sign in to your account and download apps.

 

Sounds like he didn't follow install instructions and forgot to install Gapps.

 

You don't have to install gapps you can use it without them fine FYI

 

Agreed, I don’t have them installed and just use CarPlay. I believe he was asking how to install apps.

 

Yes, I know Gapps is optional. Without Gapps, you won't get Playstore and can't install any Android apps. I think Tatarin was asking how to install apps in standalone mode.

 

Has anyone ever dealt with a black screen when shifting into reverse? I will say this, I forgot to do that auto shut off thing in the Lexus settings so I’m gonna go do that when it stops raining and hope that fixes the issue