I am no stranger to Android in a car, I have done custom tablet installs in cars, (back in 2012 with Timur's custom cyanogenmod rom), custom car computers (roadrunner, centrafuse), etc.
Last year, I decided to give one of these neat looking Chinese head units a shot, I went with the Eonon double-din model with the PX5 processor, 4gb ram, 32gb rom with DSP audio chip. Out of the box and installing, the software wasn't terrible but borderline silly. The DSP audio control app was new to these units so I forgave some of the funky terminology and adjustments that were available in there, it was a far cry from adjustments one would find on a cheaper dedicated DSP unit. The performance was okay until summer rolled around and I had to tear the head unit apart and install my own heatsink and fan to the processing module board, this resolved that. The cheap mmc memory was a limiting factor of its performance in heavier apps like Google Maps, otherwise. Wifi performance was borderline trash. The extremely cheap and laughable wifi chipset barely handled 1.5-2Mbps of data transfer when downloading a Spotify library to the SD card. I even attempted to unsolder and replace the cheap antenna with my own higher end antenna but this was no solution to the very cheap and barely functional wireless module. Digging into the rom to find out that it's only been compiled for two equally bad wireless adapters, I gave up trying to make the wifi work any better. My unit also always produced processor noise out of the speakers when it was quiet in the car, sounded like onboard audio from cheap PC motherboards; this happened out of the amplified speaker outputs and the RCA outputs. I have since sold that car, I have a new car and would love to try again if it's even worth it.
I am not here to bash on these head units, I really WANT to see them improve. I would love to get my hands on one with more premium hardware, better working networking, worked out bugs, smarter display dimming control (maybe even a few extra cents of an ambient light sensor), audio DSP controls that are actually awesome, proper heatsink for included processor, etc. Do these exist? It's hard to find them in the sea of different brand names and Engrish website listings.
Any input on this would be so helpful to myself and many others.
I think you’ll find that they all suck in one way or another. If they were to be of total quality they would be $1500 or more. Think about the use case though, NO ONE else is making custom canbus integrated units that fit inside modern cars which no longer conform to single/double DIN form factors. I don’t think at the price points most of these units are that quality and functionality will be improved.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've been using Android head units since around 2013 or so, when they had resistive touchscreens lol. While they still have a lot to improve on, I must say that they've come a long, long way. There's only really three features that I want to see, and one of those the 2013 ones all had:
1) For the love of God, there was no need to take away iPod support. Some of us still have an iPod. It's great to have in a car to play your music. Much better than putting it on SD cards, because I like the playlists. Bring it back!
2) Resolution. 800x480 is roughly as best at it gets for these guys. Although I'm greedy and want 4k, at least give me 1080p!
3) Blu-ray support. Come on already, it's been out for 14 years!
I am also interested in this question, I had the atoto a6 pro before I sold the car. For a quad core it felt slow.
Is there any unit out there besides joying with proper lte support? Joying does not support att/Rogers/Fido lte frequencies. Except band 7.
I've seen on the forums that the xtrons won't even take a 4g dongle and work in mobile connection mode and also they have an underpowered USB port, 250mA or something . Where standard is 500mA.
Anything out there with North American frequencies?
Zap! said:
I've been using Android head units since around 2013 or so, when they had resistive touchscreens lol. While they still have a lot to improve on, I must say that they've come a long, long way. There's only really three features that I want to see, and one of those the 2013 ones all had:
1) For the love of God, there was no need to take away iPod support. Some of us still have an iPod. It's great to have in a car to play your music. Much better than putting it on SD cards, because I like the playlists. Bring it back!
2) Resolution. 800x480 is roughly as best at it gets for these guys. Although I'm greedy and want 4k, at least give me 1080p!
3) Blu-ray support. Come on already, it's been out for 14 years!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first point...fine I get it..
second point 4K???????
third point..ok you are trolling..
I appreciate the few replies here.
I for one am hoping for the most subtle and cost effective improvements that make the experience of one of these in the dash feel like a better product. Top changes I'd like to see:
Display with high NITS, defeat the bright sunlight. Ability to see the content REALLY WELL comes before ultra-high resolution. As long as I can't count the pixels from the driver seat, I'm not going to knock on the resolution.
Clean audio output, some of these produce noise like crazy when listening at quiet volumes, you can hear internal processes coming through the speakers like onboard audio of cheap PC motherboards.
DSP controls that make sense- timing controls that conform to other DSP audio controls of all other typical DSP audio products, the interface is goofy although the chip being used is quite powerful but I don't believe the writers of the software interface completely understand what it should be doing.
Automatic dimming displays. A tiny ambient light value sensor hidden in the glass or plastic fascia and android's own built in software solutions will allow automatic brightness control of the display so that when you're sitting in your car at night without the headlights turned on, the screen doesn't bake your eyeballs out or when your car has automatic headlights and they turn on early before the sun goes down and your screen goes so dark you can't see it. This is a simple solution and I hope they resolve it.
Custom fully integrated units such as the one we put in our 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman S model needs to be worked on more before shoving them out the door. $600 gets us a head unit that looks nice in the dash but the integration of retained door chimes/warning sounds/blinker signal indicator sounds is the most absolute rubbish thing, ever. Would gladly spend closer to $1000 US for something that is more refined.
A home screen that doesn't suck. Solid integration with FM tuner controls, common media player apps, etc in the home screen would be great to see. A home screen that works good enough to the point that we don't have to fish the play store to make it better would be killer.
It’s been a short while, anyone got any updates on android head units that don’t suck?
ojuniour said:
first point...fine I get it..
second point 4K????
third point..ok you are trolling..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Thanks! There has to be a way to hack it back.
2) I was joking about 4k, but I want 1080p
3) Not trolling, I have quite a few Blu-ray disks and would like to be able to view them in the car.
Related
Did some googleing and didn't find much except for some maybes and some oddities that i'm not too sure about so I thought I might come to the experts. I would love to have a small 7" double din head unit in my car running gingerbread or better android on it and tether it to my phone. That way I could add pandora/youtube/siriusxm/navigation/market/fruitslice whatever...
Anyone know of anything out there?
There's a couple on the market I've seen. Many are out there as concepts. In the Barnes &Noble nook forums there is guy who did a write up on how he installed a nook in the dash of his jeep. It's a 7 inch screen and fits with a little Modding. I'm surprised you didn't find any on your search.
- this sig is just so I don't have to write 10char when on my phone -
Shinare said:
Did some googleing and didn't find much except for some maybes and some oddities that i'm not too sure about so I thought I might come to the experts. I would love to have a small 7" double din head unit in my car running gingerbread or better android on it and tether it to my phone. That way I could add pandora/youtube/siriusxm/navigation/market/fruitslice whatever...
Anyone know of anything out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dynavin
Ca-fi
Bybyte
Those are the main ones people have been "keeping an eye on" since last year.
After talking with some friends that are in to car audio, I've deemed them all to be subpar for my needs so i just got a 32gb sammy tab plus, 64gb microsd card, and a $30 dash kit that i will mod for mounting. I think the three key things that a real head unit has over mounting a tablet are: 1) easy back up camera solution 2) satellite radio 3) built in bluetooth handsfree. 1 and 3 are possible, just not the easiest, and i have no use for number 2 since i dont subscribe.
*edit* - just realized i had subscribed to the thread boborone is referencing Nook Color in Jeep Wrangler
There is also the more mainstream AppRadio from Pioneer. Search it since I can't post links yet.
I have the Erisin 777A for the past 4 months, generally quite happy about it but wants better sound quality.
Clarion has announced an android head unit, the mirage, http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/clarions-android-running-mirage-ivi/
This one has potential, maybe upgrade is in the works for me.
I have been search and I have decided on mounting a tablet as well I just wish there were companies who make custom mounts to make it look OEM
gpmg762 said:
I have the Erisin 777A for the past 4 months, generally quite happy about it but wants better sound quality.
Clarion has announced an android head unit, the mirage, http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/clarions-android-running-mirage-ivi/
This one has potential, maybe upgrade is in the works for me.
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Click to collapse
Nice. That's what I want. Too bad its release is in q4. :-(
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA
Has anyone tried any of these or know if they would be any good hardware wise?
How about the possibility of custom roms or even rooting them?
This one seems the better choice in the fact it's a removable tablet. Not because I want a tablet but because it would be easier to bring into the house for flashing purposes. Never heard of it's CPU mind?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321013490466
This one is quite a nice looking one with non removable screen. Has a Cortex A8 which I've heard of at least
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121016519547
So what's your views and opinions?
So no comments then? I'm really hankering for an Android unit in the car. Will beat the socks off the crappy 2din wince unit i have. The software on that is so cumbersome and doesn't match throughout the different modes.
Ok just found this Parrot Asteroid 2DIN. Looks very good but not available yet.
http://www.slashgear.com/parrot-asteroid-in-car-nav-entertainment-systems-revealed-09207612/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH3-VAfqjEw
Also after watching some video's of the unit with pad I posted previously it seems that most of the main functions are handled by an internal process in the unit (maybe wince?) which then outputs video and control via the tablet. This has kind of put me off a little bit.
So after watching some other video's of the Ca-Fi I think I am going to go with one of these. The new one is upgraded to 2.3 Android, capacitive touchscreen and a 1ghz processor. So saving my pennies now!!!!!
http://ca-fi.com/en/archives/1027
Okay all this talk of android double din, well I have a double din unit in my car, all self fitted, it has 2 sd slots, 1 for GPS and the other for sd card for media, but was wondering if any of these slots can be used to "install" new os onto the unit.
How does the Os get installed onto these, there must be a way.
CueballUK said:
Ok just found this Parrot Asteroid 2DIN. Looks very good but not available yet.
Also after watching some video's of the unit with pad I posted previously it seems that most of the main functions are handled by an internal process in the unit (maybe wince?) which then outputs video and control via the tablet. This has kind of put me off a little bit.
So after watching some other video's of the Ca-Fi I think I am going to go with one of these. The new one is upgraded to 2.3 Android, capacitive touchscreen and a 1ghz processor. So saving my pennies now!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Componentality Celebrity, it might be what you need. Do you need 2-DIN?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015...VD-player-GPS-Stereo-Wifi-3G/32297415686.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...al-dual-system-carpad/1422130_2034998210.html
any good?
m.r.davies said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015...VD-player-GPS-Stereo-Wifi-3G/32297415686.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...al-dual-system-carpad/1422130_2034998210.html
any good?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a whole thread about the Newsmy CarPad2 here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2865525
Hey guys,
There's a bunch of Android-based devices out there in the market. I'm looking for the best one that's available - are you able to recommend some unit?
I was hoping to buy the Parrot RNB6, but it seems it's an abandoned project.
Has anyone ever seen any specs on pre out voltage on any of these units? Or even better a digital out? They seem to be all about software on the specs minus the 55w x 4 channel spec, the biggest gripe I have the with main manufacturers of hu out there right now is you either get a nice ui and imo poor pre out voltage or a really terrible ui that is almost unbearable but high voltage, which in turn leads to higher volume and clearer audio. This is what I have found at my price range anyways and am not really willing to drop $2k on a head unit at this point. Anyways i am trying to look through all the links on this page but any help would be appreciated
Edit: guess it's 2/2 pages and not 22 pages haha, guess I did check them all
Sent from my SM-N910W8 using XDA Free mobile app
Also depends on what car you have.
Erisin have a whole range of Android units with good reviews.
I have this one for Audi A3
http://www.erisin.com/erisin-es9783...-sat-nav-1080p-autoradio-audi-a3-s3_p517.html
Or one with a removeable Pad
http://www.erisin.com/erisin-es8035a-2-in-1-car-pad-unit-android-tablet-gps-3g-wifi_p389.html
Plus a whole lot of posts on similar.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2660662&page=1101
Baz
I have Audi S6 C5 and just need a regular 2DIN unit - it will fit. However, the chinese stuff I'm looking at other threads in this forum seem very crappy and of low quality.
Is there something that can be really reliable, working fast and with good audio quality?
headunit 4.4.4 quad core 3188
I have had mine for more than 6 months
Sound is great ram is only 1gb so app installs stop after pandora and waze, and one or 2 other items
I use a wifi hotspot, on tmobile, $10/month no limits.
pandora now works no matter who drives car, and NAV youtube etc
Not sure newer version of android would help, more ram would help more
After trying several Android tablets, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
=====================
Thanks for you guys' attention. Eventually, products are coming:
mod edit - link removed
nonstop2050 said:
After trying several Android tablet, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a genious idea!! So you plan to integrate a standard Android tablet into a car so that the front passengers can listen to music, make play lists play movies, use Google Maps based GPS (obviously this would only work for SIM card enabled tablets). I cant think of any other uses unless you really wanted to make serious modifications to the car.
Seriously, if I were you I would delete this thread until your idea has a patent or two because this idea is gold dust.
Noobie Boobie said:
That is a genious idea!! So you plan to integrate a standard Android tablet into a car so that the front passengers can listen to music, make play lists play movies, use Google Maps based GPS (obviously this would only work for SIM card enabled tablets). I cant think of any other uses unless you really wanted to make serious modifications to the car.
Seriously, if I were you I would delete this thread until your idea has a patent or two because this idea is gold dust.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That is what i want to do.
Basically, i developed a board and it works. Now, im thinking new features and going to complete the work. One day it may come as an open design for Android fans.
Internet on the way is possible as 3G connection(USB dongle) is ready. Google street view is an interesting app for driving.
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
I love the idea of android in the car. But don't waste your time re-inventing the wheel, essentially building a custom tablet that will surely be out of date(both in hardware and in software) long before the product makes it out the door.
Compared to technology, cars last forever. *The only way to keep car electronics from feeling dated by the time the car pulls out of the lot is to have a "Dumb" car which can seamlessly integrate with user-replaceable off-the-shelf electronics.
Focus your resources on creating a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car. Then all that is left is a one-size-fits all frame for the console that permits you to drop in any (or a wide range) tablet the user wants. Inside the frame you could provide either both power & data over USB or power over usb and data/control over Bluetooth. Spend all of your effort in making the interface compatible with as many makes / models of cars as possible and working out how to get as much data and control over the car as possible. Don't waste your time on anything else..
Make this data/control available via a openly published API and let other developers build apps to display/use/control things and let Samsung/Asus/Apple/whoever build the actual tablets.
This approach is best for everyone. Less work for you on so many levels. And for customers it is great because it is future proof. In a 5 years (or 5 months) all you have to do to upgrade to the latest and greatest hardware is stop by best buy and pick out a tablet.
cypho said:
I love the idea of android in the car. But don't waste your time re-inventing the wheel, essentially building a custom tablet that will surely be out of date(both in hardware and in software) long before the product makes it out the door.
Compared to technology, cars last forever. *The only way to keep car electronics from feeling dated by the time the car pulls out of the lot is to have a "Dumb" car which can seamlessly integrate with user-replaceable off-the-shelf electronics.
Focus your resources on creating a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car. Then all that is left is a one-size-fits all frame for the console that permits you to drop in any (or a wide range) tablet the user wants. Inside the frame you could provide either both power & data over USB or power over usb and data/control over Bluetooth. Spend all of your effort in making the interface compatible with as many makes / models of cars as possible and working out how to get as much data and control over the car as possible. Don't waste your time on anything else..
Make this data/control available via a openly published API and let other developers build apps to display/use/control things and let Samsung/Asus/Apple/whoever build the actual tablets.
This approach is best for everyone. Less work for you on so many levels. And for customers it is great because it is future proof. In a 5 years (or 5 months) all you have to do to upgrade to the latest and greatest hardware is stop by best buy and pick out a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, cypho
Thanks for your advice.
Due to variety of cars(and tablets), I guess most difficult part is "a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car". Beside audio, power ..interfaces fitting to tablet, mounting and installation are blocking issues to make this kind of device.
There is another interface which has been widely applied in after market car head unit: standard 2DIN/1DIN stereo. Unfortunately, we have to put tablet into 2DIN/1DIN shield by this way.
nonstop2050 said:
hi, cypho
Thanks for your advice.
Due to variety of cars(and tablets), I guess most difficult part is "a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car". Beside audio, power ..interfaces fitting to tablet, mounting and installation are blocking issues to make this kind of device.
There is another interface which has been widely applied in after market car head unit: standard 2DIN/1DIN stereo. Unfortunately, we have to put tablet into 2DIN/1DIN shield by this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that is the hard part. Unfortunately that hard part cannot be avoided, weather you use an off the shelf tablet or build your own - it still has to interface with the car.
Really the ones who should be providing that open interface is the car manufactures. But they will never do it. They want to charge you $10,000 for an upgraded electronics package and then rely on those electronics feeling dated after 3 years to persuade people into buying a whole new car. How can they do any of that if it was easy to upgrade/replace the built in electronics for the cost of a cheep tablet.
The good news for you is because of the overpriced nature of manufacturers options if done right(sufficient polish and access to sufficient data and control over the car) you should be able to sell your interface device for big $$$. If the manufactures electronics option costs $10,000 and people are willing to pay for that, why would they not be willing to forgo the manufactures package pay twice that much or more for an aftermarket one that will never get old. Or better yet, imagine how much it is worth to someone considering spending buying a whole new car because their current car feels old.
Guys look here.
this dude build his streak 7 into his car. Just a idea
user_error said:
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Media Sync is a killer application comparing current head unit. :laugh: WIFI is working easily on Android. As you mentioned, quality antenna is a must. Thanks for your information.
exebreez said:
Guys look here.
this dude build his streak 7 into his car. Just a idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats something i'd do if i had the time and money
nice idea
voice controls would be really nice and an option to let it read out mails/messages you are getting while driving
There are some good voice control apps in google play. Hardware should link to an internal or external mic for the apps.
Here I put an external one for better performance.
nonstop2050 said:
After trying several Android tablets, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
multiple cameras and external storage to store video streams from cameras
---------- Post added at 04:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:33 PM ----------
user_error said:
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will stay in the car listening music instead of going back home to listen on our Sofa?
FocusVideo said:
multiple cameras and external storage to store video streams from cameras
USB camera and USB storage have been applied in the design.
USB camera can be standard PC web camera.
Full function samples will be done in several weeks. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.
JoelZracer said:
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.
Focus on fidelity
Your early adopters would definitely be those who are already putting in custom stereos. The main thing is that you want quality audio connections via RCA connectors, and avoid ground-loop noise like the plague. Even if what you created was just a a Bluetooth transceiver in the trunk...
-Charles
FoneFill
Boll*cks I had this idea the other day.... then seen this. Guess I'll leave it to you good luck lad. :thumbup:
Sent from the moon on the back of a Yamaha
You mean something like This ?
This would be great, if you could only make a dock for ANY tablet. The tablet that comes with this isnt probably too good. Having a nexus 7 in would make things MUNCH more intersting
Hello forgive me as i know alot of these kinds of threads are probably posted. Ive tried searching and only came up with a couple of threads but not a lot of information.
I was looking to get the Joying J-VQ125 head unit. Does anyone know anything about it? Is it good/should i stay away? it seems pretty solid and the video in the sale post on aliexpress shows very smooth transitions. It seems to be pretty good running 1024x600 res and the rk3188 chipset on OS 4.4. I like the idea of physical buttons on a car stereo so i am after a head unit with a physical back/home button and volume controls. Ive been using android since 1.5 and rooted my fair share of phones. That being said i dont think i have much of an interest to root the car unit.
i cant post external link, so to view the headunit just got to aliexpress and search J-VQ125. its the only one that comes up
any helpful information would be greatly appreciated
TIA
I JUST got one of these Joying units in the mail today. I will start playing with it this evening. Like you I wanted something with at least one physical knob and a couple of buttons, and it has a slightly bigger screen because it does not waste space with a useless (come on its 2015) DVD slot. .
I got one direct from there website and used coupon code Joying which got me this unit with 1024x600, quad core and 7 inch display for only $265 shipped. It arrived in less than a week from china.
http://www.carjoying.com/quad-core-...b-memory-airplay-obd-wifi-bluetooth-html.html
I can answer any questions you have about it. I will probably have it on the bench playing with it/making sure it is updated etc.. for the rest of this week.
Aside from the price can you see a difference in the Joying unit you bought and this one: http://www.carjoying.com/quad-core-...een-airplay-gps-navigation-radio-audio-s.html
symyn said:
Aside from the price can you see a difference in the Joying unit you bought and this one: http://www.carjoying.com/quad-core-...een-airplay-gps-navigation-radio-audio-s.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they look the same except for the fact this is already in EU to avoid taxes.
This is the first Android head unit I've played with/owned, and I've only had it about a day, but I've been somewhat happy with it.
Having been used to phones and tablets with integrated bezels, it's been a bit annoying to get used to having a raised bezel around the screen - tapping buttons on the edge of the screen can be interesting at times. I also noticed that the sound level/quality coming from the built in amp is rather poor. The stock Delco radio in my Suzuki was better, and I generally consider those Delco radios to be garbage, lol. But of course, this is a pretty subjective thing. The bezel, however, doesn't even come close to fitting the double din install kits we have here in the USA. The height is pretty close, but the width was considerably wider.
On the plus side, the screen is pretty darn nice. It's clear (MUCH MUCH more so than the Xenarc resistive touch screen it replaced, which cost me considerably more money, lol), seemingly bright (haven't had it in a full sun exposure situation yet), very wide viewing angles, and overall visual quality isn't much worse than my Samsung Note 3 phone. The stock ROM load feels pretty snappy, and seems to be rendering my high resolution satellite image maps just fine. I'll know better after Sunday when I take an extended off road trip with it. That was the biggest reason I went with this model - the higher screen resolution, and the quad core CPU.
urbex said:
I also noticed that the sound level/quality coming from the built in amp is rather poor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My impressions are:
a) The audio quality for the FM Radio tune is not quite as good as my stock radio was
b) However, the audio quality for playing MP3's etc is MUCH better than my stock radio's FM/CD player. And the media players like MediaMonkey, PowerAmp etc have excellent EQ controls etc that enable them really customize the sound to the vehicle's interior sound quality, so they end up sounding much better than the stock unit's simple tone controls.
So it is kinda a wash to me.
Interestingly, I found that the FM tuner is far more sensitive than the stock radio was. I haven't played much with MP3s much, beyond the quick BT test connection with a couple songs from my phone. The plan is ultimately to leave a large SSD connected to the headunit with my MP3s on that, along with running an external 4ch amplifier (largely for the frequency crossovers), so the performance of the built in amp really isn't a big deal to me one way or the other.
But yeah, my general feeling on the product as a whole is kind of a wash, lol. I was also considering picking up one of the Pioneer touchscreen units with Mirrorlink capabilities, but I was concerned about current and future phones having a less than stellar record when it comes to compatibility.
so who are the best units out there.
something that works with minimum work to make it "nice" or functional.
I do not mind some tinkering with software, but do not want to root, or do any sort of hardware mods.
lets start with money no object. as it needs to be
responsive to the touch, and fast to react
quick to boot,
reliable future proof,
sat nav (happy with google maps, or here maps)
DAB
High Res Screen
nice to have
TV built in? not a must but why not.
USB, or Aux input (could do with audio streaming alone?)
reverse camera
Wifi, or means to transfer without using data from my phone
btw, I have VW touran 2005, in case it makes a difference in fitting etc
I'm trying to decide myself which to get. I like the Joying stuff but their new model for my car had no disc drive. If you find anything out as to which is best let me know and I'll do the same
I've bought a XRROSS unit. I haven't plugged it in as I need to find a working interface to retain wheel control buttons and able to start the amp.
I have an outlander 2007 with Rockford Fosgate system.
I have been using an Erisin Android 4.2 model for the last few years in my BMW X5, and found it decent but not great. Underneath the Erisin is one of the many, many Hui Fei units that get sold under a bunch of different badges and used one of the Rockchip CPUs that are found in the majority of these units. In my case it was the RK3066.
Overall impressions - I loved the convenience of having a full android tablet instead of the stupid stereo interface originally on my car, but as time went on I found I used it less and less and tended to just use my phone. The interface on the unit was not great as there were a number of apps (particularly their settings) where the controls were outside the edges of the screen and therefore unreachable. This seemed to be in large part a problem with the low-res (800x480) screen and the fact that it is always in landscape mode (obviously). I've recently tried out some of the 3rd party roms found here on XDA which are noticeably better than the stock rom that came with it.
The unit started having problems after about 3 years as the bottom half and the top half inch (1cm) of the touchscreen no longer respond to touch. This has rendered the unit basically useless.
I'm now in the market for a replacement and I would be interested to hear impressions and complaints from anyone that has an Android 5 or 6 unit.
right so my turn to provide information I collected...
I had a chat with a friend who owns car head units \ bluetooth etc fitting company, circa about 6 cars and more private contractors to fit through out the UK, his opinion is
"chinese head units are rabbish, stay away from them and buy decent manufacturer units like ken wood pioneer etc.
for each 10 units of those cheaper ones, (he admits that it have much more functionality for the price). about 6 have issue.
its not well thought of, and different problems comes up, starting with many software issues, to hardware combination as those cheaper companies hardware is whatever cheapest, and very little thought about segmenting
thier own producs, which causes issues with firmware updates later. and make it hardware to control quality.
provided an example, of heating up units, or battery just dies, or the unit just bricks"
so as you see from earlier he is totally against it, however I would presume if you are reading this, then you are willing to open your own dash and debugging issues yourself, and will to throw away hardware if it bricks etc.
long life time is not something you always expect, its a luck of the draw.
he goes further and says:
"even good company, if you want navigation, then you need to go top of the range £1000+, as cheaper units are not great at that"
but then he is used to all the top stuff, so he might say that.
however the think I agree with him most on:
"get something that mirror your phone, this way you can get cheaper units, and you rely on your phone which is smart and feature rich to start with, even the £200 ones that mirror your phone is good enough"
now, my thoughts are, there are other things (I forgot to ask him) about viewing angle, what sort of resolution will look good enough etc. (I agree with the guy above about the resolution)
Oh, mmmalas comment does remind me: If you are driving a BMW X5, 5 series, or any other model of car where the stereo panel curves upward into the dashboard, the Chinese Android units are going to be a problem. Even though the units I've looked at fit beautifully into the panel space, and have perfectly fitted curved fascia, the screen ends up pointing at an angle that makes it unreadable in sunlight. The units that have the screen standing up at a tangent from the curve of the case might be better, although I do think they look somewhat awkward.
Like this unit for example: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/9-BMW-X5-E39...ash=item360f37eb54:g:jF4AAOSwol5Y2hSi&vxp=mtr
the pioneer or maybe the kenwood ones, allow you to adjust the angle on the unit (motorised).
I presume those android units are mainly TN panels, rather than IPS. which makes the viewing angles worse.
it would be nice if my son in the middle of back seat can watch a movie. but I am unsure if the screens are that good. will be nice to know
I have an xtrons unit, the Andriod 6 with 8 core. I really like it, there is virtually no boot time, its instant. Backup camera is great, I run spotify which is great, and a few other apps like google maps and here maps, and gmail. So far everything looks great, had it about a month now. Only thing I have yet to do is get a reliable alternative to hotspotting my phone every time i get in the car.
semaj4712 said:
I have an xtrons unit, the Andriod 6 with 8 core. I really like it, there is virtually no boot time, its instant. Backup camera is great, I run spotify which is great, and a few other apps like google maps and here maps, and gmail. So far everything looks great, had it about a month now. Only thing I have yet to do is get a reliable alternative to hotspotting my phone every time i get in the car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can connect it via NFC.
georgebest said:
You can connect it via NFC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant was I am trying to find a dongle solution here in the US for it. So I dont have to use my phone.
I have an ownice c500 unit. I think it is the best unit available. It is not perfect and some people have some problems like with DAB+ etc. but for me, it works perfectly.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Ownice_C500
is the screen view-able from sides perfectly, or does it suffer from viewing angles, or sun reflection in your face.
and does the screen color look good, or its one of those things that either look crap in daylight, or night
Hello
Could you please give me a short rationg from https://liamscar.com/best-android-auto-head-unit/
Is it possibe to find best of the android unit
Sure, if it was with low budget.
I used Pumpkin, but I want to replace it
Ok so have tried to trawl the web, you tube and xda but am still struggling to work out my best options.
Totally android newbie, have one for work, don’t really use it much.
Been testing car launchers on it and like the experience.
The Handsfree BT on my Mercedes Vitos radio is fubar, so considering a Chinese Android HU.
Currently considering a Merc oem style Xtrons (4 core 2gb ram) this one is 7.1 or the xtrons 10.1” Octaore 2gb ram, oddly this one is only 6?
Want to mainly use it for amazon prime music, blue tooth streaming (iPhone 7/Apple Music) satnav, and DVDs/films for the kids via HDMI to rear screens (vans for camping and trips to France etc).
Ideally dont want to have to update it straight away but equally am up for it if it’s a big boost.
But my main question is, are xtrons ok out of the box or is there a better make I should look at, or rather the same unit but from a re seller with better support or software?.
Also given the octacore units are the latest, why are the running 6?, and is that even a problem?
Really need the blue tooth for making calls to work well as that the reason I need to replace. Seen mixed reviews we mics wired up to cause echoes etc?
Like the oem style but the 10.1” screen is appealing as it will work well if I manage to upgrade to the new shape Vito next year.
Other wise I am considering a Sony Apple car play. But I think I’ll be bored with that and it will be limited and have a small screen whilst not being oem.
Thanks android folk
Anyone? ?
No one?,
I do understand it may seem silly to ask some of these questions but we all have to start someplace?.
I have no idea what a PX3/px5, mctd or mtcu is?.
But I’d like to understand, sadly trying to search this forum is a nightmare as it either pops up an advert with a guy walking about I think changing bank?. Or I get an offer of a free iPhone off virgin media (scam) or it simply crashes and reloads.
If I could get a few pointers it would be cool so I can make an informed decision.
My current thinking is that Basically the entire android HU production is from a few firms. And pretty much the head units have a ton of promise but are pretty much thrown together. So I’m keen to understand which models are less likely to be rubbish.
And also that as standard most have poor software, but this I don’t get as every android phone I’ve had off work is simply running android. I’ve never noticed much difference?. Why do people have to update the Rom when it’s already running Android?.
What’s a PX5?, from what the be seen that’s the 8 core job, generally with 2gb of ram and a 32gb rom.
Some of what I’ve found seems to indicate these should be better? And that the Bluetooth calling mic issue is better.
Best deal on that is with xtrons as all the others (with a 10.1” screen are only quad core for the same cash.
But what’s the most reliable and useable?. The PX3 (quad core mtcu?) or the Px5 ?
Why can’t the PX5 run Android 6?
And due to this should I just get the Merc style quad core running android 7.1?. Will that be more reliable and useable.
And again Xtrons seem the best all round proposition as seller.
Is the software on the Xtrons useable for basic use out the box?, ie reasonable audio, useable hands free?, gps and able to run amazon prime music and other apps foR the kids in the back?.
200-300 isn’t a small chunk of cash when you have a family of 6 so I’m keen to understand what’s the safest entry to Android HU’s and then what’s the deal and how can I learn more about booting etc.
Thanks anymone who can spend a few minutes getting me on the right path for it’d be much appreciated.
Cheers.
Lots of questions, but i'll try and sum up:
1. 200-300 that you'll spend is a gamble. I.e. hardware failures/bricks, lack of or no updates to your ROM.
2. Chinese Android HU's aren't refined. They are built/designed with good intentions, however, the software to go with is sucks.
3. The things that you expect i.e. good AM/FM quality, RDS, BT Calling etc, do work, but probably not the same quality as you'd expect (probably from mainstream headunits)
4. There are a few "good" companies that XDA tends to use more than others i.e. Joying, Pumpkin, HotAudio/Seicane/Daistao. When I put "good" in quotations, that means this is relative. These companies come out with software updates, are some what reasonable with end user support.
5. The gamble is, if you get a ****ty unit, and its hardware related, or if you decide to mod it (in most cases you will need to make the most of the HU), and you brick it.. than you have to ship the devices to China.
6. In terms of running the latest android, there really isn't a big advantage to running 7. If you can, get a unit with 6 on it. Updating has limitless possibilities of screwing up.
7. Since you're an android newb.. troubleshooting is going to be a nightmare for you, if you're not satisfied.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, much appreciated.
coolest35 said:
Lots of questions, but i'll try and sum up:
1. 200-300 that you'll spend is a gamble. I.e. hardware failures/bricks, lack of or no updates to your ROM.
2. Chinese Android HU's aren't refined. They are built/designed with good intentions, however, the software to go with is sucks.
3. The things that you expect i.e. good AM/FM quality, RDS, BT Calling etc, do work, but probably not the same quality as you'd expect (probably from mainstream headunits)
4. There are a few "good" companies that XDA tends to use more than others i.e. Joying, Pumpkin, HotAudio/Seicane/Daistao. When I put "good" in quotations, that means this is relative. These companies come out with software updates, are some what reasonable with end user support.
5. The gamble is, if you get a ****ty unit, and its hardware related, or if you decide to mod it (in most cases you will need to make the most of the HU), and you brick it.. than you have to ship the devices to China.
6. In terms of running the latest android, there really isn't a big advantage to running 7. If you can, get a unit with 6 on it. Updating has limitless possibilities of screwing up.
7. Since you're an android newb.. troubleshooting is going to be a nightmare for you, if you're not satisfied.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If / when you do get one could you leave some feedback? I'm looking at exactly the same options as you for a Merc B class as I want the stock look. Thanks
So I’m going to focus on units from Joying and Pumpkin.
Next question is why if they all run android is there software issues?, is there additional software needed to integrate with the car interfaces?.
And do I need an octacore unit (is this px5?) or will a quad core with 2gb ram do?.
Is Xtrons considered to be a bad bet if you don’t want to fiddle too much?. I ask because the same price mark with Joying and Pumpkin is for lower spec hardware or older OS.
And given that they are kind of best of the worst are they worth a premium?.
Was planning on the xtrons with either the octacore as the 10.1” screen or the merc style in the quad core as assumed it was the same inside as the more expensive joying or pumpkin but have noted the rear case can differ and on another thread here the manufacturer is noted as different to the Pumpkin units?
Itchigo53 said:
If / when you do get one could you leave some feedback? I'm looking at exactly the same options as you for a Merc B class as I want the stock look. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do, I think I’m going to go for the oem look and go for an 8 core as you get 32gb ram built in so I can store amazon music and movies on it for the kids and listening.
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Still tempted on the Xtrons as they’ve got pretty good feedback on trust pilot and at the moment they have 15% off bio first order code so can get it under £300 all in inc an OBDII dongle and a wireless reverse camera (£15 off eBay)
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Or found uk firm selling the same (similar) type for the same money looking like it has an Apple type ui and icons and I’ve seen a Seicane reviewed that had the same look. Apparently they are pretty good. I know the reviewer of the video was pleased.
I’ve mailed them to ask about software support etc.
They have 98.5% on eBay and the negative reviews are not on head units though they have lots of positive.
Oh it’s audio tech direct.
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Danno1975 said:
So I’m going to focus on units from Joying and Pumpkin.
Next question is why if they all run android is there software issues?, is there additional software needed to integrate with the car interfaces?.
And do I need an octacore unit (is this px5?) or will a quad core with 2gb ram do?.
Is Xtrons considered to be a bad bet if you don’t want to fiddle too much?. I ask because the same price mark with Joying and Pumpkin is for lower spec hardware or older OS.
And given that they are kind of best of the worst are they worth a premium?.
Was planning on the xtrons with either the octacore as the 10.1” screen or the merc style in the quad core as assumed it was the same inside as the more expensive joying or pumpkin but have noted the rear case can differ and on another thread here the manufacturer is noted as different to the Pumpkin units?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They all have software issues since they have no "real" world testing, their application is so varied across so many car models, that they really can't get it right. The pumpkins/joying/seicane have some what better support, and since they're the most "popular" units out here.. you'll get much better XDA support too (which, did I mention is probably better than manufacturer support? lol).
They're worth a premium if you want something different, to test and fidget with.. there is a ton more functionality than standard HU's, but that comes at a price of course.
Just a word of advice.. don't trust reviews on random sale websites, they're of course selling something!
Got a positive email off Audio Tech Direct this morning that explained all the questions I had Re the two units I liked. I did some research and of the two merc units I like one was 99.9% Seicane and the other was 99.9% a Erisn.
They noted they will give firmware support where needed on an if it ain’t broke basis. Suits me as I don’t plan on fiddling beyond maybe a new car style launcher.
Doing an extension at the moment so need to convince the wife later of the need for a potentially disappointing £300 radio [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
Itchigo53 said:
If / when you do get one could you leave some feedback? I'm looking at exactly the same options as you for a Merc B class as I want the stock look. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Got it yesterday. Really nice, few set up issues to iron out as I was tired last night. But for the 2012 Vito it plugged in and worked straight away.
Happy so far with the unit and the UK seller, it’s a good fit, sound is great, works well looks great. Plugged and played no issues even dash display works on radio channels RDS works, the supplied aerial seems better than stock, didn’t come with the Merc boot screen but that’s in settings and was easy to change (pin code 126 I think).
Love the equaliser and speaker adjust app really good and works well, handsfree is fine via the built in mic (my car one is somewhere in the quad lock so guess it’s not used)
Screens is good, not as sharp as my iPhone but it’s not a £700 Apple product. I had hoped it would be more vibrant but this may be as it was in night mode and I can play with settings. Not used to android so will get my head around it.
Torque app looks good but couldn’t connect to dongle.
Had a few issues getting this onto iPhone WiFi but I think this is the iPhone as it the same with iPad too. WiFi seems good. Was a fair way from house and WiFi from house was connected even though the phone wouldn’t and it’s a newish iPhone 7 so + 1 to the head unit.
Can’t figure out how to change the dash widgets, don’t like the car launchers on android play store so want to get this set for me. Would like weather. Didn’t install till 9:30 last night so was tired.
Only problem really with install was I took the glove box lamp out to help fit a flush mount Usb for the rear usbs on the head units did a bang up job. It the back of the lamp hots it so not have a horror hole. Luckily I can’t see it and will glue some black plastic over it and do it Saturday when I got the parking camera. A class needs a separate power lead which is supplied so still plug and play really.
Starting up isn’t super slow or super fast. By the time I was off the drive it was working, Rev Can mutes radio. Anyway and works ( black screen for now as no camera)
These are the issues and I’m awaiting a response. Till now Audio tech direct have been great with support pre order and on delivery via Sainsburys.
Issues
On the buttons the green phone answer key does not light up green at all, the red does.
On the built in sat navs there’s no post code search that I could find. Will only use it when remote and can’t get in google maps and anyway. Or camping.
Also in the supplied Navigation I have the volume set at max but when using it this morning with the radio although the radio level dips the audio on the Nav is too low to be heard.
Strangely the radio is only on 1 but at one it’s the same as half way on a normal radio, may be a default system volume I need to change? on the drive last night you could hear it outside the van on 1.
Also on the GPs occasionally it (very quietly) says gps lost, though a check shows at least 10 channels and good fix. This is on my drive with clear sky above and driving in open environment. Still navs though.
Gps aerial is currently on dash of van with clear sky view and as noted the sat navs still seeing satellite.
Blue tooth won’t see my BT elm327 dongle?. Might be the dongle not used it before.
Tried mirror link and it connected to my iPhone but just made a horrible screaching and displayed a grey screen.
Can’t get the radio to come on without key in, not a problem in itself though the previous unit did, main problem is as soon as the key is inserted to get it to turn on it assumes you are driving so can’t show video or dvd even if the engine is off and ignition not even on. And if you take key out it powers down.
So you can’t watch video.
Made three BT calls one clear two a bit crackling but the wife was in her car in the sticks on her handsfree and the Sony BT crackles on my iPhone ad2p connection so might be her. Last night to her m bike was fine. So happy ish.
Main thing is how well the seller supports the little issues I have.
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Danno1975 said:
Got it yesterday. Really nice, few set up issues to iron out as I was tired last night. But for the 2012 Vito it plugged in and worked straight away.
Happy so far with the unit and the UK seller, it’s a good fit, sound is great, works well looks great. Plugged and played no issues even dash display works on radio channels RDS works, the supplied aerial seems better than stock, didn’t come with the Merc boot screen but that’s in settings and was easy to change (pin code 126 I think).
Love the equaliser and speaker adjust app really good and works well, handsfree is fine via the built in mic (my car one is somewhere in the quad lock so guess it’s not used)
Screens is good, not as sharp as my iPhone but it’s not a £700 Apple product. I had hoped it would be more vibrant but this may be as it was in night mode and I can play with settings. Not used to android so will get my head around it.
Torque app looks good but couldn’t connect to dongle.
Had a few issues getting this onto iPhone WiFi but I think this is the iPhone as it the same with iPad too. WiFi seems good. Was a fair way from house and WiFi from house was connected even though the phone wouldn’t and it’s a newish iPhone 7 so + 1 to the head unit.
Can’t figure out how to change the dash widgets, don’t like the car launchers on android play store so want to get this set for me. Would like weather. Didn’t install till 9:30 last night so was tired.
Only problem really with install was I took the glove box lamp out to help fit a flush mount Usb for the rear usbs on the head units did a bang up job. It the back of the lamp hots it so not have a horror hole. Luckily I can’t see it and will glue some black plastic over it and do it Saturday when I got the parking camera. A class needs a separate power lead which is supplied so still plug and play really.
Starting up isn’t super slow or super fast. By the time I was off the drive it was working, Rev Can mutes radio. Anyway and works ( black screen for now as no camera)
These are the issues and I’m awaiting a response. Till now Audio tech direct have been great with support pre order and on delivery via Sainsburys.
Issues
On the buttons the green phone answer key does not light up green at all, the red does.
On the built in sat navs there’s no post code search that I could find. Will only use it when remote and can’t get in google maps and anyway. Or camping.
Also in the supplied Navigation I have the volume set at max but when using it this morning with the radio although the radio level dips the audio on the Nav is too low to be heard.
Strangely the radio is only on 1 but at one it’s the same as half way on a normal radio, may be a default system volume I need to change? on the drive last night you could hear it outside the van on 1.
Also on the GPs occasionally it (very quietly) says gps lost, though a check shows at least 10 channels and good fix. This is on my drive with clear sky above and driving in open environment. Still navs though.
Gps aerial is currently on dash of van with clear sky view and as noted the sat navs still seeing satellite.
Blue tooth won’t see my BT elm327 dongle?. Might be the dongle not used it before.
Tried mirror link and it connected to my iPhone but just made a horrible screaching and displayed a grey screen.
Can’t get the radio to come on without key in, not a problem in itself though the previous unit did, main problem is as soon as the key is inserted to get it to turn on it assumes you are driving so can’t show video or dvd even if the engine is off and ignition not even on. And if you take key out it powers down.
So you can’t watch video.
Made three BT calls one clear two a bit crackling but the wife was in her car in the sticks on her handsfree and the Sony BT crackles on my iPhone ad2p connection so might be her. Last night to her m bike was fine. So happy ish.
Main thing is how well the seller supports the little issues I have. View attachment 4320987View attachment 4320986View attachment 4320989
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Issues sorted great support
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