Database Users

Need help picking a head unit!

Hello XDA'ers.
Just got burned buying a crappy no-name Windows headunit on Amazon and was wondering if you could help me pick a different one. I'm looking for an Android-based HU that can support Bluetooth, GPS and a backup camera. HD Radio support is a plus.
Thanks!

I am also researching for one and come across with eonon brand. You can check it out.
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk

Do you have a link to purchasing it?

Actually, that one looks just like the piece of junk that I purchased. I'm hoping for a headunit that I can purchase and can flash with a custom from here.

DJRepresent said:
Actually, that one looks just like the piece of junk that I purchased. I'm hoping for a headunit that I can purchase and can flash with a custom from here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
I personally would (and did, but with a NEED for Android Auto) spend the extra $200-300 for a Pioneer 4100NEX with Android Auto and many other features, including US HD Radio. On EBay now for $500 shipped for refurb, or IMO better at $570 shipped brand new.
But if you need "full regular Android" to run any app, most "normal" HUs don't provide this, but maybe we'll get a ROM with full Android. Some Pioneer devices run Android under the covers and are getting a ROM now, in part to get Android Auto on devices like the older 4000NEX. I think that 4100NEX will get a ROM too, once it provides a good option for getting more than stock functionality.
The best "Cheap Chinese" HUs are stuck on Android 4.4 Kitkat at best and I doubt Newsmy/Huefei will ever get Lollipop.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.

mikereidis said:
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
I personally would (and did, but with a NEED for Android Auto) spend the extra $200-300 for a Pioneer 4100NEX with Android Auto and many other features, including US HD Radio. On EBay now for $500 shipped for refurb, or IMO better at $570 shipped brand new.
But if you need "full regular Android" to run any app, most "normal" HUs don't provide this, but maybe we'll get a ROM with full Android. Some Pioneer devices run Android under the covers and are getting a ROM now, in part to get Android Auto on devices like the older 4000NEX. I think that 4100NEX will get a ROM too, once it provides a good option for getting more than stock functionality.
The best "Cheap Chinese" HUs are stuck on Android 4.4 Kitkat at best and I doubt Newsmy/Huefei will ever get Lollipop.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read an Amazon.com review of one of the Chinese HUs where the guy said that the stock ROM on it was "OK," but once he flashed a custom ROM, everything worked great. He didn't provide a link to the ROM but he did say he downloaded it from XDA. So was wondering if there might be a decent head unit that I can purchase and flash and have it working well.

mikereidis said:
For "Cheap Chinese" HUs, Newsmy type are the most popular here, followed by the older Huefei HUs.
These cheap HUs are also full of compromises and unless you understand and accept them, I think it's likely you'll regret getting one within 1-12 months, as you already regret what you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with. And the quad core devices are very snappy and responsive, and the screens on the 1024x600 7" models are very clear and look great.
For the price, they are well worth it to me. The only real problem has been that the bluetooth design is not the best, and lots of people are just connecting a mic cable directly to the mic and ground pins on the bluetooth board to get around the poor internal mic issue. Other than that there is no real outstanding problem with them.

nixfu said:
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with. And the quad core devices are very snappy and responsive, and the screens on the 1024x600 7" models are very clear and look great.
For the price, they are well worth it to me. The only real problem has been that the bluetooth design is not the best, and lots of people are just connecting a mic cable directly to the mic and ground pins on the bluetooth board to get around the poor internal mic issue. Other than that there is no real outstanding problem with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which unit should I purchase then? Please post a link.
Thanks!

nixfu said:
They are much better than you make them sound. Honestly they are very impressive for what you get for $100-$250 or so, you get a full android rooted system you can pretty much do anything with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$100 ?
I thought the decent units, like Newsmy, started around $300 or so, and prices get higher when you need a non-generic, car-specific model.
To each their own, but I am still not a particular fan of Mediatek/Chinese chipsets. AFAIK, Mediatek still regularly violates GPL and keep more secrets than Qualcomm does, making it harder for kernel & ROM devs. Still true or no ?
Anyway, since I don't own one of the Chinese HUs, the opinions of people who own one may be more important than mine.
IMO anyone buying one should read the main threads for them for at least a few pages to get better informed.
For those who need "real Android" running on the HU, I'm recalling that the AppRadio Unchained Reloaded app seems a decent option for phone mirroring to Pioneer HUs.
I must sound like a paid Pioneer rep sometimes, LOL, but reality is that my best interests are in people running my Headunit app on tablets than buy an HU. But I only recommend that if it seems the best option for them.

I'm torn between the carjoying RK3188 and the NU3001 Carpad. Anyone have experience with both can provide a recommendation? I was reading some of the posts regarding the carjoying unit and am concerned that I need to modify the internal to get a decent microphone quality. Not sure if this needs to also happen to the newsmy unit? I have also heard that the joking crew provides great support, which is important and like the fact that they have taken the time to create lots of tutorial videos. On the nu3001 - I like that the android unit is in a separate box. I seriously can't decide...lots of pros on both units.
DJRepresent - did you make your decision yet?

Honestly. I've been both a newsmy & huifei owner... I'm not a happy camper with the newsmy and their support.
My radio was working great then started to develop random screen flickers & after a firmware update it died. Ordered a replacement Android box (as the head unit & Android box is separate on the newsmy, had to fight to order it as I didn't order my radio directly from newsmy but from a reseller... Only managed to get it as a fellow xda member was a reseller and he placed the replacement order for me) and my radio now only half works. My physical buttons on my radio (as it's a Volkswagen specific unit) no longer work.
Newsmy has left me high and dry with the issue with zero support on the issue. I've spent about 700-800canadian on this unit and I have now a half working unit...
I'm starting to think about selling off and getting a joying/huifei unit. As the one I use to own before the newsmy is now in my dad's car and it's working perfectly fine. I only got the newsmy as at the time it was the only 1024x600 unit with 2 gigs of ram...
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
The winlink seems to be less popular but also seems to have a representative from the company participating in the forum activity. Newsmy use to have that... seems they are no longer focused on the carpad2 more their unreleased carpad3. Not sure if joying/huifei has a representative participating but seems to have a lot more overall owners participating with the development.
One downfall I had with my huifei that the newsmy doesn't have is the canbus. The canbus didn't fully work with my car or my dad's car (my car being a 09 vw jetta my dad's being a '12 vw jetta)on the huifei I had random issues with it. I ended up replacing their canbus with another manufacture and the issues resolved.
Newsmy also seemed more focused on eye candy vs actually developing the radio more... It still has no rds support.
Also the newsmy has no sub preputs.
Hmm other then that... I think that's the end of my feedback rant. Maybe a joying user can chime in?

kwalsh24 said:
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like my unit from carjoying.com, the prices are pretty good, and the support is actually better than I expected. But NO NONE of the more popular units(Klyde, Roadmaster, Hot Audio, Joying, etc) which are all based on the same HueFui design, all use the same RK3066/RK3166 Chipsets, and they all have 1GB Ram. The memory and cpu are all using the same plug in daughter boards that plug in to the various main boards.
Frankly I don't see the 1GB being a limitation, or that 2GB would help all that much. The quad core is what seems to be a big difference and makes the units very snappy. I know my unit I normally have Torque loggings engine stats, iGO GPS doing navigation, MediaMonkey playing MP3's, and DailyRoads recording the front camera all constantly going at the same time with zero noticeable slowdown, and the unit remains very snappy and responsive. I am not sure what else you would want to have simultaneously happening that would be better than what you can already do with the current units.
The best models you can get are quad core, 1GB ram, 16GB onboard flash, and 1024 screens. I would just make sure you get one with these specs and you will pretty much have the best currently available.

nixfu said:
I like my unit from carjoying.com, the prices are pretty good, and the support is actually better than I expected. But NO NONE of the more popular units(Klyde, Roadmaster, Hot Audio, Joying, etc) which are all based on the same HueFui design, all use the same RK3066/RK3166 Chipsets, and they all have 1GB Ram. The memory and cpu are all using the same plug in daughter boards that plug in to the various main boards.
Frankly I don't see the 1GB being a limitation, or that 2GB would help all that much. The quad core is what seems to be a big difference and makes the units very snappy. I know my unit I normally have Torque loggings engine stats, iGO GPS doing navigation, MediaMonkey playing MP3's, and DailyRoads recording the front camera all constantly going at the same time with zero noticeable slowdown, and the unit remains very snappy and responsive. I am not sure what else you would want to have simultaneously happening that would be better than what you can already do with the current units.
The best models you can get are quad core, 1GB ram, 16GB onboard flash, and 1024 screens. I would just make sure you get one with these specs and you will pretty much have the best currently available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! I read from a post you started a while ago regarding the carjoying unit you modified internally to address the microphone poor quality. How bad is it out the box (without modifying the internals) or is this mod a must do before installing? Is this mod to address just the integrated mic or does this also impact the external mic input? Wondering if i wire up a quality external mic if that would keep from having to modify the internals. Your usage list above looks like similar apps I would be running in addition to an occasional hands free phone call. Thanks!
---------- Post added at 06:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------
kwalsh24 said:
Honestly. I've been both a newsmy & huifei owner... I'm not a happy camper with the newsmy and their support.
My radio was working great then started to develop random screen flickers & after a firmware update it died. Ordered a replacement Android box (as the head unit & Android box is separate on the newsmy, had to fight to order it as I didn't order my radio directly from newsmy but from a reseller... Only managed to get it as a fellow xda member was a reseller and he placed the replacement order for me) and my radio now only half works. My physical buttons on my radio (as it's a Volkswagen specific unit) no longer work.
Newsmy has left me high and dry with the issue with zero support on the issue. I've spent about 700-800canadian on this unit and I have now a half working unit...
I'm starting to think about selling off and getting a joying/huifei unit. As the one I use to own before the newsmy is now in my dad's car and it's working perfectly fine. I only got the newsmy as at the time it was the only 1024x600 unit with 2 gigs of ram...
I believe now the joying & even the winlink units have 2gig ram models with the 1024 screen.
The winlink seems to be less popular but also seems to have a representative from the company participating in the forum activity. Newsmy use to have that... seems they are no longer focused on the carpad2 more their unreleased carpad3. Not sure if joying/huifei has a representative participating but seems to have a lot more overall owners participating with the development.
One downfall I had with my huifei that the newsmy doesn't have is the canbus. The canbus didn't fully work with my car or my dad's car (my car being a 09 vw jetta my dad's being a '12 vw jetta)on the huifei I had random issues with it. I ended up replacing their canbus with another manufacture and the issues resolved.
Newsmy also seemed more focused on eye candy vs actually developing the radio more... It still has no rds support.
Also the newsmy has no sub preputs.
Hmm other then that... I think that's the end of my feedback rant. Maybe a joying user can chime in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! This is great info. I am truly sorry for your troubles. Hope you get your issue resolved. Support/customer service is something I highly value. Now that u mentioned it...I do remember seeing newsmy frequent presence in the large dedicated nu3001 thread early on, but they phased out as I skimmed though the posts. Thanks again for providing your experiences/feedback! +2 for carjoying

Honestly I just checked out newsmy's website and they have removed most of their headunits they once sold. So I would 100% rule out newsmy.
Joying in the lead but maybe check out winlink/ownice unit. As it's the quad core with 2 gigs of ram... I myself am 100% torn
I'm slightly shocked that there hasn't been anything new on the market. Faster cpu & more ram? Kinda sad that the joying unit doesn't have 2 gigs of ram. If it did I'd be jumping ship 12 hours ago as they have a nice looking vw unit that's all touch. Including the malfunctioning buttons that my unit has...

kwalsh24 said:
Honestly I just checked out newsmy's website and they have removed most of their headunits they once sold. So I would 100% rule out newsmy.
Joying in the lead but maybe check out winlink/ownice unit. As it's the quad core with 2 gigs of ram... I myself am 100% torn
I'm slightly shocked that there hasn't been anything new on the market. Faster cpu & more ram? Kinda sad that the joying unit doesn't have 2 gigs of ram. If it did I'd be jumping ship 12 hours ago as they have a nice looking vw unit that's all touch. Including the malfunctioning buttons that my unit has...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little shocked also, but from the feedback 1 gb should be good enough. I figure the units are somewhat inexpensive and don't mind replacing it a few years down the road if it becomes an issue. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the carjoying unit. The crew has been in frequent communication with me since I purchased it making sure everything is right with my car configuration before shipping it. I'm pleased so far with the support and do not have the unit yet Hope my positive experiences continue after I receive it. Not looking forward to doing the mic mod though

Cheap Android headunit with Parrot Audio?

Hi All,
I'm after a new headunit for my Mazda MPV 2004. I currently have a Parrot Asteroid Smart in my old car which I did like, but also had it's flaws (old version of android, low spec hardware, no physical buttons/dials). I did however love the bluetooth and voice command options.
I've since been looking for a (cheap-ish) Android unit that I can install in the Mazda and honestly I'm overwhelmed! There are so many options now compared to a few years ago when I got the Parrot. I was looking at units like these and was almost convinced to take a gamble and accept that the bluetooth calling would not be as good as the Parrot (I've owned some Eonon units before):
Eonon - http://eonon.com/Car-GPS/Android-Car-GPS/G2110F.html
Pumpkin - http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...s-navigation-system-support-3g-wifi-obd2.html
Then I found this:
Avin - https://avinusa.com/7-universal-dou...android-multimedia-navigation-system-159.html
Which got me thinking, are there any other 'no name' units that use the Parrot bluetooth technology that anyone would recommend? Or at least have decent quality bluetooth audio otherwise and preferably voice command? Any hands on experience and reviews would be much appreciated!!

That's the only one I've found listed with parrot. I passed on it becase of the 800 x 480 resolution. Seems people like the Newsmy for Bluetooth calls and Google now works (Newsmy owners, correct me if I am wrong).

Thanks, I'll check out the Newsmy, hadn't heard of them. What did you end up going with twokidsandaphone?

glenb83 said:
What did you end up going with twokidsandaphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity". I changed my mind and even though the order was officially shipped, it had not been given to DHL yet and they let me cancel, which was awesome of them. That unit has an Allwinnertech chip, not the RK3188. It was less than $300 CDN, shipped, but I was concerned about BT and radio quality (and since it was for my wife I decided to err on the side of caution). All of their units get very good reviews though, still tempted... maybe for my car.
At any rate my requirements were:
Universal 7" 2 Din
Steering wheel controls (resistive type)
Support large external drive (for FLAC files)
1024 x 600, quad core
Joying units don't support large external drives (most list 32 gb as max), and I saw quite a few complaints about the Bluetooth quality even after mic fix.
Ownice units do support the large drive, but the later posts in the thread suggest quality issues and lack of support from the seller
2nd gen Tonghai units - couldn't find one I liked, can't remember everything that took it off the list
So that only left Newsmy; seems a high quality unit with good radio reception (SiLabs chip), dual Bluetooth (one for calls, one for android), and lots of xda support.
I ordered the NR3001 this morning. Downside was it was over double the cost of the first one that I cancelled (~$600 CDN, of which $131 was shipping). Hope it's worth it! Note the CDN dollar sucks now, so not nearly as bad in US$.
Jeff
P.S. I currently have a PAS in my car - still mostly like it.

twokidsandaphone said:
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity". I changed my mind and even though the order was officially shipped, it had not been given to DHL yet and they let me cancel, which was awesome of them. That unit has an Allwinnertech chip, not the RK3188. It was less than $300 CDN, shipped, but I was concerned about BT and radio quality (and since it was for my wife I decided to err on the side of caution). All of their units get very good reviews though, still tempted... maybe for my car.
At any rate my requirements were:
Universal 7" 2 Din
Steering wheel controls (resistive type)
Support large external drive (for FLAC files)
1024 x 600, quad core
Joying units don't support large external drives (most list 32 gb as max), and I saw quite a few complaints about the Bluetooth quality even after mic fix.
Ownice units do support the large drive, but the later posts in the thread suggest quality issues and lack of support from the seller
2nd gen Tonghai units - couldn't find one I liked, can't remember everything that took it off the list
So that only left Newsmy; seems a high quality unit with good radio reception (SiLabs chip), dual Bluetooth (one for calls, one for android), and lots of xda support.
I ordered the NR3001 this morning. Downside was it was over double the cost of the first one that I cancelled (~$600 CDN, of which $131 was shipping). Hope it's worth it! Note the CDN dollar sucks now, so not nearly as bad in US$.
Jeff
P.S. I currently have a PAS in my car - still mostly like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info Jeff, when your unit arrives and is installed I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
This new unit will also be for my wife's car, she has basically the same requirements as you except there is no need for large storage expansion, ipod compatibility and a physical dial for volume (she hates the touch screen volume of the PAS, although if steering wheel controls work I wouldn't think that would be an issue, just have no idea how to wire them up...)
Cost is also an issue, I'm in Australia so those cheap US prices get high really quick for Australia!

twokidsandaphone said:
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Jeff,
I had a google and couldn't find this unit. Can you send me a link for comparison, and perhaps to the reviews too?
Thanks!

I couldn't find it on Google either. The reviews are just those of the customers of the seller. They sell the same unit in a few different vehicle specific versions. Their universal version is linked below. No buttons or knobs though...
In Dash Universal Quad Core 2 Din Android 4.4 Car Audio Stereo GPS 3G Wifi Bluetooth Radio (No) CD Player automotivo
http://s.aliexpress.com/yyqIfqi6
(from AliExpress Android)
Jeff
P.S. The Newsmy arrived today. In the middle of a bathroom reno so will be a little while before I can try it out.

twokidsandaphone said:
I couldn't find it on Google either. The reviews are just those of the customers of the seller. They sell the same unit in a few different vehicle specific versions. Their universal version is linked below. No buttons or knobs though...
In Dash Universal Quad Core 2 Din Android 4.4 Car Audio Stereo GPS 3G Wifi Bluetooth Radio (No) CD Player automotivo
http://s.aliexpress.com/yyqIfqi6
(from AliExpress Android)
Jeff
P.S. The Newsmy arrived today. In the middle of a bathroom reno so will be a little while before I can try it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link and looking forward to the newsmy review when you get around to it!
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Just so you know, Pumpkin have just released a new product that uses a Parrot module, the links below
http://www.autopumpkin.com/pumpkin-...t-dab-mirrorlink-aux-output-obd2-wifi-3g.html
Regs

I am torn between the Pumpkin with Parrot Bluetooth and the Newsmy NR-3001.
Pumpkin works out cheaper because of Free Shipping vs AUD$133 for the Newsmy, but the Newsmy's already active ROM development is appealing.
Decisions, decisions........

I'm curious about the Pumpkin unit now too, I have heard reasonable things about Pumpkin in the past when they were WinCE units. I still haven't decided on anything for the wife's car yet but I need to soon. When I get something I'll be sure to post a review for anyone else in future.
I'd be interested in what everyone else here chooses and their experiences with their chosen unit too.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts Glen.
Having read through some of the Newsmy thread and the xdAuto ROM thread, I am leaning towards the Newsmy.

*UPDATE*
So in the end I went with price above all and purchased an Eonon G2110F Android headunit. I have to say I have been quite happy with the unit, it is much more responsive than the Parrot Asteroid Smart and runs apps natively, without any drop in audio quality like the smart. One issue which was sort of expected, is the sub-par bluetooth microphone quality. I expected the quality to not be too great, especially compared to the Parrot Smart, but it is so bad that most of the time I have to tell my wife to call me when she gets home because I can't hear her!
I am going to try to find an aftermarket bluetooth microphone to try instead, does anyone recommend anything that has good quality for a unit like this one?

glenb83 said:
*UPDATE*
So in the end I went with price above all and purchased an Eonon G2110F Android headunit. I have to say I have been quite happy with the unit, it is much more responsive than the Parrot Asteroid Smart and runs apps natively, without any drop in audio quality like the smart. One issue which was sort of expected, is the sub-par bluetooth microphone quality. I expected the quality to not be too great, especially compared to the Parrot Smart, but it is so bad that most of the time I have to tell my wife to call me when she gets home because I can't hear her!
I am going to try to find an aftermarket bluetooth microphone to try instead, does anyone recommend anything that has good quality for a unit like this one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't you read about the BT problems we all have? The only way to fix it is the mod of the motherboard.

halloj said:
Haven't you read about the BT problems we all have? The only way to fix it is the mod of the motherboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't aware of the Bluetooth issues, is it just with the eonon unit or all units with a particular chipset?
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

glenb83 said:
I wasn't aware of the Bluetooth issues, is it just with the eonon unit or all units with a particular chipset?
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically all units that I'm aware of. Even the new Pumpkin claiming Parrot BT suffers from the same problem. I've have the new Pumpkin too.
The main problem is the two microphones (internal-external) are connected in parallel. I've done the mod on my four units and after that it's okay.
You still need a better mic since the Chinese mic is crap. I'm using a Parrot mic and the mod.

halloj said:
Basically all units that I'm aware of. Even the new Pumpkin claiming Parrot BT suffers from the same problem. I've have the new Pumpkin too.
The main problem is the two microphones (internal-external) are connected in parallel. I've done the mod on my four units and after that it's okay.
You still need a better mic since the Chinese mic is crap. I'm using a Parrot mic and the mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, could you be so kind as to link to the mod? Thanks!

twokidsandaphone said:
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity". I changed my mind and even though the order was officially shipped, it had not been given to DHL yet and they let me cancel, which was awesome of them. That unit has an Allwinnertech chip, not the RK3188. It was less than $300 CDN, shipped, but I was concerned about BT and radio quality (and since it was for my wife I decided to err on the side of caution). All of their units get very good reviews though, still tempted... maybe for my car.
At any rate my requirements were:
Universal 7" 2 Din
Steering wheel controls (resistive type)
Support large external drive (for FLAC files)
1024 x 600, quad core
Joying units don't support large external drives (most list 32 gb as max), and I saw quite a few complaints about the Bluetooth quality even after mic fix.
Ownice units do support the large drive, but the later posts in the thread suggest quality issues and lack of support from the seller
2nd gen Tonghai units - couldn't find one I liked, can't remember everything that took it off the list
So that only left Newsmy; seems a high quality unit with good radio reception (SiLabs chip), dual Bluetooth (one for calls, one for android), and lots of xda support.
I ordered the NR3001 this morning. Downside was it was over double the cost of the first one that I cancelled (~$600 CDN, of which $131 was shipping). Hope it's worth it! Note the CDN dollar sucks now, so not nearly as bad in US$.
Jeff
P.S. I currently have a PAS in my car - still mostly like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Jeff, just curious about your experience with the Newsmy after using it for a while? Whilst I like the Eonon generally, the bluetooth call issues and their lack of support has been a deal breaker, and I'm ready to replace it already!
Zelig said:
I am torn between the Pumpkin with Parrot Bluetooth and the Newsmy NR-3001.
Pumpkin works out cheaper because of Free Shipping vs AUD$133 for the Newsmy, but the Newsmy's already active ROM development is appealing.
Decisions, decisions........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Zelig, did you end up ordering a unit? What were your experiences?

halloj said:
Basically all units that I'm aware of. Even the new Pumpkin claiming Parrot BT suffers from the same problem. I've have the new Pumpkin too.
The main problem is the two microphones (internal-external) are connected in parallel. I've done the mod on my four units and after that it's okay.
You still need a better mic since the Chinese mic is crap. I'm using a Parrot mic and the mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi halloj, Eonon sent me this link to a video replacing the internal mic - https://drive.google.com/a/eonon.com/file/d/0B4MwM-4-7u6TbkxkcnByN0thMjA/view?usp=drive_web
I'm wondering if I removed the mic completely if it would default to the external mic, or if simply desoldering it would not be enough? Perhaps replacing it with a better quality mic like the video would be sufficient? Any thoughts, you seem to have done this a few times!

glenb83 said:
Hi Jeff, just curious about your experience with the Newsmy after using it for a while? Whilst I like the Eonon generally, the bluetooth call issues and their lack of support has been a deal breaker, and I'm ready to replace it already!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can say that I am pretty happy with the Newsmy. I installed xdAuto on it (source code for the Newsmy leaked and XDA developers built a great ROM). With xdAuto the user interface is pretty good; there are a set of icons along the bottom of the screen that allow you to switch quickly between different apps without first going to the launcher home screen. Audio focus works properly, meaning that when you, say, start a song on Spotify, the audio from the radio app (or whatever other source) stops.
I find the sound quality quite good even without equalizer running (xdAuto has viper included) . There are occasional background noises (most apparent with silent sections of a track when at a light) but practically speaking they are not noticeable when driving.
the Bluetooth for hands free calling while not nearly as good as the Parrot is quite useable.
OBD2 Bluetooth reader/Torque works flawlessly.
Steering wheel controls work on every app I've used which can be an issue with other units.
Radio reception is good, but the radio app does not have RDS implemented. Apparently the silabs tuner chip is of high quality and has RDS support but the Newsmy programmers/subcontractors could not figure out how to implement it. XDA developers offered to help but were given the run around with promises of MCU source code that was never provided.
I can use Google Now voice commands to start Spotify, navigation, make calls, etc. Again not as good as the voice recognition implementation on the Parrot in terms of accuracy but a reasonable success rate.
Complaints I or other users have had:
Google maps is choppy when starting to navigate. I mostly use Waze which works very well.
Screen washes out in direct sun.
Audio control is abysmal. No control over sub out level or crossover. No native eq. All you get is a screen for balance/fade that is implemented by providing four separate volume controls for FL/FR/RL/RR.
USB DVR camera kills internal/external mics for Android (not Bluetooth calls), not an issue if you don't need/want to run a dashcam or don't care about voice commands
USB devices do not go into standby properly. If you are short of boring material to read you can see my posts on the xdAuto thread on it. This problem led to my music app often rescanning my large music collection when coming out of standby. I found a work around by modifying a USB hub to provide power all the time.
Don't expect much/any support from Newsmy on technical or warranty issues, but not many have had quality issues, and it always boots in both the extreme heat and bitter cold of Canadian summers/winters. I've had the unit apart and the PC board quality/assembly seems better than pics I've see of other Chinese units.
With all those pros/cons I did decide to buy two NR3001s and don't regret it. They are not perfect but I still believe the best option there is from my reading here on XDA. It might be that if I was buying now/next couple of months I might try the indash.net octacore but it seems there are still issues to work out, maybe wait and see..

InDashNet or Joying 5.1.1

I'm in the market for a new HU and I've been following a lot of threads at XDA from the Pioneer based hacks to AppRadio to the Newsmy HUs to now the new Joying 5.1.1 and the octa-core InDashNet units. I've been looking at those last two machines pretty intensely, but I'm trying to weigh the benefits of both.
The InDashNet HU have far more robust components, but they are so new that there are plenty of bugs to be worked out along the way. The Joying units seem to have decent support (for Chinese HU), but I'm a bit more concerned buying into a unit that is using components that are seem like a generation or so behind the InDash unit.
Any others out there with the same dilemma? How did you resolve this? Thx.

I think it's a matter of jumping in, I have had mine JY unit since August and have had many hours of usefulness out of it..
Thus it's coming up to 12 months.. so if I get another 12 months I am happy as Larry..by then it will be time to upgrade as this is a market segment that is only going to grow and get better and better..
It's like all tech, do you wait for the next best thing or do you suck it up, get what's hot now and and use it, then spin it around after you get tired of it.. and with luck only lose a bit of depreciation.. I know that even if I pulled mine out now and sold it for $200 I have had money's worth..
I think the key is to make sure who ever you buy off is giving you the warranty and support so that if you get a defective unit you can send it back.. as it seems the market is awash with some pretty ****ty units.. thus by dealing with someone that has got some cred already you will save yourself some heartache if the unit has a problem...

Depending on what unit you get, Joying can also be WAY cheaper than In-Dash. For example, another thread on here has a link to the Universal fit from Joying on Amazon for like $260. The IN-Dash without a sale or discount is over $400.

CadillacMike said:
Depending on what unit you get, Joying can also be WAY cheaper than In-Dash. For example, another thread on here has a link to the Universal fit from Joying on Amazon for like $260. The IN-Dash without a sale or discount is over $400.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm seeing too. I'd go with the universal fit model anyway. But having the latest processor/ample amounts of RAM is important too. I'd rather spend more if the Joying unit is choking on itself a year from now. I'd suspect I'd get a longer life out of the model with newer components.

When I bought my Joying they (along with 3 other manufacturers I was shopping at the time) told me the quadcore may not work with 5.1 or newer versions of Android - not ever. Of course they appear to work now so maybe they were full of sales fluff. Regardless, with an OctaCore to support 5, 6, and eventually 7.0 or greater (InDashNet confirmed to me that I would be able to go 6 and 7 when ready) I at least feel that I won't have to buy another unit for my current car unless I really wanted to. Plus, I get responses from InDashNet with better detail. There are slight issues as their platform is newer, but it is definitely quicker and the bugs appear easy to fix.

how often do InDashNet upgrade their platform?

ricebus said:
how often do InDashNet upgrade their platform?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once already with another coming soon that they are already testing internally.

So which one would you recommend? The InDashNet units also have far less capable amplifiers. Only supplying 25w per output :/

ricebus said:
So which one would you recommend? The InDashNet units also have far less capable amplifiers. Only supplying 25w per output :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like InDashNet but would wait a couple of weeks to see if the latest updates solve the problems. Both are likely comparable in terms of amplification as it all boils down to RMS rating (ignore max)...you can always add an external one for $50 (plus cabling) and those are easier to install than a head unit.
I was emailed 85W x 4 by InDashNet so I don't know why is says 25W on the InDashNet forum post #1. I use 2 amps myself (1 for front/rear and 1 for subwoofer.)

Personally, I think you should always buy on the back end of technology and not go with the latest. This gets you far far more peformance/$. I would go with the $250 joying and if you want to upgrade in a few years, do it when the octocores are as common and available from as many sources as the quad cores are today and they will also then be as cheap.
If you go with pretty much the only one available today, in 1-2 years you will be sorry you did not wait because someone will come out with a better design that is more refined and has a few more features than the ones available now, but you will have spent so much on the one now, you will not want to upgrade for a long time until you get your "money's worth" out of it first.

Normally this is very true. In fact, if you buy on the back end of this market there are some great dual core units out there. However, they do not work with the latest Android 5.x either and the support from the vendor to upgrade that software is long gone not to mention Android app vendor support. I already can't use some apps who now only support 6.x products. So I did consider what you said but I'll take new if it works good enough knowing that it will see revisions that improve it. Plus, now that I've used OctaCore vs Quad the speed is so much closer to the Japanese units I grew up on.

The Joying HU seems quite fine but I'm afraid 1GB of RAM for android is not enough. Maybe I'm wrong, do you have it? How does it perform?
Also, we all take it for granted, but boot-up time for this is super crucial, if it takes more than a few seconds it's kinda annoying.

dunksalot said:
Normally this is very true. In fact, if you buy on the back end of this market there are some great dual core units out there. However, they do not work with the latest Android 5.x either and the support from the vendor to upgrade that software is long gone not to mention Android app vendor support. I already can't use some apps who now only support 6.x products. So I did consider what you said but I'll take new if it works good enough knowing that it will see revisions that improve it. Plus, now that I've used OctaCore vs Quad the speed is so much closer to the Japanese units I grew up on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what apps do you use that only support android 6? Marshmallow is on less than 10% of devices:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-marshmallow-adoption-10-percent/
---------- Post added at 09:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------
ricebus said:
The Joying HU seems quite fine but I'm afraid 1GB of RAM for android is not enough. Maybe I'm wrong, do you have it? How does it perform?
Also, we all take it for granted, but boot-up time for this is super crucial, if it takes more than a few seconds it's kinda annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
outside of in-dash, very few of these head units have 2 gig, the Ownice C200 and one Pumpkin unit is about it. The S160 from RoadNavi only has 1 gig, but Kotix made a ROM that gives you more RAM

There are a few I wanted to download and try. AUPEO for one. IFTTT as well. Those come to mind. I can't remember every one that I looked to try off the top of my head but there were are good 4 or 5. Not a big deal I guess.

Lookd into Android Head units a couple of years ago (gave it up because they were all pretty terrible to be honest at the time - borderline useless). Amazing that so little has happened since 2013/2014. Most units still rely on the same old awful Rockchip SoC and comes with 1GB of RAM paired with a terrible UI and Android 4.x.
Another sad thing is that most of these units only support Bluetooth 2.1 (Joying included). Bluetooth 4.x offers better audio quality.
Thanks for pointing out the currently best units available on the market @dunksalot. I'm probably going to buy a cheap Joying 5.1.1 and simply live with the lag (?) when switching between apps. It'll probably take quite some time before anything with Cortex A15 or Cortex A72 paired with 2-4GB of RAM becomes available.
I did have Android Auto-support on my wishlist (that way the specs wouldn't have mattered), but that seems impossible to find outside pioneer and kenwood units, which are USD600-USD1900+.
Edit: Or is it better to wait a bit longer? It seems that Joying are working on units with 2GB of RAM according to their FB page, they won't say anything more about it though:

>old awful Rockchip SoC and comes with 1GB of RAM paired with a terrible UI and Android 4.x.
Actually after having a 4.4.1 for a year and now a 5.1.1 head unit for about 6 months I would dispute that.
a) The quad core Rockchip CPU is pretty capable and has run nearly everything I have thrown at it smoothly from every GPS app I have ever tried to HD movies, to Kodi streaming, Netflix, MP3's, all while recording a front dash cam constantly in the background as well.
b) The 1GB RAM is not a big deal. That is what most phones had for a loooong time, and Android is more than able to run with that ram.
c) The UI that is on the KD and Joying units is actually VERY good. It does exactly what it needs to do, and is perfect for the car. I have tried others and they all are not as good, or get in the way of use in the car.
d) Having Android 4.4 vs 5 is not a big deal either. Android 4.x is still the most used version of Android around the world, and is the most stable version as well. I have found 5.1 to be slightly better, and have noticed one bug disappear, but honestly its really marginal a difference. Android 4.x runs every single piece of software I run on 5.x just fine.
e) Android auto seems like a HACK to me so they can sell very low powered head units and push all the work down to the phone. I don't see all that much benefit compared to having a fully capable android device in the dash instead. I would rather have my dash unit be powerful enough to do everything I want it to do instead of having to juggle two devices.
I have frankly been amazed at what I have been able to get out of a $250 that is basically the same price, as if I had done what I was originally going to do and just upgrade my factory car radio to a major brand simple radio with an AUX input for my mp3 player.

nixfu said:
>old awful Rockchip SoC and comes with 1GB of RAM paired with a terrible UI and Android 4.x.
Actually after having a 4.4.1 for a year and now a 5.1.1 head unit for about 6 months I would dispute that.
a) The quad core Rockchip CPU is pretty capable and has run nearly everything I have thrown at it smoothly from every GPS app I have ever tried to HD movies, to Kodi streaming, Netflix, MP3's, all while recording a front dash cam constantly in the background as well.
b) The 1GB RAM is not a big deal. That is what most phones had for a loooong time, and Android is more than able to run with that ram.
c) The UI that is on the KD and Joying units is actually VERY good. It does exactly what it needs to do, and is perfect for the car. I have tried others and they all are not as good, or get in the way of use in the car.
d) Having Android 4.4 vs 5 is not a big deal either. Android 4.x is still the most used version of Android around the world, and is the most stable version as well. I have found 5.1 to be slightly better, and have noticed one bug disappear, but honestly its really marginal a difference. Android 4.x runs every single piece of software I run on 5.x just fine.
e) Android auto seems like a HACK to me so they can sell very low powered head units and push all the work down to the phone. I don't see all that much benefit compared to having a fully capable android device in the dash instead. I would rather have my dash unit be powerful enough to do everything I want it to do instead of having to juggle two devices.
I have frankly been amazed at what I have been able to get out of a $250 that is basically the same price, as if I had done what I was originally going to do and just upgrade my factory car radio to a major brand simple radio with an AUX input for my mp3 player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, so maybe I won't be disappointed if I go down the Joying path. It's not very expensive as you point out, so upgrading in a year or two wouldn't be a pain. Thanks.
I'm not in a big rush though, so I'll probably wait a few more months before jumping on the train.

Erisin ES3015V or Eonon GA5153F?

Hello there
Last weekend I received my first Android HU, an Erisin ES3015V. I drive a 2013 Skoda Fabia RS, and the installation was very straight forward. Can bus built in to the unit meant it was just a matter of connecting the big "VW" type connector, the antennas and usb, and everything just worked. I was very impressed. After playing with it all evening, installing apps, tweaking the launcher (and killing my battery), I went to bed.
The next day I started having problems with boot loops (looping even before any logo appeared on screen). This kept getting worse until I had to spend like ten minutes trying to press and hold the power and / or reset buttons to get lucky and make it boot. Once it booted, everything seemed great until the next cold start. I also installed the MTCD malaysk rom, but it didn't help. I contacted the dealer and he asked me to send it back for replacement, as he reckons it's a hardware problem.
Now, he also sells the Eonon in the topic, so if I want to, I can get that instead. I understand that this is an older unit (MTCB I think?) and that it has a can bus box instead of built in can bus. The resolution is also lower, but it has the same amount of ram and same cpu. Eonon info page says Android 4.4.4 but the reseller says 5.1. With this unit I suppose I would be able to run a more matured rom. I'm also curious as to sound quality differences. I'd ideally like a unit that doesn't sound worse than the original Skoda Swing / VW RCD310 in the car. Would also need a dab+ usb thingy.
Please help me make up my mind!

I'd tell you to stick with any android head unit that has KitKat (4.4.4). Android 5.1, while nice and it does add a few new features, tends to be slower and the ROM is larger. Consider this video:
Android Lollipop 5.1 vs KitKat 4.4.4 - Performance Comparison (Nexus 5)
On the same hardware, things slow down with android 5.1, and you're not really going to be using a lot of the features of that OS on a car radio. If this was a cellphone, I'd say yes, go for android 5.1.
That said, I'd lean towards the Eonon. Both have the same RK3188 CPU and same resolution screen, which leads me to believe that they are the same exact unit with a different brand name on them.
As an example, here 's some stereos: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-players/vw-car-dvd-player/vw-skoda-dvd-player
This is also for VW / Skoda. Notice how some look exactly the same as the other two. Simply stay away from any that offer Dual-core CPU's and you ought to be fine, but I simply show you for purposes of demonstration.
Having said that, here's one that is about the same price as your other two but slightly better specs: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...ii-3g-wifi-usb-sd-steering-wheel-control.html
This has a faster quad-core CPU plus higher resolution, so you may get equivalent performance to what you have selected above. It is Android 5.1, but with a faster CPU the performance will be about the same.
The choice is yours. Enjoy!

Thanks for your in-depth reply CaptShaft
CaptShaft said:
On the same hardware, things slow down with android 5.1, and you're not really going to be using a lot of the features of that OS on a car radio. If this was a cellphone, I'd say yes, go for android 5.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts as well. After getting the Erisin I noticed that there's a lot more stuff going on for the MTCB unilts. I'm worried about the dab+ usb stick though. Seems they aren't fully supported? What about the 3g/4g stick?
CaptShaft said:
That said, I'd lean towards the Eonon. Both have the same RK3188 CPU and same resolution screen, which leads me to believe that they are the same exact unit with a different brand name on them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the Erisin is 1024 while the Eonon is 800-something, however the rest looks to be more or less identical. The Erisin has can bus built in to the unit itself though, while the Eonon has a more traditional external can bus converter.
CaptShaft said:
The choice is yours. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I hope I will

My thoughts as well. After getting the Erisin I noticed that there's a lot more stuff going on for the MTCB units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consider these threads where people discuss MTCB vs. MTCD:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...nt/mtcd-unit-preferred-mtcb-purchase-t3399173
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-auto-general/units-to-buy-mtcb-mtcd-t3389108
The most popular hardware gets the most development and most attention of the developers. If we use a smartphone analogy, that would be something like a Samsung phone vs. a off-brand Chinese knockoff. Everybody climbs into the biggest boat, and that is MTCB right now. That is currently the RK3188 processor (I believe) and maybe some of the CPU’s after that, like the PX3 CPU that was on the one pumpkin I showed you above. I can’t say for sure. This should bear some further investigation on your part before you make a final decision.
If you are looking for the ability to tinker with an aftermarket ROM like the Malaysk ROM’s, you probably don’t want to be on the bleeding edge of the latest hardware. That’s your call, however. There are custom ROMs for both MTCB and MTCD and both will allow you to tinker.
I'm worried about the dab+ usb stick though. Seems they aren't fully supported? What about the 3g/4g stick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer both at once, I will say it like this : I can’t comment on the DAB+ stick personally because I don’t use much in the way of radio. The Malaysk ROM’s come with an android PCRadio app built-in, which works a lot like Sirius satellite radio but does not require any subscription. It streams the “radio” music data over the Internet, and there are multiple Internet radio stations that are worldwide. My experience with the classical ones is that they are almost entirely free of commercials. This works well for my purpose, and since I personally don’t tolerate advertising of any variety, I’m happy with this. I also pack a lot of my own music and audiobooks onto a USB drive or SD card.
In my case I use my smart phone hotspot to feed the Internet to the stereo. I’m already paying for Internet connection through my smart phone, I felt I didn’t need to buy another mobile service line just for a car radio. I’ve heard a lot of consternation about the Internet USB sticks. At least over here in the US, people complain about poor reception and loss of signal. Reviews over at Amazon seem to bear this out. Your experience may vary.
Actually, the Erisin is 1024 while the Eonon is 800-something, however the rest looks to be more or less identical. The Erisin has can bus built in to the unit itself though, while the Eonon has a more traditional external can bus converter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least both have the functionality, which is good. Again, however, I can’t comment on this too much because I don’t tinker with this, however it has piqued my curiosity. It seems like it is a one way functionality, namely the car sends information to the android radio only. This is good, and this allows the radio to receive certain information from the vehicle for diagnostic purposes. For security purposes, what you do not want is the radio to be sending signals back to the car. You really don’t want a virus to disable your brakes, or shut off your motor while on the highway, for example.
Again, look at that pumpkin unit that I had suggested earlier. Double check the specs on that, and see if that might not be more towards your liking, and maybe will meet your needs. Pumpkin does a fairly decent job, at least this is been my experience.

Which Unit??

hello all, new here although i have ready many posts.
I have posted in another forum about head units, i have a Ford Focus 08 model so have joined the ford owners club forum for advice but i think some of my issues would be best answered in a place like this.
I have recieved some good feedback but i think i may have exhausted them with particular units.
I seem to have found some answers to my original post but have now dwindled my choice down to 3 so i need more help if at all possible...
so my post today was about how i have come to the choice of these 3..
XTRONS TE103AP
or
EONON GA2168
or
EONON GA2168k
The XTRONS is the top spec i can find on a 10" screen which could be overkill for my focus but it looks great in some vids i have seen, its also the only 10" that has 4gb RAM and 32gb ROM with octacore and Android 8.0 which was reccomended above so it has pretty much got me. the screen is detachable although slightly more longwinded to take off than some pumpkin and eonon models of similar size that i found. Also being black friday/cyber monday weekend i could get it with a fair whack off the price (£240ish on their site). My only worry is it doesnt look like it comes with the CANBUS adapter, i also am not too familiar with what that even is, is it just for steering wheel controls (which i dont have) or is it for the stalk aswell?
As for the EONON GA2168, that screen is better detachable and is also octacore however it is only Android 7.1 (is that a major difference?) its also only 2gb RAM and not 4 (again not too sure about this, would a car stereo really benefit from more than 2gb? This also doesnt seem to come with the CANBUS adapter but does come with a free rear cam or dash cam and is £247
And finally the EONON GA2168K which is very simlar obviously but is only 16gb ROM and again 2gb RAM but this time with Android 8.1 but only quadcore processor without CANBUS and also comes with free cam of my choice and is cheaper at £217
Both XTRONS and EONON offer similar spec stereos that will fit right into my hole that are only 7" however but do for some reason come with CANBUS decoder/box (is that the same thing?)
So im swaying toward the XTRONS, better spec and all that but will i need to but this CANBUS thing? Any help would be greatly appreciated, sorry this was a bit longwinded but i have spent many hours now researching/spreadsheeting/doing my missus head in with all this now and want to purchase while these deals and offers are on. Hopefully some of you may have experience here.
Thanks in advance for any input :good:
understandably i cant post links to the actual units or my original thread on the owners club but hopefully some of you will know which units i am refering to. Thanks

I have the ga2168k from Eonon...
Had it only a short time now but so far I love it.
Now, I'm using it as a daily driver in a Ford f550 superduty.... not entering it into a show...going to car club gatherings or anything of the sort. I wanted it because I needed GPS, hands free calling and that 10.1 BIG display just fits a Ford F550 well as it is a lot of truck.
Perhaps the more memory one may be better for you if you are watching things on it... or doing some crazy things with it... for a simpleton like myself, it's perfect.

Which did you go for in the end?
Im pretty much in the same position as you, torn between which 10.1 to go with... Pushing slightly more towards the Eonon GA2168K

mdis89 said:
Which did you go for in the end?
Im pretty much in the same position as you, torn between which 10.1 to go with... Pushing slightly more towards the Eonon GA2168K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed a GA2168K yesterday in my 2006 GTO.
One thing I noticed in the included harness adapter is they have constant battery power and accessory power swapped.
Installed it with their R0008 dash cam that came with it. No DVR app. Finally found the main config menu (hidden by password 8888) and enabled DVR.
It does not detect the camera. it was working fine with my GA2170. Went to their website and was looking to see if they had a different camera available, and that is the only one. However, on the R0008 camera product page it gives a list of HU's it isn't compatible with, and the GA2168K is one of those. Sent support an email, hopefully will have an answer Monday on that. The other frustration is that half the settings they show in the user manual and online, aren't showing up in the actual menu's. Hoping they can send me a newer Firmware/OS that enables those... And finally, there is no seperate control for subwoofer like there was in the GA2170 Looks like I need to buy the remote amp level control and run a new cable to the trunk
Another issue... It is advertised as having 18 FM presets and 12 AM. It only allows me to store 6 of each...

Dears,
anybody tried Eonon GA2178 - 10" Android 9 Head Unit?
I'm actually on Eonon GA2168K - 10" Android 8 Head Unit, it's a good device with minor problems.
Anytime developers fix a problem they introduce an other problem and there's no community support for MTK chipsets.
Because of this I'm evaluating the new Eonon GA2178, that is quite similar but based on Rockchip chipset.
Tks!