autoevolution
 

Old Ford Focus with Android Is More Modern than the New Ford Focus

If you’re looking for an overhaul of your experience behind the wheel in an older car, one of the easiest ways to get it is to simply upgrade the head unit, which with the right features can make you feel like in a super-modern model.
Android head unit in Ford Focus 5 photos
Photo: Screenshot from Instagram video
2004 Ford Focus2004 Ford Focus2004 Ford Focus2004 Ford Focus
Most often, these upgrades come down to aftermarket head units that are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as these are currently the most popular choices for those who want to extend the power of their smartphones the display inside the car.

But on the other hand, third-party head units can also run full Android, which allows for even more capabilities, including running apps that wouldn’t otherwise be possible on Android Auto.

The full Android experience is also the core of a head unit upgrade on the 2004 Ford Focus, which dumped a Sony radio for a touchscreen model that runs Google’s operating system.

Not only that this head unit runs apps like YouTube, Spotify, Waze, and Google Maps, but it also makes all things digital. What you see on the screen in the video embedded below, and published on Instagram by Vanquish Group, is a dedicated car launcher that provides easy access to the common features and even a few extras.

For example, the acceleration information, speed, rev, and other car details can be collected through an OBD2 adapter that is plugged into the dedicated port of the vehicle.

If you’re looking for a similar upgrade in your older car, there are lots of Android-powered head units out there, many of them manufactured in China and not necessarily sold by a renowned brand. However, they do their job pretty well and, more importantly, they don’t cost a fortune, albeit you might have a hard time figuring out how to install them given many lack documentation in English and proper support.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories