James.T

Forgive my ignorance but I'm trying to understand connectivity options.

I currently use an android phone. What functionality should I expect in a GT4? Will my phone pair with the car via Bluetooth? Is android auto possible or do I need to do this aftermarket? Is there any benefit to choosing apple car play if I have to add Android Auto later?

JCviggen

Bluetooth, yes. There's no android auto out of the box but it can be unlocked in the PCM via some hacking/trickery. Requires buying a particular kind of cable and paying someone far away to remote into your laptop so they can unlock the feature. That was the procedure last time I checked anyway.

Westcoast

The process is one of enabling the pre-existing Android Auto code on the PCM through Porsches own FEC process (Feature Enablement Code), no trickery involved. As for the cable and remote access, it is a USB to Ethernet adapter and if the end user possesses the same skill and understanding as this service provider then no remote access would be required either...

Westcoast

When you connect your phone (Android or iPhone) to the PCM via Bluetooth then you get access to everything that the PCM is set to provide, for example access to texts messages, phone contacts, making phone calls and playing media from your device.

Android Auto can be enabled after purchase and does not require CarPlay be specified in the build, these are separate features within the PCM. However as mentioned AA is not offered by Porsche even though the firmware is already in the PCM, it has to be enabled by a third party. I have this done in my Spyder and full AA functionality is available when you connect your Android phone via a USB cable.

HTH

James.T

Very helpful! Thanks

Westcoast

No worries, there are a couple of threads here on Rennlist about enabling AA on the PCM, and as I have had this done to my Spyder, if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them.

MaddMike

Cost about $200 last time I checked.

argyleCali

You could try this:

dnimi123

There is a guy, sima on 718forum who does this for $150. Needed to buy a cable and then he remotes in. I was concerned in the beginning, but worked like a charm. I think he said he works for Audi and the code in the PCM is the same and he just unlocks it. I now have an iPhone (apple carplay was optioned on my car), but turning on Android Auto was great - Highly Recommend. You definitely want to option Apple Car Play as its a must for resale...

edub

Just do the Android Auto changes yourself

tinyurl.com/yt2ydmmt

You can also add NAV and GPS while you are there

MaddMike

Not sure what you linked, but that's not it.

Westcoast

@simaservis1108 Sima did mine as well, I have no hesitation recommending him for the task.

lowbee

I remember reading somewhere that the icons on the Android screen are not aligned? has that problem been resolved? Any new pic ?

Westcoast

There is no problem with the icons while in Android Auto they all appear as they would normally, the only icon that is a bit wonky is on the Home screen where you select Android Auto, not perfect but it has absolutely no effect on the AA operations.

I will grab a shot of it at lunch time...

Westcoast

So here is the screen that you launch from, as you can see no device is connected to the USB in the car, below that I show a close up of the icon change: