Database Users

ANT+ support on SIII with 4.3 turn out to be a big fat lie.

Another Samsung fail.
Every news outlet I saw (including SAMMobile) was reporting, all trough past last 2-3 weeks, that 4.3 is confirmed for S3 and listed ANT+ as one of the coming features.
Well it was a lie. Its not there (and will never be).
Samsung really has to get their PR/communications team together. When Note3 was released, they forgot to mention anywhere (spec sheet, news, reviews, stage intros) that it had ANT+ support. That was one end of the stick.
Now they jump to the other end by reporting that it will come to S3 with the 4.3 update, which turns out to be completely false.
Here is the SAMMobile report for example: http://www.sammobile.com/2013/11/04...olling-out-for-samsung-galaxy-s-iii-gt-i9300/
Extract:
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update now rolling out for Samsung Galaxy S III (GT-I9300)
CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN ANDROID 4.3 UPDATE
- GALAXY GEAR Support
- TRIM Support (Makes the device much faster)
- ANT+ Support
- Core UI elements updated to the ones on the Galaxy S4 (Galaxy S4′s theme all over)
- New Samsung Keyboard
- GPU drivers have been updated (Higher GPU benchmark scores)
.
.
.
Edit: Please read post No.10 before you comment!. Also SAMMobile has today corrected their report, see post No.12

come on, not post about every bug, the rom is not complete yet.

dkionline said:
come on, not post about every bug, the rom is not complete yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rom is complete if it ain't why did sam samsung release

dkionline said:
come on, not post about every bug, the rom is not complete yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't go into an argument about something you obviously don't understand. If you just cant hold back, then at least do some research.
Its not a bug. Its a missing feature. There is a big difference.
It is not something they can fix. It is something that will never be available (as in technological limitation in the hardware). Ergo its misinformation, plain and simple.
Edit: But they don't care. They keep reporting the same old BS today again: http://www.sammobile.com/2013/11/13/android-4-3-update-arrives-on-the-galaxy-s-iii-in-the-uk/
I just hate copy/paste news.

Not for every function must need an app. Screen mirroring is involved in this.

I think the point is just because it did not come out with the first release of the firmware does not mean it will not be supported in the future. When they get past 4.3 and never had any support for it, then you can say they are liars.

wangdaning said:
I think the point is just because it did not come out with the first release of the firmware does not mean it will not be supported in the future. When they get past 4.3 and never had any support for it, then you can say they are liars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, which part of HARDWARE LIMITATIONS don't you understand?
Excuse me for saying this, but why do you guys insist on trying to enter an argument, that you have no (obvious) idea about. You want to look smart? You only end up looking a fool. Don't you think.
I am not saying don't comment, but please do a little background fact checking before do. Are ask question first, not make stupid statements.
Let me spell it out for you 'S3 WILL NEVER SUPPORT ANT+', no matter what firmware you put on it. Hence the news report is false or as I put it "IS A LIE".

look on wiki ^^
[tapatalk]printed, scanned and faxed...[/tapatalk]

oalex said:
Let me spell it out for you 'S3 WILL NEVER SUPPORT ANT+', no matter what firmware you put on it. Hence the news report is false or as I put it "IS A LIE".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You put "turned out to be a big fat lie" which implies you previously believe it to be true. When did this hardware limitation come in, what info did you learn and where did you learn it?
You don't mention anything in the OP about the hardware limitation, which if you have info on this would be the most important info related to your thread topic IMO.
Not trying to argue, but the thread is a little confusing. If you have the info it would be great for you to share. The only things that come up on google are questions about it and the press releases you are saying lie.

wangdaning said:
You put "turned out to be a big fat lie" which implies you previously believe it to be true. When did this hardware limitation come in, what info did you learn and where did you learn it?
You don't mention anything in the OP about the hardware limitation, which if you have info on this would be the most important info related to your thread topic IMO.
Not trying to argue, but the thread is a little confusing. If you have the info it would be great for you to share. The only things that come up on google are questions about it and the press releases you are saying lie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry. You are right about the "turned out part". To be perfectly honest, i did wish it to be true, however I knew it wasn't going to be. Practically wished the impossible.
I slightly wished that if all these news portals (especially SAMMobile, which has very close ties and inside sources with Samsung), they might know something that I don't.
About the limitation. You are right to ask for sources, but let me try to explain first as there is so much misconception about ANT+, as you can see, that its not so easy to explain. Not trying to hide links, just that (As you will find) the publicly available information is very very scarce, when you search for anything ANT+ hardware stuff.
Most people haven't even heard of the technology, hence all (I repeat) all the reviews you can find about Note3, ignored to mention this as a feature. They didn't forget IR, which is less useful in my opinion. Even Samsung itself, failed to mention it in any of there publications prior to the release of the phone. Owners only learnt about the support from finding ANT service updating on their phone when they turned it on.
Anyway back to why S3 wont support it... I will try not to be very technical.
ANT+ uses the same Bluetooth antenna that is available in the S3 (as with the S4 and Note3 where it actually is available) or most other current smartphone for that matter. However the antenna and software support are not enough for ANT to work.
Let me put it this way. If you have a b/g wifi router. It will not suddenly start to support wifi-n just because you rewrite the firmware and change the antenna. Or a better example might be a 10 year old Nokia (no matter what software you put on it) will not start to support Bluetooth 3.0, just because is had 1.0 on it.
The hardware limitation I talk of is in the SoC (Note: not the CPU). It needs to have ANT connectivity radio frequency IC with embedded ANT protocol stacks in the SoC.
Qualcomm is part of the ANT+ alliance, however not all their SoC have this feature 'onboard'. IT depends on which variant of snapdragon it is. I believe in their case it's called Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth (yes its called Bluetooth, even tough its where the ANT+ is supported). Its not even about how new the the phone is. Many Sony Xperia phone from 2011 had the right snapdragon chips that supported ANT+ (Sony Xperia Active is a good example).
Now to give a good example of why I am not posting link. Look at the below wiki of snapdragon chips. Go to the bottom for example (snapdragon 800 or 600). It is a fact that these have ANT+ support, yet you don't see it mentioned anywhere: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapdragon_(system_on_chip)
Why yo ask? Well one of the main reasons is that players like Garmin (who are probably the main benefactors and driving force behind ANT+ Alliance), have no interest in making it as main stream technology as it should be by now.
They don't casue if it was then no one would by their $500 sports computers and watches. As the public would realize that they could do all those function (sports tracking) and do it better and even do much more, with a much cheaper smartphone.

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Hurray, Someone is listening. SAMMobile has corrected the info in their latest relevant news: http://www.sammobile.com/2013/11/13...gets-android-4-3-update/#.UoNcvUccgng.twitter

What they released is nowhere near completed, and they just using Irish Vodafone users and people like us as beta testers before they release it properly.

Geordie Lad said:
What they released is nowhere near completed, and they just using Irish Vodafone users and people like us as beta testers before they release it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read post No. 10. Thank you.

These people.... just dont read previous posts, do they.....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Actually I thought I read it does have hardware support and can be enabled by new firmware, but Samsung has to decide to do it. Google "dcrainmaker samsung-mobile-devices" for one reference.
these people...just don't read the internet first do they...

steeeva said:
Actually I thought I read it does have hardware support and can be enabled by new firmware, but Samsung has to decide to do it. Google "dcrainmaker samsung-mobile-devices" for one reference.
these people...just don't read the internet first do they...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know dcrainmakers article. I read it the day it was published. He is wrong. No one is perfect. I believe that he was misinformed too. He is a cycling enthusiast, and a sportsman, but not an engineer.
Don't tell me that you thing hr is better informed than SAMMobile. They realized that they were wrong too and have corrected their article (all new one).
These people... Just take everything that they read on the Internet as a fact....
If you want to disprove me, cite some hard evidence (manufacturer startment or technologycal info). Quoting a bloggers suspicions is hardly enough.
P. S.: I like rainmaker, that is why I read his blogs. To ve perfectly honest, I was surprised that he got this one wrong as he has good relationship with ANT consortium itself. However ANT itself confirmed to an acquaintance of mine that S3 cannot and will not support ANT, meaning they had their facts straight and he did not.
I have seen other articles from him that were loosely based on facts. As I said blogger.

How we test this uncle+ to see if it works

Zte funbox

Mad Catz has now competition, with the ZTE FUNBOX (ZTE FGB-T4), it comes also with a JoyPad, but also with a remote control, and also have
a Tegra 4 chip with 72 cores.
Unboxing ZTE FUNBOX Android TV Box NVIDIA Tegra 4 Quad core
TV Box ZTE Funbox test GUI & Games. NVidia Tegra 4

AmigaWolf said:
Mad Catz has now competition, with the ZTE FUNBOX (ZTE FGB-T4), it comes also with a JoyPad, but also with a remote control, and also have
a Tegra 4 chip with 72 cores.
Unboxing ZTE FUNBOX Android TV Box NVIDIA Tegra 4 Quad core
TV Box ZTE Funbox test GUI & Games. NVidia Tegra 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, that remote come out of the new box all scratched up! :crying:
http://androidpc.es/blog/2014/05/26/analisis-zte-funbox-con-soc-tegra-4-quadcore/
AliExpress 116€ verus mojo 176€ tough call
mojo has the (way) better controller! but the fun has android 4.3 jelly bean..
Good seeing more T4's microconsoles out there tho
Edit: It doesn't come with google play store out of the box lol

gwaldo said:
Man, that remote come out of the new box all scratched up! :crying:
http://androidpc.es/blog/2014/05/26/analisis-zte-funbox-con-soc-tegra-4-quadcore/
AliExpress 116€ verus mojo 176€ tough call
mojo has the (way) better controller! but the fun has android 4.3 jelly bean..
Good seeing more T4's microconsoles out there tho
Edit: It doesn't come with google play store out of the box lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know but thats easy to fix( Play Store), no problem, had the same with my Huawei Honor 2.
I think the JoyPad does nothing under for the M.O.J.O. remote, if you like Playstation JoyPads.

I plan on getting a fun box myself. I see root is very simple, and possible to change launcher, however it would be awesome if we could get hold of the firmware and break it down. Take the system.apk and decompile and write in english. Of course that would mean someone would need to help translate. Also, the latest firmware is able to get on google play store. Nvidia Tegra Zone is also compatible to be download and installed.

It looks pretty good. But I saw the hard disk is only 8GB.. And only one usb drive. And no Sd Reader at all..
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Vomitor696 said:
It looks pretty good. But I saw the hard disk is only 8GB.. And only one usb drive. And no Sd Reader at all..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the mojo might have two USB ports, but only one is useable

Thats true. But at least there are an Sd reader and, by the way, i could use a multiple usb drive on mojo? Android will read it?

Yes it is possible. Has seen anything else as far as english being applied to the gui

English Gui
We need to find someone that would be willing to translate the language and someone who knows java scripting. There is a website that they can use to decompile the setting.apk file and it will also recompile as well. We get them together to work on it, it would be awesome. Unfortunately I don't have the mind set for java scripting. Either way, here is my contribution. Link: http://www.decompileandroid.com/ If we can get people together, Im thinking this is going to be the only way it will happen.

I bought one of this and I managed to root and install a localized launcher. I would like to reopen this thread or open a new one so people can help in customizing this little box. Any interest?

I've seen very little here, but maybe if you get started more will come

jpeich said:
I bought one of this and I managed to root and install a localized launcher. I would like to reopen this thread or open a new one so people can help in customizing this little box. Any interest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send me a system dump ,boot.img ,and recovery.img dumped. I can't promise anything make sure to ask zte for the kernel source. They can't deny you because it's their own in house product.

Finally some help. You just do what you can

Unjustified Dev said:
Send me a system dump ,boot.img ,and recovery.img dumped. I can't promise anything make sure to ask zte for the kernel source. They can't deny you because it's their own in house product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will do my best. When I have everything I will upload it to a hosting files service and post the link here. Thanks for your interest.
Regards

I've been waiting for someone to pickup this device

I am a newbie on android development. I have been looking for some tutorials to get system dump boot image and recovery image, but I have not been able to find the right partitions to dump. In the end I managed to make a nandroid backup online, because I do not have access to recovery menu yet. I am uploading the nandroid backup so someone can take a look.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/3cpa8vvlgy9eojc/NandroidZteFunbox.rar

jpeich said:
I am a newbie on android development. I have been looking for some tutorials to get system dump boot image and recovery image, but I have not been able to find the right partitions to dump. In the end I managed to make a nandroid backup online, because I do not have access to recovery menu yet. I am uploading the nandroid backup so someone can take a look.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/3cpa8vvlgy9eojc/NandroidZteFunbox.rar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Took a look if I wrote a device tree I can use my mojo's since it's also based on the nvidia macallan board. Merely nothing at all would need changed except the partition sizes , proprietary blobs ,and kernel . I'm waiting on zte to message me back about the kernel I contacted them today if we can't get the source it would be an issue but not a big one

Unjustified Dev said:
Took a look if I wrote a device tree I can use my mojo's since it's also based on the nvidia macallan board. Merely nothing at all would need changed except the partition sizes , proprietary blobs ,and kernel . I'm waiting on zte to message me back about the kernel I contacted them today if we can't get the source it would be an issue but not a big one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted ZTE for sixth time to get the kernel sources without success. I will continue insisting. I think if many people is asking for it we could succeed, so if you would like to cooperate you can send an email to [email protected]. Say clear this is a not a MOBILE PHONE, but a Microconsole.
Thanks to everyone.
Regards

You rock sir!!

Kernel Sources
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting ZTE and your prompt reply.
If you are looking for the Kernel source code than
Please check in the below link .
http://support.zte.com.cn/support/news/NewsMain.aspx?type=service
If that model is not available there than we really Sorry to inform you that we can't provide this now it may take more time depends on the technical department.
You can also contact the local dealer where you purchased the device to or network operator to send a request to ZTE so that we can release the Kernel source code because
ZTE is not selling any product to the customer or in the market directly.
ZTE will sell only in bulk quantity to the network provider and to the dealer
Should there be further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best Regards
This is the answer I have received twice. It seems they are not ready to release it yet, so we are stuck.
I will keep insisting.
Regards

Winlink/Ownice Android head unit - 4.4.2

An Android 4.4.2 head unit
http://www.ownice.com/index.html
8" Quad Core Pure Android 4.4.2 Car DVD For Great Wall Hover H3 H5 DVD Player GPS Navigation Built-in WiFi Support OBD TPMS
(red is optional)
1. Pure Android 4.4.2 OS, HD 800*480/1024*600 Capacitive Screen
2. Super Hardware Performance, Cortex A9 Quad Core 1.6GHz-1.8GHz
3. Fast Response, Built in DDR3 1GB/2GB RAM, 8GB/16GB NAND Flash
4. Internet Entertainment, Built-in WiFi Module & Support 3G (Optional)
5. 3D Live Wallpaper & DIY Wallpaper, Plentiful Color of Button Light
6. Support DVR/OBD/TPMS/Rear Camera/Digital TV
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From thread
Ownice C200 Video: http://youtu.be/ZXW9CohjB44
Ownice C200 Manual: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mlqit93tb81vjyu/Android_C200_Manual.pdf?dl=0
Ownice C200 System update: youtu.be/yVG7rE5Zsos
Ownice C200 Factory reset: youtu.be/LK7xBBdSCuU
Review by "cartemere": http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58891306&postcount=372
FAQ
Tell me what you want here
Firmwares
V1 : manufacture date before 28th January 2015
V2 : manufacture date on or after 28th January 2015 Until ???
V3 : ???

Waiting anxiously to hear about these

I have wrote to them twice, no reply. Seams not serious.

That is not a good sign.
Looks like they may have been at an expo the last few days though, so that may be why. Though that begs the question, are they a one man band/startup company?

dmandn said:
That is not a good sign.
Looks like they may have been at an expo the last few days though, so that may be why. Though that begs the question, are they a one man band/startup company?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try contacting [email protected] or [email protected] ? ....Seems weird they have two company names and details on one site though.

[email protected] and thru Alibaba "Contact seller", maybe you could try th other one Seams fundamental wrong to make the effort to put up iteams at alibaba and don't reply sales question (wonder how they handle support questions ).
Maybe they selling OEM products and brand them, hopefully there is a OEM product that will reach other, more serious, resellers.

SWEUP said:
[email protected] and thru Alibaba "Contact seller", maybe you could try th other one Seams fundamental wrong to make the effort to put up iteams at alibaba and don't reply sales question (wonder how they handle support questions ).
Maybe they selling OEM products and brand them, hopefully there is a OEM product that will reach other, more serious, resellers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying to access winlink-tech.com website redirects to Ownice.com site so I think they have changed their name for some reason......that is another thing I'd be worried about.

Well, just got a reply.
"Dear *****,
"Thank you for your inquiry. We just come back from the Global Source Electronics Fair in HK.
The Android 4.4.2 car navigation devices listed on our website are the newest series with CPU quad core.
We are the first one who has already made the samples, but mass production will be started next month which
means that we will start to sell this new devices next month, thank you for your attention.
For OL-8901 Volkswagen and OL-8906NH units , do you buy for your own car or for re-sell?
Please tell us your quantity then I will send you the offer
and tell you when we will have it, thank you!
Video Link for our new Device:http://youtu.be/ZXW9CohjB44
If you need it in a hurry, please let us know, then we can recommend the same Android 4.2 products for you!
Best regards,
Sherry
Facebook/VK:[email protected]
***************************************
Shenzhen Winlink technology Limited
Office:121-1212B Hua Tong Bldg.,2127 SunGuang East Rd., LuoHu District, ShenZhen
Factory: 6/F, Block 1, LiCheng Industrial Park, XinHe Road., ShaJing Ave., Bao'an District, ShenZhen
Tel:0086 075583851810 QQ:2119869764
Website: www.ownice.com; www.winlink-tech.com"

Nice, guess you had more luck then me to get reply from them. I will ask geekbuying if they will be able to sell thru them.

SWEUP said:
Nice, guess you had more luck then me to get reply from them. I will ask geekbuying if they will be able to sell thru them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its been a few days though, they did say they only just got back from the expo. Looks like the email is answered only by Sherry (maybe one of the only english speaking in the company?? Not sure). At least it is looking more promising.

dmandn said:
Yeah its been a few days though, they did say they only just got back from the expo. Looks like the email is answered only by Sherry (maybe one of the only english speaking in the company?? Not sure). At least it is looking more promising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well they have been actively emailing replies on a daily basis since, not that much info has been in the emails.

Has anybody already ordered from them, or at least got a quote?
I am also in contact with Sherry and would like to buy the OL-8901 unit. She told me that 1024x600 and larger memory (32/64GB) is optional. I am waiting for a quote and details on how to buy from them...

Very interested in this.
I've just sent a message to 'Elaine' via Alibaba asking for a price for one for my E53, also asking for a screenshot of the settings/about screen.
Let's see what she says!

Well, Eric has replied with pretty much the same email as on the first page.
Unfortunately he also says they will be available 'next month'. I don't know if he realises it's now November or their ETA has already slipped a month.

Hi all, i am waiting to get the one of this OWNICE C200 unit... but i hope i am not disappointed after driving my car around without no HU waiting and it not what was promise

just bought mine today, too.
Hopefully it will be a nice piece of technology with a good interface and performance.
Bought it directly from Ownice.
FYI:
Ownice is their new brand (POC --> Elaine)
Winlink is their old brand (POC --> Elaine)
Carwin is their distributor
There are all represent at aliexpress, so don't be surprised if there all have the same unit with different prices. Ownice was the cheapest...

Will be really interesting to read your feedback. I'm a bit sceptic to their optional accessories (resolution, ram), would be better to have 1024 and 2GB as only option.

SWEUP said:
Will be really interesting to read your feedback. I'm a bit sceptic to their optional accessories (resolution, ram), would be better to have 1024 and 2GB as only option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The resolution upgrade is only available for 8 inch or greater. I have the 6,2 inch display so there was no option to upgrade, still bought the RAM and flash upgrade
Hopefully this will fit into my car (civic european version fk2 2007)

I was hoping to see some video of the HU in action. I don't want to buy a pig in a bag.. china is a long way from South America so sending it back is out of the question.
What will be nice if someone from Ownice can post on this forum. I have a question about booting animation car logo, can it be change to your own car logo?

Here you can see something about the UI ht tp:// youtu. be/ZXW9CohjB44

Please help me understand - CPU-Z shows Android 11 and API 29

Hi all
I just purchased an Android head unit from Aliexpress for my car. Advertised as Android 11 - which the seller confirmed in a private chat message.
I installed the unit yesterday and first impression is very positive. Apple Carplay (via Zlink) works well. However, after downloading CPU-Z this morning, it shows Android Version 11 but API Level 29:
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Can anyone please help me understand? Did I receive what was promised? Or is it a fake?
Thanks and regards
Andy

Its 99.9% fake - there is circulating firmware files where the sellers easily can choose to fake Android 10, 11 or 12 but in reality is most headunits only Android 10 or even lower than that.

Thanks for the feedback !
Any way of determining what version it truly is?

Well, there is several ways but the easiest for most users is using a fake device tester like this one:
Fake Device Test - Apps on Google Play
Exposes devices being sold with fake/false specifications, tests SD Cards.
play.google.com

I'll give a +1 for 'Fake Device Test' as per the above post.
CPU-Z gets fooled by the fake file and (at least on my units) AIDA64 will display everything else but when you tap on the 'android' tab the app closes so I guess the Chinese couldn't fool it so they hook the call and force the app to crash instead.
Your version is higher than mine, mine show api 27 which is Android 8.1

wolfandy77 said:
Hi all
I just purchased an Android head unit from Aliexpress for my car. Advertised as Android 11 - which the seller confirmed in a private chat message.
I installed the unit yesterday and first impression is very positive. Apple Carplay (via Zlink) works well. However, after downloading CPU-Z this morning, it shows Android Version 11 but API Level 29:
View attachment 5646145
Can anyone please help me understand? Did I receive what was promised? Or is it a fake?
Thanks and regards
Andy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File dispute, at least get a portion of your money back - don't allow them to scam buyers

wolfandy77 said:
Hi all
I just purchased an Android head unit from Aliexpress for my car. Advertised as Android 11 - which the seller confirmed in a private chat message.
I installed the unit yesterday and first impression is very positive. Apple Carplay (via Zlink) works well. However, after downloading CPU-Z this morning, it shows Android Version 11 but API Level 29:
View attachment 5646145
Can anyone please help me understand? Did I receive what was promised? Or is it a fake?
Thanks and regards
Andy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real android version is Android 10

Thanks all !
The seller is adamant that his version is Android 11. According to him, 'Fake Device Test' is incorrect as both in CPU-Z as well as his own systems screen it is reporting as Android 11
No comment from him on the API Level 29 (and he confirmed to me in a message before I purchased the unit that it would be 30).
So I guess I will have to open a Dispute through Aliexpress...
One other question: I see that the system does it an option for update. In your experience, do the Chinese guys actually ever issue updates?
My question is it worthwhile keeping a good relationship with the seller as I might get future updates from him? Or will this in any case not happen and I can burn the relationship and lodge the dispute?

Well... the seller doesn´t know anything about their devices. They just know what they read from the factory.
It´s clear Android 10 as API level 29 is Android 10, there are no questions about. Android 11 needs to be setup on API level 30.
Updates? You really think you will get OTA updates... You are a dreamer...
The only way to get updates is by downloading if someone requested a new firmware and shares the information and the DL link.
In most cases you need to install all personal apps and settings after any update again, because the user partition is also formatted during the update.

wolfandy77 said:
Thanks all !
The seller is adamant that his version is Android 11. According to him, 'Fake Device Test' is incorrect as both in CPU-Z as well as his own systems screen it is reporting as Android 11
No comment from him on the API Level 29 (and he confirmed to me in a message before I purchased the unit that it would be 30).
So I guess I will have to open a Dispute through Aliexpress...
One other question: I see that the system does it an option for update. In your experience, do the Chinese guys actually ever issue updates?
My question is it worthwhile keeping a good relationship with the seller as I might get future updates from him? Or will this in any case not happen and I can burn the relationship and lodge the dispute?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lodge dispute, don't delay. The relationship is purely commercial and deal is over

Thanks - was suspecting that
The seller keeps repeating that my testing software is incorrect
Will lodge dispute tonight
It's disappointing. Otherwise the experience with the seller was positive. Decent installation manual, swift response to questions, unit easy to install and completely Plug&Play, Zlink works well for Carplay. So can't say that I am unhappy with the unit per se. But receiving something that is not as advertised is a no-go
Thanks for everyone's help here !

A bit off topic but can anyone quickly catch me up on the latest options for these head units? The last time I bought one was in 2018. What should I be looking for these days, and more importantly what configurations should I avoid?? Thanks

thecos77 said:
A bit off topic but can anyone quickly catch me up on the latest options for these head units? The last time I bought one was in 2014. What should I be looking for these days? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I bought (with Qualcomm CPU):
12.3" Android head unit on Aliexpress
Generally happy with it after a few days - just not Android 11 as advertised. But CPU, RAM, and storage as advertised. Unit is snappy and Zlink connection to Carplay works well. Have not tried built-in 4G

wolfandy77 said:
This is what I bought (with Qualcomm CPU):
12.3" Android head unit on Aliexpress
Generally happy with it after a few days - just not Android 11 as advertised. But CPU, RAM, and storage as advertised. Unit is snappy and Zlink connection to Carplay works well. Have not tried built-in 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man that's expensive! I paid $400 for "ID6 UI 2GB+32GB android 7.1" back in 2018 and it stopped working after a year. The seller MEKEDE told me "bad luck" so it was money down the drain. Back then this unit was the only one available for my car, now there are more options but I'm trying to figure out the most stable one. I don't want to buy the latest and then have it break again.
On the topic of this post: You should definitely file a complaint for your situation. I have no sympathy for these resellers as they usually don't know what they are selling and then are very hesitant to rectify the situaiton. You paid a ton of money for what you got. You should at least get some of it back.

Yes the sellers really have no clue, they probably really are convinced the displayed Android version is correct even though it obviously isn't.
The units I have are both 8.1, the ad for the first one said Android 10 and by the time I bought the second one the ad had been changed to say Android 11, the units are identical (good units though and the price was quite good).
You can be assured there will be no updates, again the seller will have no clue anyway, so don't hang on to the 'relationship' as there isn't one.
I suggest not trying to update your units from files you find on the internet unless there is some definite issue you need to fix as you're likely to add other issues that weren't there before.
@thecos77 can your unit not be fixed?

Brief update: Lodged the dispute with Aliexpress, in which the seller still insisted that it is Android 11 and that the 3rd-party tools I used are wrong. Asked Aliexpress to step in and was awarded a 10% refund on total cost (incl. shipping).

I am really tired about these fake versions. The seller have to learn that they are not selling to idiots.
10% is nearly nothing. I would have asked for complete refund because of selling those units. They need to feel real pain with each single unit they sell with faked firmware until they stop scamming people.
The same scam happens if they try to tell something about Android 9.1 or 10.1. In 2 months they start with selling faked Android 12.
The question is now: How can we prevent user from buying these faked units?

rigattoni said:
I am really tired about these fake versions. The seller have to learn that they are not selling to idiots.
10% is nearly nothing. I would have asked for complete refund because of selling those units. They need to feel real pain with each single unit they sell with faked firmware until they stop scamming people.
The same scam happens if they try to tell something about Android 9.1 or 10.1. In 2 months they start with selling faked Android 12.
The question is now: How can we prevent user from buying these faked units?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 9.1 10.1 lol, it does not exist, I can do an ebay listing as well claiming I have a “windows 9 PC brand new *slightly used* “(If that wasn’t clear, I won’t become a scammer myself.) In a few days they will list an android 13 head unit on freaking the launch day of android 13.
I would have gone further and requests the taking down of the listing due to fraud, although no one may actually take it down.

rigattoni said:
I am really tired about these fake versions. The seller have to learn that they are not selling to idiots.
10% is nearly nothing. I would have asked for complete refund because of selling those units. They need to feel real pain with each single unit they sell with faked firmware until they stop scamming people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked for just over 20% refund (difference between a Android 10 unit and what I paid), the seller refused refund. I asked Aliexpress to step in and was awarded 10%. Don't think it's worthwhile trying to argue with Aliexpress - so I took what I could get...
Will still leave feedback on the product page - so that everyone can make an informed decision for themselves if they want to buy the item

Yes make sure you state in your feedback what the actual Android version is so other prospective buyers can see before committing.
Having said that, the units I have purchased work just fine on Android 8.1 (api 27).

What kind of system do I have and what can I do with it?

Hello everybody,
I recently bought and installed a new head unit as an infotainment system for my car. Now I'm wondering what kind of operating system this is and what options I have to adapt it. I'm brand new to the Android Automotive world and trying to get an overview. I can't quite make sense of the information I can find in the settings (see screenshots). It seems to be based on Android 10, but I've read about version 12. Also, it installed a pretty bad launcher. I've tried others but would be interested to see how google's vanilla stock launcher would look like. But since I couldn't find one, I got even more confused. I am also surprised that the so-called security updates seem to be several years old, but are considered up-to-date (no updates).
Even if this sounds very clueless, can you help me to orientate myself? Are there maybe custom roms that I would have to exchange?
Many thanks in advance!
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Not (Android Automotive) requestee moderator move to (Android head-units) forum
Op consider reading then posting

Can anyone really try to help me with this problem?

What problem? Trying to find thr stock luancher? I think there is no built in launcher with android for cars. You can find custom ones on the play store.
Since you get no updates, you rpoboably bought a outdated device.

Okay, I would like to simply upgrade to a current firmware. I may not have made that very clear. I don't know much about such head units. Is this different from smartphones where I need a special build for a device to flash the ROM? I'm confused because I couldn't find out anything except the SoC name.

Rotblitz said:
Okay, I would like to simply upgrade to a current firmware. I may not have made that very clear. I don't know much about such head units. Is this different from smartphones where I need a special build for a device to flash the ROM? I'm confused because I couldn't find out anything except the SoC name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure this is not the latest firmware. If not, you can use fastboot to push a update.

No, I have absolutely no idea what versions are available and if I have the latest one. How do I find that out?
In other words, even if the manufacturer doesn't offer any updates itself, is it possible to flash your own "roms"? So they have to be specifically compatible with the head unit, or are there generally valid ones? As I said: I know very little about this area :-(

Rotblitz said:
In other words, even if the manufacturer doesn't offer any updates itself, is it possible to flash your own "roms"? So they have to be specifically compatible with the head unit, or are there generally valid ones? As I said: I know very little about this area :-(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rom has to be made for your device, and even that’s not all, it has to be made for your Model (certain models of the same device may not be supported). Google your device rom to see if there are any and if there are, confirm that they support your model.

Ok, thank you in advance for the support.
How do I get the device name out? You can see my screenshots above. The only thing I can read from the device is the name of the SoC.
Since I bought it from a dealer on Ebay, who also didn't provide any further information, I can't read it from him or the packaging either.

Does it not say you device name when you click on about in settings?

The device name seems to be a Qualcomm chip name. Can you link me to the listing?
Probably off-brand, as not brand would name their device a chip. If it’s off brand, prob no custom rom.
I misread something, is this your device?
Wow, 2 mistakes in a row, I did not misread something. Can I see the listing?

Unfortunately no, the seller has withdrawn the offer. I checked myself earlier whether I can still read the offer text from my account in order to read out information. I have emailed the seller and am hoping for a reply.
What you said about the no-name brands sounds logical. There are an infinite number of such devices on the net - most of them look very similar, at least in terms of appearance and connection technology. The only thing these offers have in common is the processor name. That's why I always hoped that there would be universally compatible roms that would enable new features. But the way you describe it, it seems like I don't need to get my hopes up too high.

Rotblitz said:
Unfortunately no, the seller has withdrawn the offer. I checked myself earlier whether I can still read the offer text from my account in order to read out information. I have emailed the seller and am hoping for a reply.
What you said about the no-name brands sounds logical. There are an infinite number of such devices on the net - most of them look very similar, at least in terms of appearance and connection technology. The only thing these offers have in common is the processor name. That's why I always hoped that there would be universally compatible roms that would enable new features. But the way you describe it, it seems like I don't need to get my hopes up too high.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anything on the bottom of the box?

Arealhooman said:
Is there anything on the bottom of the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check later when I'm home! I'll give you feedback then!
The offer from the dealer is no longer online, but there is a very similar offer for a different type of car from the same dealer here:
Für Skoda Octavia Fabia Praktik Yeti Superb 8" Touch Android GPS Navi CarPlay 4262370642976 | eBay
Entdecken Sie Für Skoda Octavia Fabia Praktik Yeti Superb 8" Touch Android GPS Navi CarPlay in der großen Auswahl bei eBay. Kostenlose Lieferung für viele Artikel!
www.ebay.de

I cant learn anything from that.

Yes that is what I thought. The offer does not show any important information. By the way: I would have no problem installing a new head unit from a well-known manufacturer. The fact that I did that with the device in question a year ago was because I had no idea and because it came as a complete kit (that is, including a CAN bus adapter, bezel, etc. ...). However, I do not know where I can find good devices for my Skoda Fabia 2015, or what other options I have.

Rotblitz said:
Yes that is what I thought. The offer does not show any important information. By the way: I would have no problem installing a new head unit from a well-known manufacturer. The fact that I did that with the device in question a year ago was because I had no idea and because it came as a complete kit (that is, including a CAN bus adapter, bezel, etc. ...). However, I do not know where I can find good devices for my Skoda Fabia 2015, or what other options I have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aren’t all head unita compatible with all cars. Search for one from a known manufacturer, and for good value for cash.

your seller seems very shady. This may not even be android 10. Mind checking with this

If you are unable to install it, that means the scammer blocked the app, and it is fake. Otherwise, this will tell you your real android version and other things if it being spoofed?