[Kri]

If you want to chat with people you can also join the Automotive Android Headunit Discord channel.
There are also Headunits for Mercedes Benz and Audi available which have the same software running, so everyone is welcome here
You will also find MCU Files for Mercedes Headunits at the Discord channel.

Time goes by, now after About 2 years of the KSW Snapdragon 625 have arrived, first with Android 9 and then upgrade able to Android 10 finally it seems the first true Android 11 Headunit has arrived.

Also you may have noticed that this Thread does not have the "10.25" anymore, thats because already for Android 9/10 there where alot of different sizes available like 8.8", 10.25", 12.3" , 15.6".

However at first it seems the Android 11 Headunits will also come with a new Hardware, called Snapdargon 662 and it seems they are again from KSW.

Specs known so far.:

• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 - 8 Core (4x 2Ghz & 4x 1.8 Ghz) - short "SD662 or M600"
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 - 8 Core (4x 2,4Ghz & 4x 1.8 Ghz) - short "SD680 or M700 - NEW since 01/2024"
• GPU: Adreno 610
• Storage: eMMC5.1 [Storage adopts eMCP chip. Including EMMC 5.1 and LPDORAX Qualcomm]
• RAM: LPDDR4x
• RAM/ ROM combinations available 4/64 GB 6/128 GB 8/256 GB , since some time it seems 8/128 GB combinations is also available, which makes it more difficult to identify Fake-OS units which mostly have the 8/128 GB combination.
• Android version: 11.0 / 12L / 13
  
• Supports full 4G spectrum: Downlink, maximum 150Mbps; Uplink, maximum 75Mbps
• Support 3 major satellite systems at the same time: GPS, Baidu and GLONASS
  
• WiFi: supports 2.4G b/g/n, 5G a/g/n/ac
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
• USB: Maximum support 4 USB
• Screen Resolution: 1280x480, 1920x720
  
• Support wired and wireless Carplay, wired and wireless Android Auto
• AnTuTu free (V9) running points close to 200,000 points
  
• Full Network specifications:

  Eurasian version frequency band
  GSM:850M/900M/1800M·WCDMA:B1/B5/B8
  TDD-LTE: B38/B39/B40/B41
  FDD-LTE: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28(B28A, B28B)
  

Identifying

The System information screen for identification will look like this:
Please Note that there are Two "KSW" Like Systems in the wild for now.
The already known KSW , lets call it "Regular-KSW | M600-KSW | M700-KSW "

MCU Ver: 105245dGS-NBT-G-DD-210417
APP Ver: Ksw-R-M600_OS_v1.x.x [ Android 11) Last update 2.4.4
APP Ver: Ksw-S-M600_OS_v1.x.x [ Android 12) Last update 1.5.6 (rumors that this is the last one)
APP Ver: Ksw-T-M600_OS_v1.x.x [ Android 13) begins from 1.1.3
APP Ver: Witstek-Ksw-T-M700_OS_v1.x.x [ Android 13) begins from 1.1.5
System Ver: 11-662EA

There Appeared other Units since some time which also do have a "GT_KSW" String, they seem to be based on KSW Development, but are developed for a Vendor with the Shortcut "ZXW"
Lets Call them ZXW-KSW | GT_KSW | GT6

Those Units do have a "Release" Build Android installed, which means they have a Official Signed Build by google, which is not rooted, and can not be rooted so far.
Unfortunately you can not see the difference between those two units based on just the regular GUI Screenshots.
The Version is not defined by a Number anymore but by the Date of the Build.
Also it seems there is an EAU and NA Version.

Apps which are designed for "traditional" KSW Units may not work at all or only in a limited way yet:

• KSW Toolkit (Does not work)
• ID7Launcher (May work limited to some specific functions)
• Flow-UX (May work limited to some specific functions)
• Drive-Keyboard (May work limited to some specific functions)
• KSW-Overlay / Flowoverlays ( Do not work)

FAKE UNITS:

It also seems that already first Fake Android 11 Headunits did appear, so beware of buying the correct Headunit.
A System with 1/16 or 2/32 configuration is likely to be a Fake Unit with an older Android 10 or even worse (and more likely) Android 9!
Lately it has already become very difficult to identfiy True A10 headunits from fake once`s and the different hardware, so be prepaired it will become worse as more sellers will jump on to the A11-13 fake-train.

Firmware Upgrade from Android 10 to Android 11 on Snapgradon 625

So far there is no Update available (yet) for Snapdragon 625 Android 10 Headunits to Update to Android 11.
As you can see above the name scheme is different to SD625, so image files from SD662 will likely not be cross compatible

Firmware Update for SD662 Android 11 / 12 / 13

Only do update if you have issues with your system ! (golden rule : never change a running system)
Attention, for headunits lower than update 1.4.5 you have to update your headunit in the following order or it may be bricked !

• 1.3.1 -> 1.3.5 -> 1.4.0 -> 1.4.3 -> 1.4.5 -> 2.2.3 -> latest = 2.4.4

Its unknown yet if there is a specific order that has to be updated between 1.4.5 and 1.7.0
However from 1.5.2 upwards people reported to be able to update to 1.8.6.

For Latest Classic KSW M600 Android 11 OTA Firmware version HERE.


For Latest Classic KSW M600 Android 12 OTA Firmware version HERE.


For Latest Classic KSW M600 Android 13 OTA Firmware version HERE.


For Latest Classic KSW M700 Android 13 OTA Firmware version HERE.


For Latest KSW GT6 Android 13 OTA Firmware version HERE.


Instructions for updating.

To ensure the update will recognized use a thumbstick not exeeding 32 GB size and format it to FAT32 Filesystem with a Windows PC (MAC`s may format it wrong).

1. NO NEED TO Unzip the downloaded file
2. Copy the Ksw-R-M600_OS_v*.*.*-ota.zip in empty USB Fat32 formatted usb-Thumbdrive or SD-Card and attach to your unit.
3. Turn on unit, the upgrade window will pop up, click on it.
4. After finish the upgrade, you must pull out the USB/SD-card, otherwise, each time you turn on unit, it will remind you whether if upgrade.
(Note: Do not cut power while upgrade)

Downgrade Guide for Snapdragon 662 from Android 13 back to Android 11

A Guide from PEMP to downgrade SD662 KSW Units back to Android 11 can be found HERE .



Changelogs:

Note as KSW is using the same Software base for Android 10 and Android 11, the changlogs do mostly work for both systems.
However there are still some Version specific changes that will be listed (if found at all)

It is mandatory to Install Android 11 Update 2.2.3 prior to all newer Android 11 updates or to upgrade to Android 12

It is mandatory to Install Android 12 Update 1.4.1 or newer prior to upgrade to Android 13

Changelogs Android 13:

Changelogs

Fortunately kamilbrk does do changelogs of the new Software versions from Android 12 and 13 now.
You can find the new Android 13 changelogs HERE

Android 13 Versions so far: 1.1.3 / 1.1.9

Changelogs Android 12:

Changelog 1.0.7-1.5.6

• No Changelogs available, i (KRI) have not time anymore to do Changelogs as they are very time consuming, if someone does want to continue doing proper Changelogs feel free to contact us at out DISCORD channel.

Changelogs Android 11:

Changelog 2.4.4 (25.11.2022) - Last available Version

• changelogs not available but should fit A10 Update 3.9.4 which is from 24.11.2022.
  
• It is mandatory to Install Update 2.2.3 prior to all newer updates!
• Info: Controller speed still is slow

Changelog 2.1.7 (10.06.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (uploaded 20.06.2022)
  
• Change: Controller turn speed has been limited to about the half, not recommended!

Changelog 2.1.6 (02.06.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (uploaded 18.06.2022)
  
• Change: Controller turn speed has been limited to about the half, not recommended!

Changelog 2.1.5 (18.05.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (no upload)
  
• Change: Controller turn speed has been limited to about the half, not recommended!
  

Changelog 2.0.9 (22.04.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (uploaded 14.05.2022)

Changelog 2.0.8 (20.04.2022)

• changelogs not available but should fit A10 Update 3.5.3 as there from the same day. (uploaded 08.05.2022)

Changelog 2.0.3 (25.03.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (uploaded 15.04.2022)

Changelog 2.0.0 (08.03.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (uploaded 14.03.2022)

Changelog 1.9.9 (24.02.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (uploaded 14.03.2022)

Changelog 1.9.7 (17.02.2022)

• changelogs not available update on your own risk! (uploaded 14.03.2022)

Changelog 1.9.0 (05.01.2022)

• changelogs not available but should partially fit A10 Update 3.4.7 which is from 17.01.2022.

Changelog 1.8.9 (23.12.2021)

• changelogs not available but should fit A10 Update 3.4.4 as there from the same day.

Changelog 1.8.6 (29.11.2021)

• changelogs not available but should fit A10 Update 3.4.1 as there are only 2 days difference.

Changelog 1.7.5 (?.?.2021)

• Changelogs not available, no Information / download available

Changelog 1.7.0 (22.10.2021)

• Changelogs not available but should be somewhere between A10 Update 3.1.9 to 3.2.2.

Changelog 1.4.5 (12.8.2021)

• Changelogs not available but should be around A10 Update 3.1.5 as there is only 1 day difference

Factory_config.xml File

There is no specific feature change for Android 11 yet, so the Update File from Android 10 should work for now.
If possible do backup your factory file before updating, the how to is also described at the A10 Post

Kri

[Kri]

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Kri

[Kri]

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Kri

[RedErik]

Android 11 to Android 12 update:

There is a way of going back to A11 via recovery mode but it is also highly recommended to solder on a volume- to ground button. There is a risk of bricking the device when attempting the downgrade so having that button (or at least a pair of wires) is the only way to recover the unit, so please consider carefully whether you want to update or not.

1. Perform a full factory reset.
2. Make sure you're on Android 11 2.2.3 or newer. The correct update path for Android 11 is 1.3.1 -> 1.3.5 -> 1.4.0 -> 1.4.3 -> 1.4.5 -> 2.2.3 -> latest.
3. Android 12 update path is A11 2.4.2 -> A12 1.2.0 -> A12 1.1.4Nexai -> A12 1.2.1Nexai and newer. After 1.2.1Nexai it's unclear if you can jump to the latest. I don't have any unit to try it myself.

Weather widget activation:
1. Create a hotspot on your phone and name it 44FESRAN .
2. Connect your Android headunit to that hotspot.
3. Activation is complete.

ID8 UI activation is describe here. At the moment A11 and A12 factory_config.xml files are the same.

[dRsBE]

subscribed

[Mgeranimus]

wow !

[SupersixM]

Well it's about time, Kri. 😂😂

[Zeo85]

Is there anything ground breaking about the new Android 11 models ? Are they worth the upgrade or not ?

[RedErik]

Originally Posted by Zeo85

Is there anything ground breaking about the new Android 11 models ? Are they worth the upgrade or not ?

Looking at the spec sheet, it's faster, has more RAM and more storage... and that's pretty much it. Unless they bring light sensor and other highly demanded features, I would say there is absolutely no point.

And knowing Chinese they won't bring additional features. It's the same thing as jump from PX6 to SD625, faster, smoother, newer... but still the same as the last 3 generations.

[ngl]

I hope it at least enables BT so you can freely pair devices to it. I want to be able to control my interior ambilights from the android screen

The hardware seems quite nice, the A73 cores should provide a very nice speed boost, if it would use UFS instead of eMMC storage it would be a beast.

[RedErik]

Originally Posted by ngl

I hope it at least enables BT so you can freely pair devices to it. I want to be able to control my interior ambilights from the android screen

The hardware seems quite nice, the A73 cores should provide a very nice speed boost, if it would use UFS instead of eMMC storage it would be a beast.

Doubt it and doubt it 😅 eMMC is cheaper and BT most likely will be locked again because they want to make it as close to OEM experience as possible (without actually making any effort 🤣 ).

And by the looks of it, none of our tools will work as these systems are no longer user-debug builds.

[30secs]

Sounds like Android 10hu is the way to go. For now.

[RedErik]

Originally Posted by 30secs

Sounds like Android 10hu is the wait to go. For now.

I honestly don't see any reason to update to 662 as 625 is plenty fast and there are no new hardware features on 662 so... why would you?

If one does not have any Android unit then it makes sense (depending on the final price) but knowing what I know, I would probably stick to 625... if I was staying with Android 😂

[SupersixM]

Looks like another addition to the fake Android 11 craze.
Becareful folks and ask around before you purchase any unit.

US $218.17 51%OFF | 6GB IPS Android 11 Car Radio multimedia Player For BMW F30 F20 F31 F22 F21 F32 F33 F36 Original NBT System Auto GPS Navigation
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrR0HIF


Also looks like Astrowind is faking it until they make it. Number of units sold is increasing but none out in the wild yet, from my knowledge. Strange.

[SupersixM]

Originally Posted by RedErik

Doubt it and doubt it 😅 eMMC is cheaper and BT most likely will be locked again because they want to make it as close to OEM experience as possible (without actually making any effort 🤣 ).

And by the looks of it, none of our tools will work as these systems are no longer user-debug builds.

How hard is it to really get in touch with these guys that make these units and have them built to spec? This market is not big to the point they can do what they want. Don't they know if it's built to spec, they'll sell more. Like, every shop will carry it. Seems extremely half ass to me.

[RedErik]

Originally Posted by SupersixM

How hard is it to really get in touch with these guys that make these units and have them built to spec? This market is not big to the point they can do what they want. Don't they know if it's built to spec, they'll sell more. Like, every shop will carry it. Seems extremely half ass to me.

Realistically it's impossible to get in touch with these guys. The furthest we managed to get was technical team at LS vendor, but even that is not enough to make any influence. You would need to place an order for at least a couple of thousands of these units for them to even consider making a hardware modifications to your spec.

And yes, everything on these units is half arsed. At first glance it looks like a fantastic upgrade for E and early F cars, and some would even argue it's a fantastic upgrade for EVO system as well (I have however a different option). But when you start looking into these and face some issues, some small, some big, you do realise how flawed these units are. There is a great potential (or was should I say) but Chinese successfully buried that in in their typical approach - copy, save on components, save on dev time, and finally fake as much as it's possible. Then start all over again...

[SupersixM]

Originally Posted by RedErik

Realistically it's impossible to get in touch with these guys. The furthest we managed to get was technical team at LS vendor, but even that is not enough to make any influence. You would need to place an order for at least a couple of thousands of these units for them to even consider making a hardware modifications to your spec.

And yes, everything on these units is half arsed. At first glance it looks like a fantastic upgrade for E and early F cars, and some would even argue it's a fantastic upgrade for EVO system as well (I have however a different option). But when you start looking into these and face some issues, some small, some big, you do realise how flawed these units are. There is a great potential (or was should I say) but Chinese successfully buried that in in their typical approach - copy, save on components, save on dev time, and finally fake as much as it's possible. Then start all over again...

Do you believe that these guys really move 1000s of these unit separately? Honest question, because I don't see it. My theory is that a couple factories are manufacturing these because aside from actual internal hardware, they all are the same externally, it seems to me. My theory.

[RedErik]

Originally Posted by SupersixM

Do you believe that these guys really move 1000s of these unit separately? Honest question, because I don't see it. My theory is that a couple factories are manufacturing these because aside from actual internal hardware, they all are the same externally, it seems to me. My theory.

Yes I do. Discord has 1300+ registered users, this forum - no one knows how many people read that, BMW German group has 1700+ registered users, massive Italian group, 2 huge Russian forums, US and Canada another 2 massive markets... I can keep going. This is not a small operation by all means.

[Zeo85]

Originally Posted by RedErik

Realistically it's impossible to get in touch with these guys. The furthest we managed to get was technical team at LS vendor, but even that is not enough to make any influence. You would need to place an order for at least a couple of thousands of these units for them to even consider making a hardware modifications to your spec.

And yes, everything on these units is half arsed. At first glance it looks like a fantastic upgrade for E and early F cars, and some would even argue it's a fantastic upgrade for EVO system as well (I have however a different option). But when you start looking into these and face some issues, some small, some big, you do realise how flawed these units are. There is a great potential (or was should I say) but Chinese successfully buried that in in their typical approach - copy, save on components, save on dev time, and finally fake as much as it's possible. Then start all over again...

Completely agree. These have so much more potential than they deliver.

Coming from an MMI box to an android screen was a disappointment.

All the young lads in the forums I’m in are living these units and think they’re amazing. Even OEM feeling. I don’t feel the same. They’re handy for long journeys but certainly not OEM feeling and the saddest thing is that these could’ve been so much better

[RedErik]

Originally Posted by Zeo85

Completely agree. These have so much more potential than they deliver.

Coming from an MMI box to an android screen was a disappointment.

All the young lads in the forums I'm in are living these units and think they're amazing. Even OEM feeling. I don't feel the same. They're handy for long journeys but certainly not OEM feeling and the saddest thing is that these could've been so much better

Young lads... basically kinds to whom every car is a PlayStation because they are too young to know any better 🤣

[cwleth]

Newbie here - Could someone point me in the direction of the best source of (somewhat summarized) buying advice? I've looked at the 9 & 10 threads but honestly get lost in the vast overload of information...

Thanks

[RedErik]

Originally Posted by cwleth

Newbie here - Could someone point me in the direction of the best source of (somewhat summarized) buying advice? I've looked at the 9 & 10 threads but honestly get lost in the vast overload of information...

Thanks

Well... first post here has all the info you're looking for https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1699764