Replacing SYNC (Sony system) with Android

[arabski]

When investigating different replacement options for my broken "ac" button, I stumbled upon some really promising aftermarket Infotainment solutions based on Android.

 

I always had issues with my sync but the dealer was never able to confirm:

 

- screen occasionally goes dead (usually one restart is enough, but sometimes I just need drive with no radio for hours - seems to be a random issue) - always works when at dealer's

- it hangs

- there is a 2 sec delay when watching movie via bluetooth

- my AC button is dead (dealer offered me a replacement of the entire infotainment system - for some of us it is OK to ask $1300 for a new button panel)

 

So I started digging. And I found there is a market for aftermarket radio upgrades for EDGE! Immediately when started comparing different offers, I quickly realized sellers don't have a clue what they are selling. So after quick round of questions to different people on ebay here's what I found out:

 

- there are multiple options available and I am focusing on the ones coming with the entire AC panel - some have glossy AC panel (should match OEM gear shifter panel), some are gray (for non SPORT editions I guess)

- there are at least four A/C panels available

 

** glossy with AUTO/DUAL buttons and electric seat heating, one with manual AC buttons (looks like capacitive -buttons)

 

** gray/mat with some really cheap looking power/volume button, glossy with rubber buttons:

 

- different screen resolutions are mentioned in auctions (1024x600 / 1024x800)

- the radio has 45W x4 rated output, which does not make much sense if you have SONY amp in the back that is used to power up the speakers

 

Here are search results from ebay, here from aliexpress.

 

My concern here is that if I order one of these, I will have to customize the wiring in order to re-use my SONY amp. I would love to avoid that. So far none of sellers was able to answer my questions regarding compatibility with SONY System. I guess I'll just gonna have to try it myself...

 

Second question would be - do you really need the AC panel or can you put any android radio that fits? (I am focused on replacing the whole thing because of AC button, but this is another angle worth investigating).

 

By the way, a WINCE alternative exists too (listed on radio-upgrade.com), but it looks like it was some early development project that never took off...

 

Has anybody tried any of these and cam share some experiences?

 

I'll keep updating this post when I find anything new!

Edited April 13, 2016 by arabski

[arabski]

Jumping between auctions I found something that looks like manufacturer's website: http://www.witson.com

 

Here are their products:

 

Android:

Android 4.4.4 FORD EDGE (W2-M255-1) (I guess this is the one with automatic A/C - there are two extra buttons on the panel - AUTO and DUAL)

 

Android 4.4.4 FORD EDGE (W2-M255)

 

WinCE:

DIGITAL AIR VERSION FORD EDGE 2013 (W2-C255-1)

 

MANUAL AIR VERSION FORD EDGE 2013 (W2-C255)

[cmurra6745]

those look nice, i would def be intrested to see what works with the current system , i have a limited so mine is shiny and id rather have a non shiny version ..

[mjonis]

When investigating different replacement options for my broken "ac" button, I stumbled upon some really promising aftermarket Infotainment solutions based on Android.

 

I always had issues with my sync but the dealer was never able to confirm:

 

- screen occasionally goes dead (usually one restart is enough, but sometimes I just need drive with no radio for hours - seems to be a random issue) - always works when at dealer's

- it hangs

- there is a 2 sec delay when watching movie via bluetooth

- my AC button is dead (dealer offered me a replacement of the entire infotainment system - for some of us it is OK to ask $1300 for a new button panel)

 

So I started digging. And I found there is a market for aftermarket radio upgrades for EDGE! Immediately when started comparing different offers, I quickly realized sellers don't have a clue what they are selling. So after quick round of questions to different people on ebay here's what I found out:

 

- there are multiple options available and I am focusing on the ones coming with the entire AC panel - some have glossy AC panel (should match OEM gear shifter panel), some are gray (for non SPORT editions I guess)

- there are at least four A/C panels available

 

** glossy with AUTO/DUAL buttons and electric seat heating, one with manual AC buttons (looks like capacitive -buttons)

 

** gray/mat with some really cheap looking power/volume button, glossy with rubber buttons:

 

- different screen resolutions are mentioned in auctions (1024x600 / 1024x800)

- the radio has 45W x4 rated output, which does not make much sense if you have SONY amp in the back that is used to power up the speakers

 

Here are search results from ebay, here from aliexpress.

 

My concern here is that if I order one of these, I will have to customize the wiring in order to re-use my SONY amp. I would love to avoid that. So far none of sellers was able to answer my questions regarding compatibility with SONY System. I guess I'll just gonna have to try it myself...

 

Second question would be - do you really need the AC panel or can you put any android radio that fits? (I am focused on replacing the whole thing because of AC button, but this is another angle worth investigating).

 

By the way, a WINCE alternative exists too (listed on radio-upgrade.com), but it looks like it was some early development project that never took off...

 

Has anybody tried any of these and cam share some experiences?

 

I'll keep updating this post when I find anything new!

 

You might want to try looking at Metra/Axxess or PAC Audio for wiring harnesses that don't require (or require very little) messing with the internal harnesses.

[Danh2702]

Mjonis, did you ever put one of these in? If so, how's it working? Absolutely over mft.