Wondering if anyone is using a 2 din android radio and it happy with it. I am sync one and its pretty useless other than the radio to me anyway. I cant seem to get the apps working as it just says I havent allowed it even though my phone is connected via bluetooth. I guess I do use it for speaker phone calls as well.

Id like to have the ability to:
1, Run forscan gauges as a mail display
2. Navigation
3. Voice activated phone calls?
4. Would still like to see tire pressure.. although Im not sure if that can be seen on the dash cluster (just got my 2016 xl).
5. Backup camera
6. Would like radio and maybe sat radio.
7. throw a mp3 stick in and play it

For me, it has to be fast or Im frustrated.. so Id want latest processor or at least recent. Lots of stuff on amazon $150 on up.. looking for advice.. I dont want to spend $1k on a 12" phoenix or something like that. Id feel silly with a "tesla display" in my reg cab truck.

I searched and didnt find much of anything..

 

You can get the tire pressures on you cluster screen - If you have a 2 inch screen and want to upgrade to a 4inch screen, I'm selling one https://www.f150forum.com/f122/4-2-s...20-xlt-488957/

 

Im 4".

I forgot to add; Id like HD Radio and most importantly I dont want to lose steering wheel controls.

Hope someone has some advice.

 

No build pics only a final install pic.

2018 XL STX here. Factory 8" Sync 3. I upgraded the speakers and installed a mini amp in the dash behind the Sync 8" screen. Still wasn't happy with the sound. Decided to go aftermarket after another user posted a video showing an aftermarket Alpine unit that retained the steering wheel controls and the volume **** on the dash. Keeping the volume **** was of the utmost importance to me so I did the same using a Kenwood Android Auto unit.

The iDatalink Kit-MFT1 from Crutfield, retains the steering wheel controls and all the buttons on the dash as well as the volume ****. I didn't program the six preset buttons on the dash but there are various options that those buttons can be programmed for. I left them alone.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_794KMF...FT1-Black.html

I removed the 8" screen and the CD player unit down below. I installed the Kenwood DMX-9706s which has Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ( I don't use Apple devices but its there......)

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-cAqfPk...-DMX9706S.html

The wiring harness was easy enough to wire up including keeping the mini amp behind the headunit, a 4ch 45watt/channel unit.

When programming the iDatalink unit, I reprogrammed the eject button as a screen off button so I can quickly turn off the screen when driving at night. When I do, only the buttons are lit and it is awesome. I color matched the row of buttons on the Kenwood to the rest of the buttons on the dash as close as I could. I am going to reprogram the media button on the steering wheel as a play/pause button on press and media button on press/hold. The iDatalink give you an option on several buttons for dual actions, either press or press/hold.

Next upgrade will be an iDatalink compatible Kenwood unit with capacitive higher res screen. Otherwise, I am leaving it alone.

I don't care about the gauges or on-screen A/C controls since my truck only has manual A/C and the gauges on the screen look tacky and cheesy. I just want the sweet sweet high powered clean and clear Kenwood sound and Android Auto compatibility (Wireless is awesome)



One other thing, I used the USB hub included with the iDatalink kit so I had to take apart the front console cubby to remove the factory USB ports and widen out the opening in order to install the kit's USB/HDMI/AUX hub though I only wired the USB ports.

One other other thing, the Maestro ADS-MRR module is also required. The MFT1 kit is basically just the wiring harness and dash installation hardware not the programmable module for the steering/dash controls.

 

Sorry for not replying sooner. Thanks for this. Oddly, Im an audiophile but not interested in spending what you likely did on speakers and amplification. More interested in easy radio op and gauges.. Because of an injury, Id like the display a little lower.. because Id like to be able to lay my arm on the center console and push it forward to hit the screen (I cannot lift my arm that way very well). I started looking for swivel or rotating displays but NONE are less than 9" which I think looks ridiculous.. its like a big screen TV on your dash. Reason for swivel type is because they protrude out a few inches so would be closer reach...I think even with good arm it would be nice to swivel it 5 degrees to the driver and out a bit.. but an 8" max screen.

Did you have a factory back up cam? I dont have one, and when I price out adding stock one to my sync 1 4" its insane. cost. so will likely go third party somehow. Just dont want an ugly cam on the back of my truck.

anywho, thanks.. I think Im gonna cheap out on some china crap radio because when you add up the new 8" mount, steering control cables etc this gets silly.. But I change my mind hourly with a severe case of ADD.

Also, my dog goes about everywhere with me and a nice stereo would be mean to a dogs ears in my opinion.. Im a wuss when it comes to dogs.. but, he is the reason Im still on this wretched planet.

EDIT: does the kenny have auto volume control? Now THAT is one feature I miss.

EDIT: can you tell me about hands free microphone? Can one use the stock microphone?