The android box is like your onboard computer just like an amazon tv in your living room. You can run bluetooth obd2 apps like dash command or torque. YouTube or netflix, play movies off the internal storage or sd card. I am going to use it specifically for engine stats to view temps, afr, etc while driving. Instead of an android box you could plug in a chrome cast and mirror your phone to the screen for example
Instead of using a remote, the touch screen allows for control of the android box. I like the android box because of the adaptability and options for software modifications, etc…
In reality you “replace” the sat radio with the analog tv tuner box. Or you can keep both. I removed the sat box to make extra space and I dont use it. Then enable tv tuner in the can module installation list.
The system is very plug and play.
The extra harnesses listed above make it easier to route and require power and MOST ring as audi supplies these cables short and not able to always reroute them to locations only 5" away.
This modification is near identical to retrofitting an AMI box in the glovebox on these cars. Only difference is you need to make the 20 pin harness cable for power and the Yellow, Red, White AV inputs.
I’ve done lots of MOST retrofits and RNSE retrofits with av addons, etc. Lemme know if you have questions.
All in all this whole system will end up costing me about $170 with the new android box, old tv tuner, and all cables including usb 12V to 5V plugs, etc… it’s a good deal imo for what benefits you get.