What I really liked about the Android head unit are the lack of restrictions. I can install any app, run any app and anytime, not just with the parking brake on! The UI experience can be heavy customized to fix different uses. I'm heavily invested in the Google eco system between my calendars, contact, google drive, etc that anything that supports it is a plus. As a developer its a much more open platform then IOS and miles ahead of any big brand unit from Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, etc.
My biggest gripe with the Android head units is the user experience, it feels so tablet like. There are a handful of Android launchers available on the Play Store that provide a more automotive experience. I tried a few and could not find the right balance between Android and automotive experience. So I spent the last few evening creating one.
I wrote a blog post regarding it, if you’re interested in reading it: http://blog.petrocik.net/?p=62
I was worried about the difficulty install the radio but the install was straight forward, same as any other car stereo install. I did not install the CanBus bridge to enable the steering wheel controls, since I have alternative plans in the near future around integrating CanBus with the new head unit.
I used the Metra 99-9227 dash kit, the color match isn't that good. I would suggest trying the Scosche brand, it can't be any worse.
I've had the unit for 5 day now and it has more then meet my expectations. I listen to the radio about 25% of the time, the rest of the time it podcast, audiobooks, streaming music. So not having a modern radio was a real annoyance. Having no restrictions on when and what I play is nice, obviously some self responsibility is required not to be watching youtube videos at 70mph.
Here is the installed head unit, showing the color mismatch:
