This app was mentioned in 9 comments, with an average of 4.56 upvotes
I have the first Pioneer App Radio(da100), you can already have something better than Android Auto. For those who don't know check out this video I quickly filmed http://youtu.be/VyRygsml5W8
Basically you use HDMI or Slimport for video and audio to the head unit and Bluetooth for touch control and calls. It works great, I can browse the web, watch videos, listen to music, navigation, everything that I can do on my phone I can do through the head unit.
I use this app to facilitate the connection https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mars.area51.arunchained&hl=en
Also the new unit has the same specs as the much older one, 800x480, 7inch, etc...
Good luck with iPhone. Best case here would be a mount and an aux cord/bluetooth audio.
As for android, this is really cool. It gets around all the limitations, you can even use Waze on your head unit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mars.area51.arunchained&hl=en-ca
You'd need a (rather expensive) Pioneer headunit to make it work AND the app hasn't been developed for a year now. I am not sure how much longer it will work.
I just opted for a Dash Mount currently as I wait to see what Sony's future offering will deliver.
Info on paint job - I used a paintbrush made from my own hair and a chopstick...
AppRadio Unchained Reloaded
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mars.area51.arunchained
I have an AppRadio 3. Using AppRadio Unchained Reloaded, when I plug my phone into the usb, I get full screen mirroring, and touch controls. It works great.
I thought I would try a Netgear Push2TV for wireless screen share, but it was to laggy (and I coudn't get it to auto connect). I assume the Chromecast would be laggy as well.
Let me know if you have any questions about the setup. Plugging it in works great.
Info on paint job - I used a paintbrush made from my own hair and a chopstick...
I think only the NEX series supports AA as it looks like you have found already. However there are several models that support Pioneer's AppRadio feature. An app was developed that exploits this service and allows full screen mirroring of your phone:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mars.area51.arunchained
xda link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/android-4-0-root-appradio-unchained-t2955966
Youtube video showing it:
Maybe your looking for something like this app? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mars.area51.arunchained check sine YouTube videos... I think it's what you want.
Pretty cool, man.
I did the Same thing to my Tacoma a couple of years ago. I haven't convinced myself to hack up my 7 month old MK7 dash, yet.
I'm very curious how you got steering wheel controls to work. Are you using this?
I'm leaning towards a Pioneer "Appradio" head unit with the ARunchained App primarily so that I'll retain steering wheel controls.