Will31894

In January of 2016, BeatSonic announced a plug and play option for select Lexus models. After a couple of years the product never debuted and instead they released a mirroring option which of course provides more functionality. I was currently browsing some car play multimedia options for my 2016 lexus IS and took a look at both 4x4 upgraded screen and the BeatSonic Mirroring hardware. On BeatSonics homepage there is a new product that is listed as "Apple Carplay for 2018-2019 Camry". http://www.beatsonicusa.com/toyotacarplay.html . After reading through the post it looks like the same product they were going to release for Lexus in 2016. Out of curiosity I sent an email to BeatSonic directly, wondering if they had a carplay option that wasn't the mirroring for the IS and Sam responded saying " Lexus carplay will be available next month". I responded to make sure it was an aftermarket system and not just a software update( I know Lexus/Toyota just started doing software upgrades to carplay for certain models 2018-2019 etc NX, camry) . He said it was an aftermarket option that would support vehicles 2015 and up. The price for the Camry system on their site is marked as $499.

I know carplay doesn't provide as much functionality, like the other systems I listed here but I would like an easy solution that allows me to use carplay with the OEM screen and meets the functionality I need. Would you guys purchase the carplay system from them? Also more importantly, do you think this product will fall through like it did the first time?

UPDATE:
Product is live for sale on their site! - Current special is $499 for a limited time before the standard price $599

Official Link To Order: http://www.beatsonicusa.com/lexuscar...droidauto.html

Below are the details from the site:

Details

-Apple Carplay and Android Auto using factory controls and factory touchscreen.
-Perfect for iPhone and Android smartphone users.
-Wired connection from the interface to your iPhone and Android phones.
-Volume control on steering wheel will continue to function with Apple Carplay / Android Auto mode.
-Smartphone will charge while connected to this device during Apple Carplay and Android Auto use.
-Long menu press will switch between Apple Carplay/ Android Auto and factory radio mode.
-GVIF video input for high definition clear image.
-Climate control changes will automatically display factory screen to show setting.
Compatibility:
2013-2017 Lexus CT 200h with Factory Navigation
2013-2014 Lexus GS 350 / 450h with or without Factory Navigation.
2015-2017 Lexus GS 200t / 350 / 450h / GS F with or without Factory Navigation
2018-2019 Lexus GS 300 / 350 / 450h / GS F with or without Factory Navigation
2013-2017 Lexus LS 460 / 600h L with Factory Navigation
2013-2019 Lexus RX 350 / 450h with Factory Navigation
2015-2018 Lexus ES 350 / 300h with Factory Navigation
2013-2019 Lexus IS 250 / 200t / 300 / 350 / IS-C / IS-F with Factory Navigation
2016-2017 Lexus RC 200t / 300 / 350 / RC F with Factory Navigation
2015-2017 Lexus NX 200t / 300h with Factory Navigation

Additional Information
-Aux Input mode will become occupied with the new Apple Carplay device.
-Faint pop noise may be heard during vehicle turn on while in AUX mode

Pittsy

I definitely would if it works on the RC as well. I'm just hoping lexus will release an update for the sub '18 vehicles as well.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

Beatsonic Carplay is made by a Korean company called NVConnect. They have a few demos of many different car brand on Youtube, they all work pretty much the same way and factory joystiq functionality is supposedly intact but not sure steering wheel controls will work.

There's one thing I don't like. They use analog AUX as audio input in the car for all Carplay audio so I'm not sure how good the audio quality and you cannot listen to Lexus radio or satellite while inside Carplay menu. It's better than nothing and so far the best implementation, at least better than mirroring which I think is lame.

http://www.nvconnect.co.kr/product/d...isplay_group=3

Will31894

Wow, that is interesting, I wonder how they will implement it for the USA and maybe you can use the cars Bluetooth for audio if needed.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

I don't think it matters whether it's USA or another country. You can scroll down their site to see the hardware boxes wish they had integrated into one box but maybe they wanted to avoid signal crosstalk. I think Caplay menu is dependent on iOS language so whatever language you set in iOS it just shows up as is on Carplay.

Flash5

I’ll stick to my 4x4 Shop android screen that runs Apple CarPlay with no issues. Not to mention I have a bigger screen now too and touchscreen. Whenever this beatsonic thing comes out someone should try it out and review it.

Will31894

*Update

Beatsonic has released screen shots of the device working on enform 2.0. Since this this the IS forum these are the model years it will support, 2013~2019 with or without OEM NAV. I previously stated I didn't want to take any harnesses apart but after looking at an uninstall video and their plug and play install video it should be fairly simple. Once I purchase the harness and install Ill provide you guys with a review!

Also, the harness includes android auto as well for those with androids!

Flash5

Look forward to your review, it will be nice to have another option besides the 4x4 Shop unit.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

Beatsonic posted a new video of CarPlay installation for 2015 GS.

Will31894

I was watching it as you posted it on my forum, thank you! After looking at the Nv connect site and this video it’s gonna be a different module for GS from the looks of it. Hopefully the rest of the Lexus models have cool little features like he displayed at the end of the video.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

Yes, this one actually disable Bluetooth I don’t think I like it. I hope it just disabled while using CarPlay otherwise you can’t stream audio or receive phone calls while not in CarPlay menu.

Will31894

I see what you mean but I don’t think it disables the Bluetooth it looks like they recommend to turn it off. If you have an iPhone it’s an easy one button turn on/off so I don’t think it should be a big deal if you are only using car play.

Flash5

I wonder how much it's going to cost. Seems pretty good. I wonder what would happen if I installed this in conjunction with my 4x4 Shop android screen lol.

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

I think it will be $499.

Will31894

The official price is $499. http://www.beatsonicusa.com/lexuscar...droidauto.html