I had recently talked with few suppliers in China, the original OEM look like screen was 12 inch and became a short supply. Therefore, all the manufacturers for similar type of the units are switched new 13 inch screen which is a bit tall compared to old ones.

 

That makes sense! I prefer the smaller screen - I think it looks more stock.

 

What do the two **** on the updated system control? Is it volume and tuing or something else. If volume and tuning, and I know this is totally irrational, it would drive me crazy since the OEM **** doing the exact same thing are right below them.

 

Driver and Passenger temperature controls. They duplicate the functionally of the little nipple things above them which I don’t care for, personally. The ***** are much easier to use and grab while driving.

 

Also, push the **** (either side), will bring up the climate control display (either OEM climate screen or Android climate screen, depends on the status of the unit). This is the best way for **** function as I have seen from similar units from other vendors.

 

Does this version https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.com...ay-upgrade-kit provide the same functionality/backend system without the updated physical interface? I think I would rather not swap out the screen etc, but am interested in adding car play.

 

Basic functions are same, but with different chipset and possibly different Android OS level. You will also have limited touch screen experiences due to OEM screen is resistive touchscreen and will not support multitouch function. I have not used Hamilton upgrade kit before, so can not say how it will perform. Another point to keep in mind, most of those add-on box upgrade kit only support 2014+ GX, not sure if Hamilton also make the add-on for 2010 - 2013 GX. For their screen replacement option, there is a version for 2013. The only difference between prior 2014 and 2014+ upgrade option is for 2014+, you will have the option to access OEM interface, while for prior 2014 upgrade option, you will not be able to access OEM interface but you will be able to access SAT radio etc.

 

Do you know if I will I still be able to use the AUX port directly, or is that rendered inoperative as the AUX is overridden by the unit?

 

Aux will be used by the add-on unit. Same for both upgrade options.

 

While it looks like a good, well engineered product but it's too bad that it still relies on the factory GPS/NAV/CD unit and wouldn't work without it.
The OEM GPS/NAV/CD unit in my vehicle is non operational and I'd love to buy this Hamilton product but it will not work.

 

Reason for all those upgrade still require the OEM head unit, that is because Lexus/Toyota head unit is not just a audio/nav unit, is is a basically an ECU for all the audio, nav, HAVC, and most importantly, a CAN bus controller. There is just simply no way to bypass it.