Database Users

Recommend an Android Auto-like Exp w/o Mandatory USB Connection

seeking recommendation to be installed into RSX
I'm looking to have run this app pretty much on default
Hands on with AutoMate Beta ? Android Auto for your phone | Android Central
back in January I looked into Android Auto/CarPlay from the brand names but they require USB connection to phone = dealbreaker
not looking to DIY a tablet into the dash
will be installing myself
convenience is key. I just want to enter the car and have BT auto connected to the phone and ready to stream music without having to pull out my phone.
voice-enabled messaging, google apps, backup cam, responsive touch screen, 2gb ram, quad-core processor and large community dev support. I didn't look at Hufei and AN-21 because their specs are dated as they've been around for a while now. I've been waiting for android 5.0 head units to hit the market but it's taking forever.
i'm not an audiophile so as long as the sound quality isn't worse than stock radio I'm good which is only mediocre at best. Not looking at mid to high end solutions that may attract thieves.

so no one's bought a ebay head unit and tried loading up auto mate?
Which ebay head unit has the full google play store and does it typically have issues with apps designed for phone/tablet?

Suggestions on which HeadUnit

GrowlAudio have a model specific version for my car (growlaudio.com/nissan-navara) but finding real specs on it seems to be next to impossible.
All the suppliers have been able to tell me:
The units are not upgradable as in OS updates. OS 4.4 is the most stable of the OS available. Yes you can see other units with OS 5 and 6 available from china at a cheaper price but there is a known fault with them that they are unstable and crash a lot.
Price includes Growl unit with built in fascia, all cables and adapters needed for install, GPS antenna and free reverse camera.
Android Head Unit:
OS: Android 4.4
CPU: Quad Core Processor
RAM: DDR3 1Gb
ROM: 8G EMMC
SD: Built - In 16GB
Capable of reading 1TB external Drive
Mobile Connectivity : iOS and Android Devices
VIDEO: RMVB,MKV,MOV,WMV,AVI,MPG
AUDIO: MP3,WMA,WAV,OGG,FLAC
GPS MODULE: Support
GPS Navigation software: Sygic, Waze and other android compatible maps. Capable on connecting to WiFi via Mobile Hotspot or wifi connectivity
Bluetooth Audio and Handsfree Calls: Supported
Steering Wheel controls: Supported
Rear view video: Automatic Backup Camera turn on when reversing
Other users that have purchased and installed the unit seem to think it's the best thing ever, but every video I can find of it is slow to startup (30-40 sec), reverse camera not coming on till full boot. And no one I talk to is able to provide any details on audio quality.
What I am looking for in a HeadUnit:
Required:
* Reverse camera capable of being used within a few seconds of ignition
* Bluetooth hands free with iPhone compatibility
* Music streaming from either iPhone or USB / Flash storage
* Google Maps / GPS compatible
* 3G/4G sim/USB Dongle compatible
* Steering Wheel Control support (CANBUS)
* Audio quality at least equal to or better than stock
* Responsive screen / controls
Optional / Extras
* Multiple camera support
* Side-by-side picture
* Able to connect to iPhone Bluetooth, Internet, OBD Reader/Torque, TPMS at the same time, or at least without having to go into settings and change connected device
Does anyone have any suggestions of a suitable HU?

I've been digging for info on these, reading Amazon reviews, reading threads here, reading marketing on the mfr/reseller websites and was contemplating starting a thread for this. In lieu of starting another thread I figure to just contribute on yours. It all started not long ago when I finally installed a 2-year-sitting-in-closet Pioneer Appradio 3... what a piece of junk!!! (but it does sound good)
Is anyone comparing the pros/cons of these things? It's pretty difficult to compile information on them when there are a ton of brands nobody has heard of combined with new hardware/software coming out all the time. From what I've read there are a few major dealbreakers that make me want to wait, after all who wants to swap their head unit out on any regular basis?
I head not heard about sticking to 4.4, why are 5.1 and 6.0 not good? I read somewhere they aren't as snappy but in any video I've seen they look fine.
I'll put my lists here and maybe others can chime in with what they want/like/dislike so we can paint a bigger picture for these head units.
Here are all the things that make me hesitant to buy one of these right now:
Dealbreakers for me:
No hands-free voice control for things like Android Auto, Google Now, Google Maps, Calling... "OK Google"
Boot times any more than 5 seconds.
Lack of external microphone - I know I can add one but geez is it too much to ask for a jack?
(some may have) independent volume for media/nav/phone/etc
Cons:
No ability to USB tether to use phone's internet connection (someone's probably done this here)
Seemingly weak future update support
Problems that can be handled with apps and mods:
No light sensor for auto dimming
speed dependent master volume change​
Here's what I would put on a wishlist:
Must haves:
fast boot time (<5-10 seconds)
voice control
external microphone (or jack so can add)
option resume playing last thing on startup (car start)
Independant volume for Media/nav/phone/etc
Good audio quality
Like to have:
permanent button for Nav app
headlight or auto dimming
speed dependent volume
DVR support for dashcam AND reverse camera input
USB tethering option for data connection
ability to work with aftermarket bluetooth steering wheel remote
full Android Auto support with voice commands
ability to update in the future
Bluetooth 5 with internet connection sharing would be nice (IPSP)​
The Newsmy Carpad 4 has some things I love: 4G SIM card capable, 2 camera DVR with ability to act as a car security system and send alerts to your phone, but it costs way too much and will surely come down like every tech does in the near future.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71220653&postcount=24
https://de.aliexpress.com/store/pro...32789646411.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.Qi1q42
Also looks like the Onwice C500 has 4G SIM card slot
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-head-units/ownice-c500-released-t3478747
http://www.gearbest.com/car-dvd-player/pp_597322.html
Joying has nice stuff and I've seen reviews that describe their low-power "dormant" mode that keeps the unit ready for a zero-delay startup even after the car is parked for a day (some units seem to only have a short dormant period before they shut down)... dormant time would of course be all dependent on how much power they draw whilst dormant.
ATOTO claim they can handle voice commands: http://www.myatoto.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=15&id=5
This is just the tip of the iceberg, I know. I can never seem to find one that does everything I/we all want, and that means time to wait. Anyone compiled up-to-date info so we can make an informed decision?

RedbeardPete said:
Dealbreakers for me:
Boot times any more than 5 seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've been able to read, you will not get this in any pure Android head unit. Its simply not possible. Do you know Android phone/tablet that is capable of powering on in less than 5 sec?
Sure they can all 'wake' in that time frame, but that's because they are running from a battery. Yes the car has a battery, but the constant drain from the head unit being in sleep mode will likely flatten the battery if the car is not started in 3-5 days.
Your demands list is something more inline with an Alpine/Kenwood/Non-PureAndroid head unit.

The fairly new Joying Intel Sofia Head Units do go into a deep sleep and only draw about 10 mAh once the vehicle has been shut off for five minutes or so. To clarify, my JY-UL134N2 unit only takes a second or two to start up after being off for days, and it begins playing music from the Sandisk 200GB micro sdxc card in a few seconds. It will also display the reverse camera instantly like the older rk3066 and rk3188 units. Please note that this HU is in a spare vehicle that only gets used every few days or on weekends, and the battery drain has not been an issue at all. Please also note that if the system is shut down completely (not in dormancy mode), the boot time is 15 seconds to a minute depending on how loaded up the system is with apps etc...
Anyway, regardless of the start up time, I doubt you will find any Chinese Android Head Units that will check all or even most of the boxes on your wish list out of the box. To date, they all appear to need software and or hardware mods in order to work half way decent and even then they are far from perfect. For sound quality, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, or Sony would be far better out of box. The bottom line is that for the cost, the Chinese Android Head Units can be fun to tinker with and decent with work, but you get what you pay for when it comes to sound quality (IMHO).
Best of luck,
R

rhacy said:
The fairly new Joying Intel Sofia Head Units do go into a deep sleep and only draw about 10 mAh once the vehicle has been shut off for five minutes or so. To clarify, my JY-UL134N2 unit only takes a second or two to start up after being off for days, and it begins playing music from the Sandisk 200GB micro sdxc card in a few seconds. It will also display the reverse camera instantly like the older rk3066 and rk3188 units. Please note that this HU is in a spare vehicle that only gets used every few days or on weekends, and the battery drain has not been an issue at all. Please also note that if the system is shut down completely (not in dormancy mode), the boot time is 15 seconds to a minute depending on how loaded up the system is with apps etc...
Anyway, regardless of the start up time, I doubt you will find any Chinese Android Head Units that will check all or even most of the boxes on your wish list out of the box. To date, they all appear to need software and or hardware mods in order to work half way decent and even then they are far from perfect. For sound quality, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, or Sony would be far better out of box. The bottom line is that for the cost, the Chinese Android Head Units can be fun to tinker with and decent with work, but you get what you pay for when it comes to sound quality (IMHO).
Best of luck,
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I'm looking for! How do you find the HU? Would you recommend it to aynone?

Google for Joying, they have a fairly decent website. I definitely noticed that feature mentioned and demonstrated in some YouTube videos of newer Joying units and seems like a winner... Boot time is my biggest gripe (without having ever owned one of these). I'm not sure of the downsides for Joying units although I think they don't have external mic jack, will look into that and report back.
I should have been more specific, a usable dormant fast-boot mode that can do 24 hours before shutdown/draining top much battery would be totally usable... That way the daily driver fires up the head unit right away.
So what head unit do you guys think checks off the most boxes for you?

Ownice K1 Initial Review

Here's an initial review for the Ownice K1 (2gb ram/ 16gb Rom android 8 version) and from what I can tell, the first one to appear in English.
Background: This is Ownice's new budget model. No built in 4G support, no DVD slot, 4 core processor, slightly lower internal components (Amplifier, Tuner), TFT screen.
I ordered it on the 11.11 sale for about $200 with DHL shipping and added another 9$ for an external Mic. I ordered the version customized for Ford Mondeo/Galaxy/ S-Max.
Also ordered from other vendors: Ownice TPMS system (has not arrived) , Huawei E8372 4G wingle (arrived shortly after the K1 was installed), and reverse camera that replaces license plate light
Ownice shipped it three days later and it arrived in LA four days after that. From there it was brought to Israel by my kind brother.
Initial Impressions: came well packaged with protective film on the screen. Construction seems good. This is a slim unit and nearly all the connectors are breakouts from proprietary pin-outs on the back.
Installation:
Installation into a 2013-14 S-Max was quite easy as it simply uses the same mounting holes as the OEM unit, and the included connector is wired for the Ford quadlock harness. That said, it included no documentation whatsoever.
1) Connect three rear break-out connections to the back (Quadlock harness, A/V in/out cables, External mic input) and plug the included canbus decoder into the harness
1a) Notice that on harness wiring there is a wire that has a locking connector in the middle that comes disconnected. Assume this is for the reverse camera and connect it
2) Connect quadlock, revers camera RCA. External Mic, GPS antenna, and radio antenna
2a) Notice that they did not include a correct antenna adapter, run to local car audio guy and overpay for an adapter
3) (Spend next six hours wiring in a reverse camera through hatchback (not so easy!)
4) Shove all the wiring behind the unit (plenty of room there) and screw it in, replace trim, voila.
Future items:
5*) 4G wingle arrived a day later so I have only used it with the K1 in hotspot mode, which works fine. I have not gotten around to attaching it directly via USB
6*)TPMS system ordered from DX.com has not arrived yet.
In Use: In the realm of chinese android head units it is no faint praise to say that a unit simply works as one would expect it to, and this unit really does just work 99% as it should. I'll only point out some highlights and a few small disappointments:
+Unit powers on as soon as key is in ignition, stays on after car is shut down until door is opened (just like OEM)
+The reverse camera comes on BEFORE the unit is fully booted (right after the splash screen) so no significant delay there (this was a very pleasant surprise)
+No need to attach extra reverse wiring from reverse camera to car wiring, reverse is already wired via quad-lock
+Steering wheel controls work as they did with OEM unit (but mode button cycles through all inputs, even if they are not installed)
+My existing BAFX bluetooth OBD2 connected fine and works with the included version of torque
+Sound quality with OEM speakers is fine, at least on par with OEM head unit (despite what I've read about ST TDA7388)
+External mic is sensitive enough to work installed in hidden OEM mic location (grill behind map light)
+GPS reception/accuracy is better than my phone's
+Screen splitting works, and is useful
+Push the right knob in and the screen goes blank
-Radio tuner is not as good as the oem unit (I expected this)
-Bluetooth popup to answer calls does not appear for whatsapp calls
-Touchscreen could be a tad more sensitive
-built in media player does not seem to support WMA (thanks to yahoo music (RIP) I have a lot of WMAs) so I mostly use VLC
-No printed manual, onboard manual app does not work, and I can't find any manual online, so it took some futzing and going through the C500 manual to figure a few things out.
That's about it. I don't spend that much time driving these days so haven't gotten around to exploring all the settings and features, but so far I'm quite satisfied.

I appreciate the review; some follow-up questions...
Please tell me if steering wheel controls (up/down track) work on all music apps or just the stock one. Also let me know if you hear any background clicks/pops/noise when WiFi is being accessed. How is the Bluetooth calling quality - can callers hear you ok? Finally can the stock radio and Bluetooth apps be used split screen?
Thanks!
Jeff

twokidsandaphone said:
I appreciate the review; some follow-up questions...
Please tell me if steering wheel controls (up/down track) work on all music apps or just the stock one. Also let me know if you hear any background clicks/pops/noise when WiFi is being accessed. How is the Bluetooth calling quality - can callers hear you ok? Finally can the stock radio and Bluetooth apps be used split screen?
Thanks!
Jeff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Steering wheel controls work with all aps.
2) Haven't heard any noises caused by wifi
3) Bluetooth call quality is good, definitely go with the external mic
4) Yes, those apps and most others work in split screen.

Doncres said:
1) Steering wheel controls work with all aps.
2) Haven't heard any noises caused by wifi
3) Bluetooth call quality is good, definitely go with the external mic
4) Yes, those apps and most others work in split screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answers. One more question, sorry. Does Ok Google work, and/or can you use Google to initiate a call just using voice or microphone button plus voice? Many units "understand" the request to call but fail to be able to put through the call.
Thanks again!
Jeff

Follow -up notes
twokidsandaphone said:
Thanks for the answers. One more question, sorry. Does Ok Google work, and/or can you use Google to initiate a call just using voice or microphone button plus voice? Many units "understand" the request to call but fail to be able to put through the call.
Thanks again!
Jeff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the delay in replying.
As far as OK google calls, since the head unit's Bluetooth functionality works as a microphone/speaker, when you run a google now command on the HU, it thinks you want to make a call using the HU, but it has no phone function of it's own, so it cannot place the call. What would be needed is a button on the HU that activates the phone's google now listening. I don't keep my phone in constant listening mode, so not sure how it would work in that situation. Hope that helps.
Here's a few more observations, not entirely good:
1) The steering wheel next and previous track buttons are reversed.
2) There is a problem resuming Bluetooth streaming from my phone. If you push the play button on the HU Bluetooth app after a restart it will freeze and force a reboot.
3) GPS reception is generally excellent with very quick fix, but occasionally for no apparent reason upon startup it will take 5 or so minutes.
4) Even disabling all of automatic time setting, the unit will inexplicably get an hour ahead when booted and then correct a few minutes later.
5) I can't figure out if there is a way to get the Huawei 4G USB router I bought to function as a modem or only as a hotspot.

Hi Doncres,
I've just finished installing my own Ownice K1/G10 unit for my Hyundai Santa Fe.
Installation was a little bit trickier since in order to use the car's original gps antenna, microphone and rear camera I had to cut some wires and change connectors, as well as installing a stepdown DC-DC converter to get the weird 6.5v power required by the original rear camera.
I've been playing a little bit myself with the unit and, given that I'm quite satisfied with it, I would like to know whether you experienced any of the following little annoying problems:
- handsfree call via bluetooth: remote party is always complaining about a small amount of echo
- general audio volume low even at maximum volume (+30), especially for bluetooth phone calls
- the bluetooth active call popup rectangle gets always in the way, even when the rear camera is triggered by the reverse gear, giving some troubles when parking the car and talking to the phone
- Netflix app not working: I had to install an old 2015 version targeting Android 4.4
- parking assistant lines on the rear camera view have wrong perspective angle in comparison to my camera's viewing angle, thus resulting in a projected trapezium rather than a projected rectangle (i.e. the lines are not parallel to actual parking lines); I know I can disable them, however I'd like to change their perspective angle to match the camera
I read somewhere that there are two hidden service menus on Ownice units: the first is accessible via car settings (the "1260" menu) and this works on my unit
The other should be accessible by dialling a specific string in the phone app, however it seems I cannot start the phone app since the K1/G10 comes with no 3G/4G hardware. Any idea on how to enter such menu?
Thanks,
Alberto

agpastore said:
Hi Doncres,
I've just finished installing my own Ownice K1/G10 unit for my Hyundai Santa Fe.
Installation was a little bit trickier since in order to use the car's original gps antenna, microphone and rear camera I had to cut some wires and change connectors, as well as installing a stepdown DC-DC converter to get the weird 6.5v power required by the original rear camera.
I've been playing a little bit myself with the unit and, given that I'm quite satisfied with it, I would like to know whether you experienced any of the following little annoying problems:
- handsfree call via bluetooth: remote party is always complaining about a small amount of echo
- general audio volume low even at maximum volume (+30), especially for bluetooth phone calls
- the bluetooth active call popup rectangle gets always in the way, even when the rear camera is triggered by the reverse gear, giving some troubles when parking the car and talking to the phone
- Netflix app not working: I had to install an old 2015 version targeting Android 4.4
- parking assistant lines on the rear camera view have wrong perspective angle in comparison to my camera's viewing angle, thus resulting in a projected trapezium rather than a projected rectangle (i.e. the lines are not parallel to actual parking lines); I know I can disable them, however I'd like to change their perspective angle to match the camera
I read somewhere that there are two hidden service menus on Ownice units: the first is accessible via car settings (the "1260" menu) and this works on my unit
The other should be accessible by dialling a specific string in the phone app, however it seems I cannot start the phone app since the K1/G10 comes with no 3G/4G hardware. Any idea on how to enter such menu?
Thanks,
Alberto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm not sure I can really help other than to confirm a few of the the issues.
-Don't think I have an echo issue, but there seems to be a delay until a caller first hears me.
- I get very good volume. I would assume this is an issue of whether the built in amp is a good match for the speakers. Could be an issue with the impedance.
-Yeah, the call button overlay is sometimes annoying, it can block nav screen as well and no way to hide
-I noticed that Netflix was no showing in the app store, but not a big use for me
-the camera I bought has built in guidelines so I disabled them.
-no idea bout the service menu
The only issues that really bother me are:
-the occasional GPS not acquiring satellites, which I now think may be from a defective antenna. I ordered a replacement and we'll see if that helps.
-the fact that if I have an app like stitcher playing, i then get in the car and it stops it when it connects to the BT, but when I go to the BT music app it will either resume fine or if I pres play it will crash the entire device and force a reboot. Mostly I just run streaming apps on the Unit so not much BT streaming anyway.
Also, my TPMS unit finally showed up 2 months after ordering it from DX.com. Looking forward to installing that some time in the next couple of weeks.

Hi.
I am newbie, and i may be wrong in posting the question.
I got 2 din touch Android for Nissan Murano 2018 - model K1, 2 / 16 GB. Ownice 8227L.
On the manufacturer's website, the model has not been supported by software updates for a long time.
Last owner tried to update it with different firmware versions, including those downloaded from this site, and from 4pda. initially did not save the software that was on it from the factory. Now - it has a version of Android installed in which the radio does not work. Everything works, sound files from usb card play, except the radio.
Help me please, where can I get the firmware on it to make the radio work?

My Wish List vs ATOTO / Xtrons / Dasaita

Hey guys,
Hoping to hear your thoughts and opinions, the good/bad/ugly.
I'm about to buy my first Android Head Unit but have been trying to get something like this going for a long time.
Here's the "Wish List" I've made to weed out the unit I want.
Unit:
Universal
Double/2 Din
PX6
4GB RAM
64GB ROM
Screen:
10"+ HD IPS (unless there's an OLED out there)
Lowest Profile available (distance been back of screen and dash)
No need to pan, but adjusting up and down and tilt are a plus
No branding
Preferably little or no buttons
No visible ports
OS:
Android 9.0, hopefully, upgradable to 10
Extensions:
Bluetooth -> Support for 2x Paired Phones at once able to receive calls or stream music would be great!
Wireless Apple Car Play
Android Auto
MicroSD card support of 256GB or higher
DPS
Dual-Band WiFi
1+ Video Input NOT back up cam (Plan on attaching a Nintendo Switch as an input device. I haven't seen anything higher resolution on input than just CVBS, but if one existed that would help? Or the support of USB 3 Video Dongle (USB to HDMI)
Right now, this has led me to this one
Dasaita HA2156A-MAX6
There's so much "noise" in this space with the hundreds of resellers/OEMs and scammers that I think I'm just going to pull the trigger on this and see what happens.
But before I do, if anyone has any better options, or thoughts/words of wisdom, please pass them along!
Thanks in advance!
I also really like the ATOTO A6Y1021PR but it's spec'd so low compared to the others and is running Kitkat (what the hell???)
I also really like some of the Xtrons, but couldn't get the specs. If I go wth a PX5 then they have tons of options, but couldn't find a 10+ screen with PX6

I'm interested in this too, I've been looking for a while at Android head units and while my wallet says go a basic double din 6-7" screen, the rest of me says go for that PX6 with the 10" screen.
I'm looking at getting the single DIN so that I can keep the little storage place below it, the only storage in my entire car (75 Series Land Cruiser Ute). If anyone knows of any reason not to, feel free to chime in, but otherwise I'm going to go the same route as you '82. The Maxx6 looks like the only PX6 with a massive screen from a reputable brand

My experience is that some of the specs are best described as "rubbery". Some of the good value units include marketing graphics which are copy-pasted to assist sales and are not wholly accurate.
Ideally one would like to see a pic the summary screen.
Casual research indicates ATOTO delivers the goods!-IMHO

There is not one single (cheap) Chinese brand supporting to pair 2 phones at once.
Only a few of the latest PX6 models support dual-band wifi. Most only support 2.4GHz.
Support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto can be tricky. Especially if your phone is on android 9. Support for android 10 (released today on 3 September 2019!) might take quite some time.
1+ Video Input: Haven't seen that yet.
Dasaita is a very good choice but does not support the above mentioned wishes either.
and what is DPS? or do you mean DSP?

You can get lower profile by "burying" the double din instead of flushmounting it to dash/adapter bracket

I've been enjoying my admittedly under-powered ATOTO A6 Pro for months now, and while I don't have experience with other Android Head Units, I've gained some perspective. Mainly, we're not really talking about buying an Android tablet here!
Android tablets are obsolete after a year or three, but my lexus is 20 years old and (with certain updates) I still love it. I've realized that although I wish I didn't have to put up with quite so much lag while interacting with certain android apps running on the ATOTO (Google Maps responsiveness is painfully slow), I'm really glad about the ways that the A6 Pro behaves like a car stereo head unit should: It has a great display that's easy to see in all lighting; It's on instantly after the car's ignition (with minimal battery drain while the car is parked); great bluetooth aptX audio streaming and call handling; the backup camera view is instantaneous after shifting to reverse (with optional volume reduction while in reverse), it can drive 4 speakers (6 if you count the component tweeters surprisingly well at 29W RMS each without an external amp (while supplying my powered subwoofer with a clean line output), etc, etc.
So with the A6 Pro one learns to keep most apps on the adjacent SmartPhone (even if you're not choosing to use Android Auto or CarPlay which mostly run apps on the phone), and mostly run media apps that are easily handled on the head unit. I've never been bothered that my car stereo is running marshmallow or whatever instead of Android 10.
My phone is running Android 10 and is distracting enough as a responsive/powerful android device. And while it would be cool if it were faster, my car's head unit is more about good music and phone integration while driving (or while parked and listening to/watching media .

Head unit write up for E61 bmw

So I purchased this head unit
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-8-NAVI...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
i also picked up the dab and the carplay/android auto dongle(this is a must other wise it is mirroring and that does not allow touch control on screen or allow you to lock your phone like aa does)
The fitting was easy and all plug and play (did not fit the camera yet)
So how did it peform?
When they supplied the head unit the software which was needed to use the android auto was not installed(link which was cam up with not licensed) and way installed AutoPlayBox and connected fine and works a treat
Good points
Andoid auto works just plug in phone and after a short 30 secs delay the HU boots fine and goes into AA quite quickly.
The android seem quick and not laggy
There is a EQ on the HU but if you turn it up to far it distorts all the audio really badly. but turned up to 4-6 it plays very well with lots of presets.
talks to can bus so you can see your speed / rev / mpg etc etc#
Can get back to the bmw main menu really easy and back to android
Wish i had not bought the dab receiver as i am playing via tuned in or amazon music through AA
Now here are the bad points(NOW BE AWARE I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE DEVICE WHEN RUNNING ANDROID AUTO IT WORKS VERY WELL)
Bad points
DID NOT COME WITH ANY INSTRUCTIONS IN THE BOX , HAD TO GO FIND THEM ONLINE
the dab app is terrible it plays but you press back or try and start another app with audio ie maps , and it crashes
If selecting navigation from the main menu it kept minimizing all the time (seems to have stopped today so fingers crossed).
the music app built into to interface is lets say terrible, cannot find a way play play lists , stop and start the music etc etc.
The device some time starts with the bmw screen instead on the android screen(no brainer to swop it back over ) just a pain
the wifi on the device is truly bad, sat in the car with my phone on my knee , my phone gets 4 bars , the head unit cannot even get a signal, putting my phone on hotspot and sitting it right above the HU is the only way for me to get a wifi signal (but using only android auto from my phone so no great loss)
the gps puck they supply is quite bad ( i use lots of gps pucks for small models) it seems to want to fix and unfix position all time not very good quality i would say
Would i purchase again
yes i would
but would not buy the dab receiver and would not fit the gps on the HU (even though it come with it as a waste if your using carplay or Andoid auto)
its was easy to fit which was good and works well

Hi, can you please provide me the link for the autoplaybox app as I can’t find it online
Thanks