Should I allow the OTA update to my Android head unit?
What does ‘new version available’ mean, and why is it showing?
New version available
A new version of the software running your Android headunit (called the firmware) is available from the manufacturer/vendor. This could be a version of Android or some firmware for the MCU. Either way, it comes from the manufacturer/vendor in the form of an OTA (Over The Air) update via the internet and probably your mobile data.
OTA from the manufacturer
This has to be a good thing.
Not really. While it may be perfectly compatible, and whoever loaded the data into the OTA system got it to spot on and didn’t do it on a Friday afternoon after a lengthy lunch, you have two problems.
Firstly, you don’t know what has changed in the firmware and why it was changed. This means you don’t know how it will impact your Android headunit. Will it improve, add or remove features?
Secondly, you don’t have a system backup before making changes. The backup could roll back the update should it not install correctly or install and cause problems.
What could go wrong?
Anything from muted audio and failure of the backup camera function to a wholly bricked (nonbooting) Android headunit. Even files from the manufacturer can be corrupted, just incorrectly labeled, or sent to the wrong device.
What have you got to lose?
Any or all of the features of the headunit!
What have you got to gain? Who knows, there may not even be any problems you have found that they want to fix, so there is a risk and no gain. Seems like a lose-lose for the user. The manufacturer/vendor will be your point of contact, good luck with that.
How do I install the older version of MCU and Android system files?
You can’t 🙁
