There is this review and only one on the manufacturer's web site.
I am concerned that this might be vaporware or a seller's post since there are not a lit of posts from the OP.
Do you have more pictures and other indicators of a legitimate product.
I am interested in this unit, but I would like a little more indication that it is legitimate.

 

Ha ha, yeah, I hear you. Better safe then sorry.

Happy to oblige, here some pictures of the Ksmart module and the installation. NB, the harnesses are already installed in these pictures.

LMK if you have any questions.

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

Note the Ksmart app, which returns to the configuration menu.

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

Ksmart module behind climate control (copper colored box)

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

Pulling cable for glove compartment light with snake tool

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

USB cable from Ksmart module run into glove compartment. Shall 3D print suitable cover...

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

Note AC hose, make sure to reattach before reassembly if it came off.

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• Krischan
• Apr 12, 2023

 

Well it seems that switching is better through SETUP button than NAV. Did you try it also with Android phone?

 

I am also curious to see if it works with Android.

 

I decided to order one to see how long it takes to get here and if it works as advertised. My worry is that the original poster does not have a long history and may be the seller drumming up business.
We will see how well it works in actual life here in Florida USA.
I hope it works with android like it says it does on the website.
I had a rented (by Geico) Pacifica minivan while out Touareg was being repaired and I really like the ability to use Waze and Pandora easily. The outmoded RNS 850 and no upgrade other than an add on radio of suspect quality is not a good choice. Perhaps this system that adds functionality with "plug and play" wiring will work out. I hope so and am gambling $237.48 to test it out for the group!

 

I hope so and am gambling $237.48 to test it out for the group!

How did it go?

 

Thanks @redbarron55, keep us posted on the install and if it works out for you.

 

@redbarron55 u got balls 😀

 

Wow, still skeptical, eh? Fair enough, but I ain't no shill... just what a shill would say ;-)

I haven't tried with Android, since I live in Apple land and don't know anyone with an Android phone. But will keep that in mind if the occasion arises.

 

Hey @Krischan, does the stock potato back up camera still work?

 

Hey Krischan,

This looks super promising! Couple questions for you if you don't mind.

1. Can any button be repurposed for CarPlay activation? Im thinking the Traffic button as I never use it...
2. Once this is in place is Bluetooth on the regular RNS disabled? Or do you have to switch back and forth?

Thanks for posting all this great info.

Cheers,
James

 

@James B : It's easy enough to turn off the RNS850 Bluetooth function in the Settings menu(s) if another device will be handling hands-free functions. --g

 

Hi James,

Good idea, but I don't think that the button for the module activation is changeable from SETUP; at least I didn't see an option for that on the device or in the manual. There is an advanced factory menu though, I will check that out when I get a chance.

The BT of the RNS is unaffected, my iPhone still shows both CarPlay and the RNS as calling and streaming options. The Ksmart module is a completely separate computer that just smartly highjacks the RNS system input/output but otherwise leaves it alone I believe. I will probably unpair the RNS BT from my iPhone, to avoid confusion and since I prefer using CarPlay for everything.

Cheers,
Krischan

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Another one, and forgive me if you mentioned this earlier, but if the Setup button is now an activator for Carplay is there still a way to get to the Setup menu?

All the best,
James

 

Great write up..Looks promising for sure. How does it effect the camera and camera quality? I have 360 cameras and was wondering how that played out? Thanks for any info.

 

I had my hopes up that my factory rear camera image would improve, since this box claims AHD video support (analog hi-def?). But the image quality of my OEM camera didn't change. So it probably doesn't support this standard.

However, in the settings menus there are options for 360 cameras (front and rear), and also more specific NTSC/PAL and AHD up to 720p. I don't know if this is for OEM or aftermarket though.

You could always ask the seller, they've been responsive and helpful on the Aliexpress messaging system. I asked a bunch of stuff before I pulled the trigger.

 

Hey..Thanks for the quick answer. I had hoped you would say it improved as well. Definitely the OEM camera is not great..does the trick...but just barely at night in low light. Thats when I find it to be a problem. It appeared to be different in their image..at least of the guidelines but couldn't tell about quality. Well it still seems like a solid unit for a reasonable price.

 

The seller also has cameras (I think) and I would like to see if their rear view camera was better, but I hate to lose the calibration and functions of the old one. However I have often wanted a front camera to see how close I am to something up there. Do the cameras function function through the add on box or the RNS850?

 

@redbarron55 : The RNS850/MMI3GP main unit in the glovebox has no video-in capability, as such -- the OE RVC video signal is sent from the RVC control module J772 (which adds the guidelines based on steering angle info on the CANBUS) directly to the console display based on CANBUS information (that is, when reverse gear is engaged). Most of these after-market RVC solutions by-pass J772 and send their RVC video signal to the add-on CarPlay control box. --g

 

just saw that these guys posted a new install video for the -s model of the box yesterday

I'm very interested in this new carplay option so if anyone gets one here in the short term id love to hear your experience with it....

Krischan thanks for the initial post! I've been thinking of getting the JoyeAuto for a long time now but this install seems a little more straight forward....

 

Hi @jimi1508, thanks for finding this newer video, really comprehensive and better than the previous ones. Their installation looks streamlined compared mine. I took out the glove box lamp before removing the box, and then could not remember which way it to put it back, which seems unnecessary. Also, I don't have that airbag switch in the glove box. Probably a good idea not to disconnect this switch from its cable, just pry it out, as that could throw an ECU code. Not sure on this one, but wanted to point it out.

My experience has been nothing but positive. CarPlay comes on automatically ~30 seconds after I turn on the ignition all while the iPhone is still in my pocket.

Wired CarPlay also works.

I have yet to see how it behaves when two registered iPhones are present.

Hopefully someone else can report on Android Auto when they have a chance.

The Linux firmware on my 'Ksmart' module is from 2023-03-30, same as in this video (see screen at very end). I find this a good sign, meaning it's under active development.

 

This is really exciting, waiting anxiously for feedback on Android integration. Any comments on audio quality @Krischan? I've heard it is degraded with the Joyeauto setup which out me off from that direction.
Thanks,
Drew

 

Hi Drew,

I'm not the best guy to ask, but to my undiscerning ears it sounds really good. Subjectively better than the RNS, as I have the base Sport trim (no Dynaudio). I just got the car, so not too much experience, but I purchased a VCDS and want try the audio mod that I saw mentioned (bypass/activate built in amp?).

The unit also has equalizer and balance settings, which work well. Audio from the unit is via the AUX in of the RNS, maybe that's a helpful clue for the initiated.

Cheers,
Chris

P.S. Disclaimer: I don't want to sound too enthusiastic, since I'm no audiophile. Maybe wait on a second opinion before you decide.

 

subscribed

 

I, unfortunately, went and purchased the Azton CarPlay/AA box which looks identical to the JoyeAuto unit and has exactly the same hardware and also the same signatures if you take a look at the firmware upgrade file. I installed it correctly but it is severely let down by rubbish software that is not being fixed.

Things to look out for on this new and improved box from the OP:
1. Does the unit switch to CarPlay/AA and back again everything single time you touch the submenu button on the steering wheel? If not, great.
2. Do the track next and prev buttons on the steering wheel work every single time, or only sometimes and does it cause the "focus" on the screen to highlight random buttons on the screen? If not, also another great step in the right direction.
3. Does the volume change between start cycles? If not, fantastic.
4. If you're in CarPlay/AA mode and the brightness changes outside does the RNS850 screen adjust the backlight dynamically like normal, or does it require you to go back to any factory mode screen to wait for the backlight brightness to adjust? If not, another goodie for Kremersino.
5. Does this new box accurately detect whether it's night or day and send the appropriate command to your phone to set day or night mode? Or does it have no clue at all and just force everything to night mode after it launches in day mode and keeps it there for 20 seconds. If not, this new unit probably has another customer.

 

I, unfortunately, went and purchased the Azton CarPlay/AA box which looks identical to the JoyeAuto unit and has exactly the same hardware and also the same signatures if you take a look at the firmware upgrade file. I installed it correctly but it is severely let down by rubbish software that is not being fixed.

Things to look out for on this new and improved box from the OP:
1. Does the unit switch to CarPlay/AA and back again everything single time you touch the submenu button on the steering wheel? If not, great.
2. Do the track next and prev buttons on the steering wheel work every single time, or only sometimes and does it cause the "focus" on the screen to highlight random buttons on the screen? If not, also another great step in the right direction.
3. Does the volume change between start cycles? If not, fantastic.
4. If you're in CarPlay/AA mode and the brightness changes outside does the RNS850 screen adjust the backlight dynamically like normal, or does it require you to go back to any factory mode screen to wait for the backlight brightness to adjust? If not, another goodie for Kremersino.
5. Does this new box accurately detect whether it's night or day and send the appropriate command to your phone to set day or night mode? Or does it have no clue at all and just force everything to night mode after it launches in day mode and keeps it there for 20 seconds. If not, this new unit probably has another customer.

To the best of my knowledge from memory, all CarPlay:

1. If by submenu you mean the lower button on the steering wheel right side, I don't think that does anything for CarPlay. It works with the display in the instrument cluster only. But will verify next time I drive.

2. The next/prev buttons on the left steering wheel side consistently switch between songs in Spotify for me, no dropouts. No UI elements get highlighted/focused by them. The big knob under the display does that though, it can be used to switch/focus UI elements and select them by pushing. Can be handy I found, poor mans BMW iDrive.

3. I haven't noticed overt volume changes between cycles, but didn't pay particular attention. Seems consistent.

4. The screen backlight is in sync with the remainder of interior lighting, I can adjust it with the little knobby next to the light switch (left of steering wheel).

5. The box seems to catch whatever CAN bus signal tells it to activate night mode, which is really cool in Google maps. There must be a light sensor in the Touareg controlling the automatic headlights via CAN bus. When I enter a tunnel, the Google/Apple map switches to night mode. Heck, even in tree shade sometimes.

I like this last one especially, since I have a cheapo 2DIN CarPlay unit in an old Jetta, which is totally dumb and requires manual fumbling.

I don't mean to sing the praises, but until now I've been pretty pleased with the module. Seems like a solid piece of kit, hopefully others can corroborate that soon.

 

I just clicked on their website link but when I go there I can’t find a buy option or any pricing… how do I buy it?

 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005004856865782.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

Right hand side...big red "BUY IT NOW' button (maybe scroll down a little)?

 

@Krischan I forgot to ask you: in the installation video, it shows them pushing a button on the steering wheel to activate the voice control. Does that work for you and is it the "voice" button or the "phone" button that makes it work? If it does work, does pressing it still make something happen in the instrument panel screen or is it cleverly disabled when the CP/AA is active?

 

Hi @charliesjc, it's the center button on the steering wheel left side that triggers Siri, the one below volume down still kicks off the VW voice recognition I recall (not with car at the moment). Nothing happening in the instrument panel while CP is active.

One of buttons under the screen also activates Siri (don't remember exactly which but want to say it was leftmost, bottom row).

 

I just got a notice that the Carplay interface was in the local area for delivery!
It may come in today, but I have an ABS/ overall error excitement issue going on now and until I get that fixed the installation will be delayed.
The ABS light and the instrument panel light up like a pinball machine according to the wife (her car). The ABS and headlamp out of range errors are still lit on the panel and come back after clearing with VCDS. Lots of other things like the AC will not run etc. The AC says it is not working because of other problems with modules etc. I think that VW wants to really irritate you to fix the ABS issues, or at least I hope that is what is happening!
The new ABS sensor for the left rear should be in maybe Wednesday and I will see if that sets everything straight.

 

Your battery may be failing; you might want to get it tested.

 

I ordered one of these too. Anxiously awaiting delivery to try it out.

 

Mine came today. I have some issues with the ABS and will wait until I get that sorted before i start the installation.

 

I got the issues with the ABS errors and now I will have time soon to get started on the installation. Maybe this weekend or next week.

 

many thanks for this thread and to @Krischan for pioneering this, I too have ordered one and keenly awaiting the arrival. Like @redbarron55 i will need a clear weekend to do it , but I am sure with all the valuable input here it should be a piece of cake to fit

 

Hey guys,
Finally found the time to install the unit and it fired up as expected and working fine. Had a bit of trouble getting the glove box back in and needed to move some of the bigger connectors out of the way.

What a great way to add the updated tech to an 11 year old car. Again thanks to all that have pioneered and shared their experiences
Cheers Phil