Database Users

Jeep Wrangler Android Unit - Need Advice

Gang,
Let me be honest. I'm not an Android guy. I have nothing against the OS, I just have extremely limited experience with the platform as I got caught early in the Apple life cycle and have far to much invested in it to jump ship now. That being said I recognize the flexibility of the Android OS which is what brings me here. In the past I've built a one-off carputer before the equipment was widely available (2003-4) and have always missed the flexibility that gave me. With the current generation of Android based head units out there now I'd really like to add that functionality to my new 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The ability to have topographical maps, constantly up to date street maps, OBD II, full audio support for any audio format I want, and the ability to install any other app I want is amazing. Here's where I need your help.
TL : DR - I know nothing about Android head units and need advice.
I had originally been looking at the JK1001 from Insane Audio but can't bring myself to pay $1000 for an Android head unit. So I did some digging and found a quad core unit on AliExpress (Product ID: 32366565407) and it's really peaked my interest. Can anyone tell me anything more about this specific unit? Anyone own one?
Also, I'd love to run an external DAC on it that has 4V+ preamp outputs. Is such a thing made? Do they make a 4 channel DAC for Android head units?
Thanks for all you help!

did you ever get an Android Head Unit? I was also looking at the JK1001, but agree it is way over priced

Reviews of Joying head unit compatible with bmw e90

http://www.carjoying.com/in-dash-gp...saloon-touring-coupe-cabriolet-2005-2012.html
Has anyone purchased this head unit from joying and installed it? I am looking for a good android head unit with bluetooth and gps like this one. I have not found much in terms of reviews of this one.
Is this a good one? Any recommendations for one compatible with a 2011 328i e90 model?
Thanks

I dont have this unit but from the pics, the firmware and MCU look exactly like mine. Im guessing the diff is just the screen and button layout. So any Joying review should suffice. Bluetooth and GPS are on point. I love it
Dragonman0 said:
http://www.carjoying.com/in-dash-gp...saloon-touring-coupe-cabriolet-2005-2012.html
Has anyone purchased this head unit from joying and installed it? I am looking for a good android head unit with bluetooth and gps like this one. I have not found much in terms of reviews of this one.
Is this a good one? Any recommendations for one compatible with a 2011 328i e90 model?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

yellaboyla said:
I dont have this unit but from the pics, the firmware and MCU look exactly like mine. Im guessing the diff is just the screen and button layout. So any Joying review should suffice. Bluetooth and GPS are on point. I love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is model you have? I was thinking about getting the pioneer 4100nex. I'm kinda wary of the joying one because I've read the Bluetooth phone calling microphone on the joying unit at least is almost unusable.

I am considering the Joying unit for my '09 E93 as well. One of the better features is the EasyConnect app for mirroring both Android and Apple. Since I have an Android and my better half loves her iPhone, and we both drive the car, it makes perfect sense from a compatibility standpoint. As for the rest, well, it's Android... and I can read the forums myself. I am seeking info about practical applications of this headunit on a BMW.

I have installed this unit since Dec 2015 in my 2007, e92 and I am very much satisfied with it. There are a coupple of things like the crappy mic or the bad radio connection but here at xda you can find workarounds for the problems.
The seat heating is controlled via screen after installing.
The aftersale support is also very good, except their english
If you do have any specific questions, feel free to ask.
Volker

bad radio connection can be fixed how?
V_Racho said:
I have installed this unit since Dec 2015 in my 2007, e92 and I am very much satisfied with it. There are a coupple of things like the crappy mic or the bad radio connection but here at xda you can find workarounds for the problems.
The seat heating is controlled via screen after installing.
The aftersale support is also very good, except their english
If you do have any specific questions, feel free to ask.
Volker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is the workaround for the bad radio connection?

JOYING or PUMPKIN head unit?

hello
I'm really debating between choosing the latest JOYING headunit (with the digital amplifier) and the PUMPKIN 7.1 android
does they have the external mic problem?
Is there any other recommended stable Chinese android head unit?

I'm more or less convinced that it's really a zero sum game with these units. Each has it's own issues and benefits and they even out. Find one with the screen you like and general features.

pounce said:
I'm more or less convinced that it's really a zero sum game with these units. Each has it's own issues and benefits and they even out. Find one with the screen you like and general features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they all have basically the same feature. it's supposed to be almost identical units...
do u recommend a specific model from specific brand? there are so many of these Chinese brands.

+1 for Pumpkin, I've had the RQ0278E for a few months now, it's nice but it has its quirks. The Android 6.0 update made it better. Btw, I can't seem to get my DAC to work with it properly

deadeye1985 said:
they all have basically the same feature. it's supposed to be almost identical units...
do u recommend a specific model from specific brand? there are so many of these Chinese brands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone has an opinion or approach. Depends on your objectives.
Personally, I find a good source first. I like Amazon because I can easily return. Then a look in the forums to check the amount of discussions and support for things I need. I read a bit and then buy something that seems to have some discussions and an amount of success or managed issues. Not everyone takes the approach.
Pumpkin and Joying are fairly established so I think they go in a short list.
I'm about to go with a Secaine unit because they do a nice job with dash specific plastic and form factors, but I don't hear much good about the guts. I see a lot of negative things, but that may just be because only people with problems post.
If you like hands on mods then a Joying might be fun. If you don't then maybe consider any good options that aren't Intel based.

What do you say about the OWNICE C500 ? are they another reseller ?

pounce said:
Everyone has an opinion or approach. Depends on your objectives.
Personally, I find a good source first. I like Amazon because I can easily return. Then a look in the forums to check the amount of discussions and support for things I need. I read a bit and then buy something that seems to have some discussions and an amount of success or managed issues. Not everyone takes the approach.
Pumpkin and Joying are fairly established so I think they go in a short list.
I'm about to go with a Secaine unit because they do a nice job with dash specific plastic and form factors, but I don't hear much good about the guts. I see a lot of negative things, but that may just be because only people with problems post.
If you like hands on mods then a Joying might be fun. If you don't then maybe consider any good options that aren't Intel based.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want a stable and reliable unit with good MIC , good 3G/4G +GPS for running WAZE

deadeye1985 said:
I just want a stable and reliable unit with good MIC , good 3G/4G +GPS for running WAZE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use your phone as a wifi hotspot? That would keep things simple.
Reliable might not be a quality attributed to any of the android unit. It's my opinion that most of accept some degree of mediocre reliability in exchange for the functionality we gain with being able to run android on the head unit.
You may want to consider opening your search to include Android Auto units. Waze is supported now.

pounce said:
Can you use your phone as a wifi hotspot? That would keep things simple.
Reliable might not be a quality attributed to any of the android unit. It's my opinion that most of accept some degree of mediocre reliability in exchange for the functionality we gain with being able to run android on the head unit.
You may want to consider opening your search to include Android Auto units. Waze is supported now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main problem is that I buy an android unit for my parents and they don't have a smartphone...only a old simple nokia.
so they need to use waze with a sim card with data plan.

deadeye1985 said:
The main problem is that I buy an android unit for my parents and they don't have a smartphone...only a old simple nokia.
so they need to use waze with a sim card with data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not recommend an android unit for older parents that use an old simple nokia if the reasons are that a smart phone is too complicated. I believe they may have issues with the use of the unit and that could be a safety issue.

ATOTO Double DIN Android 6.0 is my choice
I am owning ATOTO Android 6.0 HU. When it comes to operation speed, ATOTO is the best. After PUMPKIN Android 7 released for 2 months, I checked a lot reviews about it. But I think that may slower than my ATOTO Android 6.0 system. So I will just keep Android 6.0

i want to buy unit that support video out (headrest monitors), i found 2 units that i think that is good and i dont know what to choose.
1. joying JY-UM135N2PX5 CPU: PX5 Octa core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz
2. hizpo WJZ99GX - CPU: T8 2.0GHz (i think this is the model number)
most of the parameters are the same, exept the CPU
does anybody could recommend one of them or maybe another unit that i missed?

Yes, after long time research, I finally got ATOTO back with my 2003 Mazda Miata. So far so good. The screen responds faster than my wife's Joying. Good try！And it helped me save a lot money.

deadeye1985 said:
What do you say about the OWNICE C500 ? are they another reseller ?[/QUOTE
No, ownice is a manufacturer, they use other hardware like the cpu from AutoChips.
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Click to collapse

Recommend me a new head unit

Ive been using android units for years, currently Ive got a 10.1 Joying Sofia unit I want to replace, a JY-UL134N2, im fed up with how quickly Joying abandoned it. Ive had various make and spec units in the past as things have evolved.
Im specifically looking for another double din unit with a 10 inch screen.
Basically Im looking for something with good update support thats PX5 based, 4gb ram and 32gb rom or better.
Ideally something Malaysk compatible too.
Ive read talk about some units now coming with better DSP setups which would be good.
I saw a 10.1 screen version of the ATOTO A6 Pro I liked but their specs like dual bluetooth make me wonder if theyre Malaysk compatible and the hardware specs seem to lag behind with quad core and less ram.
I also read that Dasaita are very good at ongoing support.
I have also been considering the xtrons TE103AP.
Essentially based on the above I would appreciate peoples suggestions as I want to make a purchase soon since my Joying has become problematic.

mindriot said:
Basically Im looking for something with good update support thats PX5 based, 4gb ram and 32gb rom or better.
Ideally something Malaysk compatible too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case make sure you get a PX5 MTCE unit - then it will be compatible with the Malaysk or Hal9K roms. If it isn't MTCE you won't have much luck with mods.

Thanks for replying, know any with a 10.1 screen specifically?
Ive been refamiliarising and some of the new intel based airmont ones sound interesting for speed and with dsp but ive only seen the joying unit and im not fond of the type of screen mounting.
Theres also the talk about PX6 units but they seem to be much slower arriving than expected.

This looks like your best bet
http://xtrons.co.uk/te103ap-10-1-an...vd-player-with-adjustable-viewing-angles.html

millab said:
This looks like your best bet
http://xtrons.co.uk/te103ap-10-1-an...vd-player-with-adjustable-viewing-angles.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep thats the one i keep coming back to thanks. Ive got very used to the bigger screen which works very well in a vw T5 dashboard.
Just the advent of airmont items has me distracted, and the idea of a dsp added, but ive lived fine without advanced dsp up until now
However the px5 is apparently the equal or better of sofia 3gr so that would do, especially with malaysk etc vs bloated stock roms.

Yeah I have a PX5 with DSP and the DSP is pretty good - there are ways of adding it to a unit, but it requires some soldering apparently. You could ask Xtrons if they can add it for you. I know some sellers give that option.

Good suggestion, I have sent an email will see if I get a reply.
It must be possible Im guessing the XV8 from androidautoshop is the same unit : https://androidautoshop.com/univers...32gb-entertainment-system.html#/26-map-europe
Im tempted to just commit and buy though sense dictates I should wait and see what PX6 or Airmont stuff comes out soon (maybe).
On that thought does anyone know of any Airmont based double din units with DSP there are with a 10 inch screen (if any) are out yet? (other than the one joying unit being discussed recently).

mindriot said:
Good suggestion, I have sent an email will see if I get a reply.
It must be possible Im guessing the XV8 from androidautoshop is the same unit : https://androidautoshop.com/univers...32gb-entertainment-system.html#/26-map-europe
Im tempted to just commit and buy though sense dictates I should wait and see what PX6 or Airmont stuff comes out soon (maybe).
On that thought does anyone know of any Airmont based double din units with DSP there are with a 10 inch screen (if any) are out yet? (other than the one joying unit being discussed recently).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that one looks the same. Android Auto Shop units also come pre-rooted with Hal9K ROM apparently, and you can get a $25 discount with a link in the Hal9K ROM thread here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...nt/rom-hal9k-rom-3-mtcd-e-head-units-t3847477

I think that has expired the site doesnt recognise it.
No matter will still consider the purchase.
Never tried hal9k just malaysk some time back before i had the sofia unit.

Well as yet xtrons havent bothered to respond if they could supply one with a DSP fitted.
androidautoshop responded quickly to a couple of emails asking for some details, then frustratingly I found the XV8 is now sold out lol.

mindriot said:
Well as yet xtrons havent bothered to respond if they could supply one with a DSP fitted.
androidautoshop responded quickly to a couple of emails asking for some details, then frustratingly I found the XV8 is now sold out lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha of course that would happen! I hope they have stock again soon for you, it really looks like your best option.

millab said:
Haha of course that would happen! I hope they have stock again soon for you, it really looks like your best option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xtrons finally responded, saying their unit isnt dsp compatible.
Meaning really they dont have any equipped units to sell.

Just a follow up, looks like Hal9k is going to do an A9 version for PX6 MTCE units, and the Dasaita Max6 10.2 unit with DSP is a perfect match, so Ill be buying that one soon.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Das...l?spm=a2g0s.imconversation.0.0.107e3e5fMUsClN
I sent Dasaita a message asking and they confirmed its MTCE.

mindriot said:
Just a follow up, looks like Hal9k is going to do an A9 version for PX6 MTCE units, and the Dasaita Max6 10.2 unit with DSP is a perfect match, so Ill be buying that one soon.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Das...l?spm=a2g0s.imconversation.0.0.107e3e5fMUsClN
I sent Dasaita a message asking and they confirmed its MTCE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been looking at this same one. Do you really need a custom rom though with these? I mean... it's a radio..not a phone. Isn't a custom launcher good enough? (assuming we still have root)

They are much, much more than a radio. They are computers akin to decent tablets WITH a radio and amplifier added, essentially the MCU part combined with the system core board.
In the past ive used malaysk on mtcb and mtcd units, then gtx on a sofia unit. Many cusstom roms on phones too for many years. Ive found custom roms are worth it, removing bloat, making them perform better and adding sensible features, ie a lock screen on boot with gtx or more responsive with mslaysk making them safer to use when driving. Or better sound processing, more useability, xposed, gps fixes, bluetooth fixes, rds fixes, and so on the list is quite significant for some devices.
Unfortunately with most resellers, and makers for that matter, little or at least minimum effort goes into the android aspect beyond looks with these stereos. As always the work done by people here at xda bridges the gap to help make significant improvements to some devices.
In my opinion and experience buying these units in stock form are akin to unfinished, it takes a custom rom to make them what they should. Yes theyre improving all the time and i havent experienced dasaita before (their rep for android updates is good) ive most recently wasted my money on a couple of joying units (never again), also consider the likes of hal9k is sponsored by androidautoshop and they actually supply many of their units preinstalled with hal9k instead of stock i believe.

Just bought a head unit from AndroidAutoShop, I can keep you posted on what I think when it arrives and I get it installed.

I too am looking to get a semi future proof 10" double din (or single) HU.
I've been looking at Xtrons, I'll study Dasiata.
Any difference between 8.1 or 9.0?
I will primarily use Android Auto, Assistant & Radio

AMRivlin said:
I too am looking to get a semi future proof 10" double din (or single) HU.
I've been looking at Xtrons, I'll study Dasiata.
Any difference between 8.1 or 9.0?
I will primarily use Android Auto, Assistant & Radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at Xtrons units, but for my car they only had units with PX30, and I would like something with PX6.
What I have heard, Android 9 is more "smoother" and faster than 8.1. Just an overall improvement I think.

Does DSP affect the ability to use custom ROMs like Malaysk?

mindriot said:
Yep thats the one i keep coming back to thanks. Ive got very used to the bigger screen which works very well in a vw T5 dashboard.
Just the advent of airmont items has me distracted, and the idea of a dsp added, but ive lived fine without advanced dsp up until now
However the px5 is apparently the equal or better of sofia 3gr so that would do, especially with malaysk etc vs bloated stock roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Malaysk works on Intel Sofia? Thought it was on RockChip

Best Android Head Unit for a maximum of 500$ CAD?

Hi everyone. I have a Eonon GA2163 10" 2gb of ram and i want to upgrade. What brand should i look or which one should i stay away?
What i would like to have is:
10" screen
4gb of ram
DSP
Android update
Is this possible to have all that for 500$ CAD?
Another question: I see soooo many negatives comment about sound quality on youtube. For me, the sound quality of my Eonon is "correct". It only have a 3 bands EQ (treble, mid, bass). So a newer HU with DSP should have better sound quality...
Thanks for your help.

I've been looking around for an upgrade to my Pioneer Nav and I'm Canadian as well.
I don't think I was able to find any px6 10.2" screens with DSP for less than $650CAD. That said, the 9" versions come in at around $550 as seen here
The reason why I reference the PX6 is is because it comes with the DSP. But honestly, if you have a specific budget you're likely going to be looking at the PX5 models without DSP. You can always add DSP later though.
But yeah, I spent many hours trying to find the best deal. I couldn't find anything in your pricerange when I looked.

Maybe you can check on JOYING website, all of the newest intel 9853i system has built-in dsp, the sound is amazing

SummerLiu said:
Maybe you can check on JOYING website, all of the newest intel 9853i system has built-in dsp, the sound is amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears this is the model you're referring to. I didn't catch that before... might be an ok fit for the OP
https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-1...een-car-navigation-system-with-4g-module.html
It does seem that Joying probably has the best pricing although it's a brand I choose to stay away from. I also can't get over the massive logo on the front of all their devices. It screams cheap to everyone that gets in my car lol. Personal preference though
I don't think you'll see much development for that either. It seems all the development right now is mostly around the PX3/PX5 and hopefully the PX6 in the future.
So software wise, I'd also be hesitant to purchase Joying.
Also, the Joying comes in at over $600CAD, outside of the OP's budget.

Thanks for your help. I said dps but what i really want is a good EQ. Not a cheap 3 bands.... 9" could do the job too.
I feel really insecure to buy a 500$+ head unit without any advice. My eonon have some bugs that i want to be sure the next head unit will not have like bluetooth connexion. If i have elm327 connected and my phone, when i receive a call the elm327 is disconnected. And this is when i successfully pair the damn device. This is one of the main reason i want an android head unit: app like torque or dashcommand connected to my car.

I don't believe any of the head unit manufacturers are good at software. That goes for the likes of Pioneer down to the Chinese brands. They are in the hardware sales business, not the software business. They need the software to work well enough to do a quick demo and get you to buy. Don't expect a lot of thoughtful design consideration or UI testing.
If I am wrong and there is a good company out there, I would love to hear who they are. I'd certainly consider buying a newer head unit from them. I am in no rush. I let my Joying HU sit on a shelf for a couple years before finally getting around to installing it.
The software is very disappointing. A2DP stops when going into GPS for example. I can't seem to figure out how to map my VOICE steering wheel button to Google Voice Input (like google search widget offers). And how do I disable AVIN so when I press the SRC or Mode SWC button it isn't in the cycled list? It's the small things. Even the pick up phone button (when hung up) doesn't start the Bluetooth phone dialer. The software is very, very poor. Reminds me of the brain dead design decisions of Kenwood and Alpine of years past.
Just my 2c.

The DSP is more than just an equalizer everybody will tell you units equipped with one sound better. Look for your car on the Ownice store the K3's have DSP. The K3 low would definitely fall in your price range but it's not 4GB/32GB. The K3 high is the better unit and should be priced close to your limit. Wait for the exchange rate to get better (probably in the fall).

SummerLiu said:
Maybe you can check on JOYING website, all of the newest intel 9853i system has built-in dsp, the sound is amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mvez73 said:
Thanks for your help. I said dps but what i really want is a good EQ. Not a cheap 3 bands.... 9" could do the job too.
I feel really insecure to buy a 500$+ head unit without any advice. My eonon have some bugs that i want to be sure the next head unit will not have like bluetooth connexion. If i have elm327 connected and my phone, when i receive a call the elm327 is disconnected. And this is when i successfully pair the damn device. This is one of the main reason i want an android head unit: app like torque or dashcommand connected to my car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I'd stick to the hot-audio/dasaita models at this point.
Just the sheer amount of support and updates (the most recent update being about a week ago) makes these hopefully a safer bet. See updates here
Technology changes almost on a month to month basis. I accept that when I spent $500CAD+ on android tech that I may desire an upgrade a year later. It's just the cost of having the newest technology.
I do understand that not everyone can justify that kind of money on something that really is more of a want than a need though. If you feel that you just want something that is flawless, you may want to avoid android completely and just get something like a Pioneer unit. These units easily last 10+ years with no more than the odd map update. Just my 2cents.
$500CAD is a tough place to be for a budget right now. The reason I say this is because you definitely can't get the top of the line android HU for that. If you have that much to spend, you're better off holding off on the purchase until you can save up another $150 or so for the top of the line. If you can't afford top of the line, maybe pickup something on the lower end for like $250 for the next year or two and then upgrade later when you have the extra money? I'd hate to dump $500 though on something that's outdated or not receiving patches a year from now.

stokedcrf makes a good point about long term support especially with those Chinese units. They are getting better but there's still work to be done. Actually your best source for support is here provided you have a unit that's compatible. Look for one that is supported by hal9k or malaysk firmwares. Those would be Intel and Rockchip CPU with MTC_ MCU.

nic2k said:
The DSP is more than just an equalizer everybody will tell you units equipped with one sound better. Look for your car on the Ownice store the K3's have DSP. The K3 low would definitely fall in your price range but it's not 4GB/32GB. The K3 high is the better unit and should be priced close to your limit. Wait for the exchange rate to get better (probably in the fall).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Is Ownice a good brand? And right now there is 45% discount on the model for my car. What do you think of this head unit?
And what about update for Ownice? Will i be stuck with android 9.0 for ever or they have update for their head unit?
Thanks

Yeah don't get too excited about Aliexpress' discounts they come and go and come again. I linked to the Ownice official store there are others that sell them too but on the bright side shipping is included in the price at that store. Ownice is a manufacturer so you could have better support. Now talking about a good brand, these are Chinese units I wouldn't qualify any of them as good in the sense of Pioneer good. Lets just say some units suck less than most. In the last year this brand has put out units that were pretty decent. Here's the current K3/C800 thread and you can also read up on the C500.
Maxim is running HAL9K ROM 3.1 on his C800. HAL9K ROM started with Lollipop and is now up to Pie and the last 3 version of MTC MCU's are cross compatible so there should be upgrade possibilities for a while. You should do your own research and not have someone tell you what to spend your money on.

best android unit with DSP
When it comes to giant touch screen Android head unit with DSP, the best one I can think of is the XTRONS PST series. Unlike the pionneer, alphine, kenwood which usually has a relatively small screens, XTRONS PST series have 9~10 large screens.
The built-in dsp feature allows you to simply adjust the equalizers and add music effects and will offer great music experience.
Besides as I know, this is a brand designed in England, though it is manufactured in China.

Android Firmware Update link?