Google Maps on 2018 MK3 Sport Infotainment System?

[SuperCNJ]

I've read quite a few posts on this topic but it doesn't seem to be conclusive.

Some say that you can not install third party apps such as Google maps onto the MK3 Jazz built after 2017 whilst others say you can. We have a 2018 MK3 Sport. Does anyone have any definitive information on this?

As a non-Android user, I am a bit confused as to what can or can't be done on the Infotainment in terms of adding apps. We really can't get along with the Garmin satnav so would really like to have Google Maps installed.  I've had a play around with the system but it seems to ask for APK files which I guess are the setup files for the apps - which I have to download using a computer (I guess). But there are many versions of Google Maps and from what I've read, the Android OS is quite old and may not be able to handle some of the newer apps.

We're still in warranty, so I wouldn't want to do anything that would be difficult to revert back to factory should it be required.

Any advice would be much appreciated! 

[JazzandJag]

OK, lets start with a little background info. Prior to the firmware version code named RC7 it was possible to install apps by renaming the apk file for the app to a name that the system permitted to be installed. Key to the process was installing an app which enabled permissions for apps (eg whether they could run whilst the vehicle was in motion etc) to be set. However with RC7 and later this exploit was closed.

However there are always people who will find a way to circumvent these restrictions. The first method involved removing the infotainment unit from the car, then removing the screen which revealed a hidden usb port. It was then possible, by the use of some custom software, to inject the permissions apk file underneath the normal restrictions. The second approach involved a customised version of the RC6.1 firmware which made the infotainment unit think that this was an update  and therefore once again allowed the installation of apps by the file renaming exploit.  I would not recommend anyone to do either of the above on a vehicle still under warranty!

The newest version of Google Maps which will work with the Android 4.0.4 o/s of the infotainment unit is 8.4 and I have heard that this version will no longer read current map data, so there seems to be little point in trying to install it.

The one thing that I believe still works is the disabling of the VSP error which enables video via the HDMI input to show on the screen whilst the vehicle is in motion. For this you need a phone or other device which can output an HDMI signal. To disable the VSP error requires a series of button presses (taking about 25 seconds once you know what you are doing) every time the vehicle is started as the system resets when the ignition is turned off.


Sorry to have gone on so long but the short answer to your query is yes but it is no longer  worth doing.

[SuperCNJ]

Thank you for such a detailed explanation. It's a shame we can't get google maps on the screen but its not the end of the world, we'll just have to make do with our phone instead.

May be when we're out of warranty or if someone comes up with another way doing it, we'll try again but for now, as you say, it's probably not worth doing.