Database Users

Advice needed on an Android HU.. So what exactly can I DO with an Android HU?

I currently have a lower end Windows CE 6 Chinese head unit. Im pretty sure it runs on a 400 or 600 mb cpu, several years old, slow and laggy at times and very UNmoddifiable.
I have been tweaking my andoid phones for YEARS and i think an android head unit may just be the perfect fit.
Here's the unit im looking at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0SH028Y7K2WX3TYN9R17
YINUO QUAD CORE 16GB 1024*600 Android 4.4.4 7" Car DVD Player GPS Stereo with Capacitive Digital Screen In Dash Navigation Receiver support GPS/iPhone/DVD/AM FM Radio/Steering Wheel Control/Bluetooth/Built-in Wifi Hotspots/3G/OBD2/DVR/AV-IN with Free External Mic &8GB Map Card as gift
by YINUO
Sold by AUTOTOP and Fulfilled by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Monday, Aug. 24? Order within 12 hrs 11 mins and choose Two-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
3. EASY-GO DEVICE: with these devices, your car life will be cozy and handy, i.e. you will find it easier to get to a new or complex place by 2D/3D GPS navigator and voice guidance(GPS map pre-loaded at a free 8GB map card); hands-free calling or browsing contacts will come in handy by built-in bluetooth; further more, it must be amazing to hold useful operations like phone call, music, wifi, bluetooth, EQ all in hand by steering wheel control.
1. SYSTEM & SCREEN: Unlike other stereo, our unit's CPU is upgrated from dual core to Quad Core, along with Samsung DDR3 1GB RAM, you can enjoy a much more smoother running of 3D/3D map, game or video. 8GB flash memory is also upgraded to 16GB for a much more enjoyable experience of gaming, video-watching & app-downloading. The Double din car stereo is loaded with latest Android Kitkat, which is as easy to pick up as Android phone.; And you'll be fully immersed by high fidelity image&video with digital screen. Digital screen delivers accurate color & rich crisp content which can be seen from 175 degree. It is sunlight readable TFT-LCD screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive poked around on here and havent found anything about this particular HU.
Any experience with similar units and any advice is much appreciated!
Is the price ($500) a good deal for the quality ond hardware of this unit?
Will i be able to use ROM's on here to update the sofware?
What can be done to this unit to get a better experience?
Thanks for any advice!

IMO Chinese HUs are like most Chinese products directly sold from China. Full of compromises and "gotchas".
But this is fine for MANY people, so don't let me dissuade you (too much).
There are 2 most popular "families" of Chinese HUs, sold by different vendors and with sometimes small changes.
Newsmy is the most recent and what I'd likely get if I was to buy one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...4-4-2-kitkat-head-unit-newsmy-carpad-t2865525
HuiFei is the older one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2660662
Note that they both run Android 4.4 Kitkat at best. I think it's very unlikely either will be updated to Lollipop.
You can get some of these for as little as $300.

Thanks Mike.
I had read through some of that second thread you posted and that's kind of what got me wondering if the one I'm looking at is the same thing, repackaged into oem plastic.
All the specs are identical, both radios on allied express, (along with tons of the same spec radios in different oem models).
It got me wondering if mine (that I'm considering) would work with the roms available to the hui fei.
For all I know it's the exact same, just maybe different mcu for the buttons? (Is that how it works?)

bigd2442 said:
Thanks Mike.
I had read through some of that second thread you posted and that's kind of what got me wondering if the one I'm looking at is the same thing, repackaged into oem plastic.
All the specs are identical, both radios on allied express, (along with tons of the same spec radios in different oem models).
It got me wondering if mine (that I'm considering) would work with the roms available to the hui fei.
For all I know it's the exact same, just maybe different mcu for the buttons? (Is that how it works?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should works with the roms here in XDA, my'n is Eonon and I'm using HuiFei roms and everything is great.
you just need to know what chip you have and as far as I know there is only two ( RK3188 & RK3066 ) and also know your screen size.
if you want to update the MCU ( communication control like Radio, AVIN, Sound etc) you need to know the MCU type like ( KLD .. etc)
which I don't recommended unless you have communication problems.
by the way your HU specification is very good ( Quad Core + Ram 1).

Thanks again for the help! Got it installed yesterday.
It's a KLD for whatever that matters. Very happy with it so far... Can't wait to play with it some more and start tweaking it to my needs.

How do you guys find wiring harnesses for these to plug into the OEM harness?

Grims said:
How do you guys find wiring harnesses for these to plug into the OEM harness?
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Click to collapse
Mine was made only for my vehicle, so the harness came with the unit.
But what you can do with a radio that is universal, is get a harness from ebay/amazon etc. for your specific type car. Metra and Scosche are 2 of the larger brand names, but there are tons.
Here is an example of one for 2008+ Honda
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120701...50745&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=47718301945&awdv=c
Then you just sit down with the 2 harnesses (one adapter for your car and one that came with and plugs into the new radio) and match up the wires
Acc to Acc
Power to Power
LF speaker + to Lf speaker +
LF speaker - to Lf speaker -
and on and on........
After you finish doing that you should be able to plug into your factory harness and straight into the radio.

I'm tempted... but $300 is a hefty price for Chinese hardware. How long could these things likely last in So California heat?
I HAVE looked at years prices of brand name HU...

Telemachus said:
I'm tempted... but $300 is a hefty price for Chinese hardware. How long could these things likely last in So California heat?
I HAVE looked at years prices of brand name HU...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope it can hold up to heat because Im in S. FL!
I spent quite a bit more than 300 too. (500) but so far the hardware is pretty sleek. Its definitly running better than my 300 dollar unit (memory and processor were 400/600 vs this 1G/1.6G) .
If it makes you feel any better, everything freaking comes from China. This just doesnt have a US company paying them to make it and slapping a faceplate on it that says "Clarion", etc.
(There are definitely ones that are subpar... so yes, its a roll of the dice. So far so good. Time will tell)

Is it an RK3066 or RK3188
So does it run the Malaysk and similar roms? I am looking at this one for my colleague: http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Nav...TF8&qid=1442536912&sr=8-2&keywords=yinuo+quad

Mine is RK3188. Other than that, the one you posted loos like its pretty much the same specs.
So far I am very happy with it. The previous Windows CE one i had (which was much much less ram and memory) was laggy and slow. This unit is fast and has had no crashes. Seems to be a nice hardware/software combo

mikereidis said:
IMO Chinese HUs are like most Chinese products directly sold from China. Full of compromises and "gotchas".
But this is fine for MANY people, so don't let me dissuade you (too much).
There are 2 most popular "families" of Chinese HUs, sold by different vendors and with sometimes small changes.
Newsmy is the most recent and what I'd likely get if I was to buy one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...4-4-2-kitkat-head-unit-newsmy-carpad-t2865525
HuiFei is the older one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2660662
Note that they both run Android 4.4 Kitkat at best. I think it's very unlikely either will be updated to Lollipop.
You can get some of these for as little as $300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forget Ownice which also produce for Navall.
I like the hardware in the Ownice devices, 1.6 GHz quad core, 2 gb mem, 16 gb eMMC storage , NXP radio tuner and... bluetooth 3 which sounds really great if you make a call.
HuiFei (KGL) that also produces for joying, pumpkin and so on, they have 1bg mem and uses bluetooth 2.
the only thing we don't have is root, but work is in progress to get it (i hope)

My advice and personal experience, DO NOT buy any Chinese radio. A few things to take into consideration:
1. Is it rootable? Why? (read on)
2. What's the memory on it? 4GB? 1GB is not enough, system uses about 400 of those 1024...you do the math.
3. Another way to "work" with this 1GB issue is to move apps to sd, guess what? Not *ALL* apps move, so you need to root the device and with TitaniumBackup or another app2sd solution move the apps you install to sd, and some won't update until you move back to internal memory, update, then move back to sd.
4. If you are using an app like Radio, Pandora, Spotify, whatever, iGO which is what most of these have, on every click it lowers the volume of your music.
5. If you are listening ot Pandora or Spotify (via wifi or 3g) and turn the radio on, you can barely hear the Pandora/Spotify music very low, not sure why, but I am having that issue. Having to stop all apps before switching to normal radio.
The unit I bought was the YINUO, they are telling me I can't root it, it's 1GB and I am stuck with 15 apps MOST. I want 30, 40, 50... What good is 16GB and an SD card with 32GB when you can only install 15 apps? I use NAVIGON, so I use an app called DirectoryBind (great app, btw) and it needs root, so I can put the NAVIGON maps on the GPS sdcard it comes with.
I am going to return my radio if the seller can't talk to the firmware or the person who sells them the radios to partition better that memory and make it where apps get installed in those 16GB because it's making me BOIL, and I spet $329.
---------- Post added at 11:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:55 PM ----------
Flemischguy said:
You forget Ownice which also produce for Navall.
I like the hardware in the Ownice devices, 1.6 GHz quad core, 2 gb mem, 16 gb eMMC storage , NXP radio tuner and... bluetooth 3 which sounds really great if you make a call.
HuiFei (KGL) that also produces for joying, pumpkin and so on, they have 1bg mem and uses bluetooth 2.
the only thing we don't have is root, but work is in progress to get it (i hope)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There you go, 2GB, that's better. At least better than the crappy 1GB almost all of these have. I will take a look at this radio, even if you can't root, because I don't need to root if I have more than 1GB... I don't know why, my Android TV (a CS918 II) I can install all my apps on the "sdcard" which is 16gb. That's the eMMC they use as internal, that's what they should've done with all these crapy radios..

I have a YINUO that I am VERY happy with, however our radios are vastly different from reading your specs. Unfortunately it sounds like you over paid for an old radio or one that was made to be MUCh cheaper than 300+.
I noticed the same radios at some places for sale at 185 and others 350.. SAME unit.
After a lot of research I paid 500 for mine (Amazon) and it fits perfectly into my weird factory spot( with a regular double din I would have needed an aftermarket adapter kit and not looked stock).. and its a Quad Core, android 4.4.4 Kitkat, 4BG memory and 16 GB Ram. For just a little more than you spent look at how different the specs are. I also dont have the issues you have with audio levels. Mine has a lot of setting that can change that (ie in Igo8 I can set it to beep when I push a button and chage the level of the beep.. if i mute the beep i would get a audio pause, but I can also uncheck the option and get no change with touch)
From the Amazon page:
Double din in dash navigation with WSVGA 1024*600 HD touch screen; Pure Android 4.4.4 Kitkat, RK3188 1.6GHz Cortex A9 Quad Core CPU, Samsung DDR3 1GB RAM, 16GB flash memory, Mali 400MP GPU
Car DVD CD Player with AM FM RDS Radio Tuner; Support iPhone 5 5c 5s 6 Airplay and audio input, Android phone Mirror link; Play music or video via SD card or USB; Support 1080P video and 3D game; Support subwoofer and EQ, 4*50W power output
Built-in GPS navigation with dual zone function, Bluetooth for hands-free phone call and music playback; Support Steeing Wheel Control, ELM327 OBD2; Support AV-IN reverse camera, DVR Digital Video Recorder; Support internet surfing via 3G WiFi Hospots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, if you bought from overseas you are screwed on returns. I did the same thing with a lesser stereo that was a different Chinese vendor. It shipped from Hong Kong and required return to Hong Kong.. (180 bucks at most shippers, 100 through USPS snail freight) The Yinuo I bought was Chinese but they said returns are to their warehouse in the US, so I took the chance and ended up very happy.
But yes, Chinese radios are a gamble and hardware specs are EXTREMELY important.
If you dont buy the latest youre likely going to regret it.
Sorry you had that bad experience.
m4f1050 said:
My advice and personal experience, DO NOT buy any Chinese radio. A few things to take into consideration:
1. Is it rootable? Why? (read on)
2. What's the memory on it? 4GB? 1GB is not enough, system uses about 400 of those 1024...you do the math.
3. Another way to "work" with this 1GB issue is to move apps to sd, guess what? Not *ALL* apps move, so you need to root the device and with TitaniumBackup or another app2sd solution move the apps you install to sd, and some won't update until you move back to internal memory, update, then move back to sd.
4. If you are using an app like Radio, Pandora, Spotify, whatever, iGO which is what most of these have, on every click it lowers the volume of your music.
5. If you are listening ot Pandora or Spotify (via wifi or 3g) and turn the radio on, you can barely hear the Pandora/Spotify music very low, not sure why, but I am having that issue. Having to stop all apps before switching to normal radio.
The unit I bought was the YINUO, they are telling me I can't root it, it's 1GB and I am stuck with 15 apps MOST. I want 30, 40, 50... What good is 16GB and an SD card with 32GB when you can only install 15 apps? I use NAVIGON, so I use an app called DirectoryBind (great app, btw) and it needs root, so I can put the NAVIGON maps on the GPS sdcard it comes with.
I am going to return my radio if the seller can't talk to the firmware or the person who sells them the radios to partition better that memory and make it where apps get installed in those 16GB because it's making me BOIL, and I spet $329.
---------- Post added at 11:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:55 PM ----------
There you go, 2GB, that's better. At least better than the crappy 1GB almost all of these have. I will take a look at this radio, even if you can't root, because I don't need to root if I have more than 1GB... I don't know why, my Android TV (a CS918 II) I can install all my apps on the "sdcard" which is 16gb. That's the eMMC they use as internal, that's what they should've done with all these crapy radios..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

bigd2442 said:
I have a YINUO that I am VERY happy with, however our radios are vastly different from reading your specs. Unfortunately it sounds like you over paid for an old radio or one that was made to be MUCh cheaper than 300+.
I noticed the same radios at some places for sale at 185 and others 350.. SAME unit.
After a lot of research I paid 500 for mine (Amazon) and it fits perfectly into my weird factory spot( with a regular double din I would have needed an aftermarket adapter kit and not looked stock).. and its a Quad Core, android 4.4.4 Kitkat, 4BG memory and 16 GB Ram. For just a little more than you spent look at how different the specs are. I also dont have the issues you have with audio levels. Mine has a lot of setting that can change that (ie in Igo8 I can set it to beep when I push a button and chage the level of the beep.. if i mute the beep i would get a audio pause, but I can also uncheck the option and get no change with touch)
From the Amazon page:
Unfortunately, if you bought from overseas you are screwed on returns. I did the same thing with a lesser stereo that was a different Chinese vendor. It shipped from Hong Kong and required return to Hong Kong.. (180 bucks at most shippers, 100 through USPS snail freight) The Yinuo I bought was Chinese but they said returns are to their warehouse in the US, so I took the chance and ended up very happy.
But yes, Chinese radios are a gamble and hardware specs are EXTREMELY important.
If you dont buy the latest youre likely going to regret it.
Sorry you had that bad experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Amazon. I don't do eBay or non-Amazon anymore. Returns suck overseas...
All I have to do is drop off the radio at a UPS store. I had to buy a cable, they sold me 2 x DHL $25 7-14 day delivery for the cable, that's the only thing I am thinking they can probably scr3w me, but no, because I asked them if they would refund me the $50 if the cable didn't work and they said $45, well, the cable worked, but for a radio I am returning and doesn't work for me, so they will also have to return me the cable and shipping (at least $45 out of $50 and they have to provide the shipping back) since I can't use the radio. When I went to "Factory Reset" it asked me for a password, which they say they can't give me???? C'mon, seriously they are going to make me go through every single app and uninstall it...? Jeez... Not bad experience to learn from....

bigd2442 said:
I have a YINUO that I am VERY happy with, however our radios are vastly different from reading your specs. Unfortunately it sounds like you over paid for an old radio or one that was made to be MUCh cheaper than 300+.
I noticed the same radios at some places for sale at 185 and others 350.. SAME unit.
After a lot of research I paid 500 for mine (Amazon) and it fits perfectly into my weird factory spot( with a regular double din I would have needed an aftermarket adapter kit and not looked stock).. and its a Quad Core, android 4.4.4 Kitkat, 4BG memory and 16 GB Ram. For just a little more than you spent look at how different the specs are. I also dont have the issues you have with audio levels. Mine has a lot of setting that can change that (ie in Igo8 I can set it to beep when I push a button and chage the level of the beep.. if i mute the beep i would get a audio pause, but I can also uncheck the option and get no change with touch)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, where did you find a 4GB RAM 16GB Android radio at? I searched Amazon like crazy but none to be found.

m4f1050 said:
Hi, where did you find a 4GB RAM 16GB Android radio at? I searched Amazon like crazy but none to be found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woops, I actually typed part of that wrong, sorry.. it was 1GB of RAM, and 16GB. Still a HUGE improvement over the older ones that had like 400 Ram and 1-4GB.
Mine was specific to my truck but here's some others.....
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=YINUO+QUAD+CORE+16GB

bigd2442 said:
Woops, I actually typed part of that wrong, sorry.. it was 1GB of RAM, and 16GB. Still a HUGE improvement over the older ones that had like 400 Ram and 1-4GB.
Mine was specific to my truck but here's some others.....
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=YINUO+QUAD+CORE+16GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh..... That's the one I have, not the older one. So I guess I paid ok. $319 for mine. 1GB, 16GB with Malaysk ROM I managed to get 2GB for apps and all my apps got installed and newer launcher, better phone app, lots of goodies! I AM SUPER HAPPY with mine now!!!

Do you happen to know the dimensions?

m4f1050 said:
Oh..... That's the one I have, not the older one. So I guess I paid ok. $319 for mine. 1GB, 16GB with Malaysk ROM I managed to get 2GB for apps and all my apps got installed and newer launcher, better phone app, lots of goodies! I AM SUPER HAPPY with mine now!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much was the rooted rom?
Dave

Newest android head units

Hi guys!
I am looking for a nice android based radio to my Outlander 2011. I found at least 5 types of design "Fascia change" devices. I think that they are not so popular among people so I have another question. I am looking for 2DIN newest device. Could you please give me a list of 5 newest or best pieces I should consider? It is very important for me to keep steering wheel buttons working and need very good sound quality on built in Rockford Fosgate audio system with external amp and 2-3ohm 8x speakers + woofer. I've heard that some devices not work properly or give not exciting experience.
Thanks a lot!
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers mobile app

If you looking for a Android aftermarket there is no way you can choose with audio like the way you wanted. They're just simply like China Android phone or tablet placed on your car.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

So there is no any bestseller?
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers mobile app

Personally, I'm waiting for the 8 core systems to mature a bit. I have a 4 core, and it's a little sluggish. I find myself having to roll back to 4.4.4 after upgrading to 5.1. Just too slow. The new 8 core systems are out, but it still seems early to make a firm decision. Ownice and Indashnet seem to be the 2 main manufacturers that I've seen. Everyone else does 4 core. Joying has a 2GB Intel based system that kind of rests in the middle, but considering it costs about the same as an octacore, I would rather wait a bit to see which of those the community takes to the most.

I got deeper into those 8 core and they seem to be super crappy as they use extremely slow Allwinner and Mediatek A53 which sucks. Intel in Joying looks interesting but this device has problems with obdii and few other things. I ve seen pumpkin doing also intel device. However maybe some of you know if there is any manufacturer who still has dvd slot with Intel SoFIA and 2GB + USB for pendrive music? Or at least USB.
On the other hand - is it very hard to make car USB in armrest working with such android device?
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers mobile app

Or on the other hand - What about Windows CE 6.0 devices - are they causing less problems? What I need is nice and smooth infotainment system, working steering wheel buttons, bluetooth and usb and fast boot after turning engine on.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers mobile app

Right now I believe the 2GB Intel Sofia head units with Android 5.1.1 from Joying are the best. There are 8 core units on the way, but who knows if that's one month or six months down the road... There are also some units advertising Android 6, but reports seem to indicate that these are a mess of a mashup between 4.4, 5.1 and 6.0, and not true 6.0 units. As for performance, I'm pretty happy with the Intel unit. I wouldn't use it for gaming, but it does all what I need it to do which is Maps, Spotify, 1080p movies and so forth. Unless you have some specific need for doing something that requires very high performance, it is quite adequate as a head unit in a car.
As for special sound setups, it gives you preamp outputs, 4 channels (FR/FL and RR/RL) as well as a sub output. The sub output isn't really managed though, so no crossover or phase selection on it. You can use these preamp outputs to hook up aftermarket amplifiers, but don't expect the head unit to power big speakers with the internal amplifier.

I didn't read the same things about the 8 core units on here. Many people are saying that the CPUs are a lot faster than the Intel cpus, and at least some of them are running true 6.0, not a mashup. It's legit, but nothing has been rooted and the community is still divided. I've definitely read that the Intel CPUs won't be upgrading past 5.1 because they're no longer supported by the manufacturer as well.
My source is mostly this post, and the thread it's in:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70311462&postcount=12

As far as I know, yes Intel has dropped the Atoms, but Rockchip has taken over the chips and will continue making them and supporting them as per a cooperation agreement with Intel (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockchip look at the bottom to see Intel Sofia 3G). Intel may have pulled out, but the architecture isn't dead yet. Sure, it may be dying and might not have any new direct successors, but I recon it's time to upgrade the entire head unit long before it reaches the end of its useful lifespan (2-3 years). This will be true for any smart android head unit you buy today anyway..

Do any of the other 2GB RAM Android Head Units available today have a true sleep or suspend (ultra low power mode) that allows the unit to start up instantly like the 2GB Intel Sofia models? To clarify, this instant on feature is not the same as the past Rockchip or other cpu type of Android head units that have options for delayed shutdown of up to two hours or more. This new feature means you do not have to wait 30 to 60 seconds for the system to fully boot after sitting for a few hours or days. IMHO, the instant on feature combined with 2GBs of RAM appears to be the best or one of the best options for Android head units available today. Do the latest Ownice or Indashnet units have this instant on feature? If not, that would be a deal breaker for me, as I have Joying and Hotaudio units that work fine for most part (thanks to the xda firmware developers and contributors here). Nonetheless, these older 1GB RAM Rockchip units could be faster and the boot time is not acceptable in a vehicle.
Moreover, any Android head unit that does not allow for root access would be a complete deal breaker here, no matter how fast... (no root = no purchase). The one thing that concerns me with the 2GB Intel Sofia models is that nobody on xda appears to have found a way to access Recovery yet.
In regard to audio quality, even the 1GB RK3188 JY and HA units sound decent in my Mitsubishi with the correct factory amp adapter wiring kit and the Viper V4A audio mod app.. Please note that I'm not an audiophile by any means, so your mileage will vary.
Anyway, just my 2 cents... and thanks in advance to anyone that can let me know if any of the other Android head units have the instant on feature.
Happy New Year!
R

I recently installed a Joying 2GB RAM intel head unit, and although it is NOT a high powered cpu ( 4cores at 1.1 Ghz) it does seem adequate for its purpose.
Typically I run torque / bluetooth ODBII, dashcam/dvr, music app, tablet talk, read it to me, and google maps at all times. Processor usage is normally in the 50-65% range and it still seems quite snappy. The intel chip does run hot, and thermal throttling can be a issue. I added a big heatsink and fan at the top of the case, problem solved. The instant on works very well. When starting the car it automatically finds my phone, ODBII adapter, and hotspot within a couple of seconds of power on.
It does suck not having any type of recovery such as TWRP. The only way to recover from a non-booting system is a full reload of the stock ROM. It does leave the /data partition so at least all your apps are still there, and most settings can be restored using titanium backup. Just today I updated the boot animation with one I created and it wouldn't boot. It took me about 1 hour to get it restored back. At least it does have root out of the box.
The Joying is my first android based HU, and I'm actually quite impressed with it so far.

Hilari0 said:
As far as I know, yes Intel has dropped the Atoms, but Rockchip has taken over the chips and will continue making them and supporting them as per a cooperation agreement with Intel (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockchip look at the bottom to see Intel Sofia 3G). Intel may have pulled out, but the architecture isn't dead yet. Sure, it may be dying and might not have any new direct successors, but I recon it's time to upgrade the entire head unit long before it reaches the end of its useful lifespan (2-3 years). This will be true for any smart android head unit you buy today anyway..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess my issue here is that I, also, already have a 1gb 4 core unit. So, for me, I'm looking for a bit of a better upgrade if I'm going to spend another $400 so soon. I am, honestly, hoping for a way to upgrade my current system - I don't think they'll make compatible modules for the Intel or the octa core. That said, I'm going to limp along with my current system as long as I can before making a decision. I think that for those making a decision right this minute, there's a lot to take into consideration. I would seriously recommend avoiding the 1gb RK3066 or RK3188 units at this point, though.

If you have a head unit that works today and you're not in immediate need of a new one today, then you can safely wait and see what the coming months will bring. It seems that the market for these Android units are finally moving away from 1GB ram units, in favor of 2GB ram. At this point, you should avoid everything which only comes with 1GB ram. I never had one, but from what I read they didn't allow much in terms of multitasking. The 2GB units will always perform better than the 1GB units, so the choice is fairly easy there. The benefit from the Joying Intel units, is that they are the only ones I've seen so far which offer 32GB internal storage. I don't understand why in 2016, now 2017 the other manufacturers insist on sticking with 16GB internal storage, but this gives a quite distinctive advantage to Joying. Also the previously mentioned sleep mode where you get true instant on feature is really nice.

Can someone having Rockford in Mitsubishi can tell anything about built in car BT and phone buttons in steering wheel? They still work or at least are used to control phone functions in HU?
What about USB in arnrest and AUX - do they work or is it possible to wire them for working?
Rockford will still have it's power? HU amp is written to have 4x50W while whole system is 8 speakers + 1 woofer altogether 710W. What is rockford's input?
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Hilari0 said:
If you have a head unit that works today and you're not in immediate need of a new one today, then you can safely wait and see what the coming months will bring. It seems that the market for these Android units are finally moving away from 1GB ram units, in favor of 2GB ram. At this point, you should avoid everything which only comes with 1GB ram. I never had one, but from what I read they didn't allow much in terms of multitasking. The 2GB units will always perform better than the 1GB units, so the choice is fairly easy there. The benefit from the Joying Intel units, is that they are the only ones I've seen so far which offer 32GB internal storage. I don't understand why in 2016, now 2017 the other manufacturers insist on sticking with 16GB internal storage, but this gives a quite distinctive advantage to Joying. Also the previously mentioned sleep mode where you get true instant on feature is really nice.
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The 32GB doesn't matter as much to me because I don't install that many apps. I have a 128gb USB stick connected for my music, and I can easily jump that much higher if I need to. 2gb ram is definitely important. The faster the CPU the better, though. My quad core 3188 is sluggish even when I don't have anything loaded and I'm not maxing the RAM.

A mate installed a yum cha Joying JY-135 and it seems ok. Radio signal seems to be weak. It seems to auto connect via bt to a Samsung 6 and starts to play audio but I have to manually press play to start audio on my M9. The screen doesn't dim when you turn the lights on which kind of sucks.
I think for music it should be fine and works well in my mates Nissan. As for me, I'd be using the rca's, just a shame that there's no sub volume control so you'll need a separate sub control knob.

choochee - which car do you have?
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juniorkm7 said:
choochee - which car do you have?
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Mates car is a Nissan X-Trail '07. I've got a Subaru Liberty Gen 4. We'll connect it with the proper supplied loom soon, only temp spliced at the moment. Can confirm that hu turns on straight away.

Almost made decision but still need to get sure. There are 2 options with Intel Sofia: pumpkin and joying (2DIN standart) Which one better to choose and why?
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juniorkm7 said:
Can someone having Rockford in Mitsubishi can tell anything about built in car BT and phone buttons in steering wheel? They still work or at least are used to control phone functions in HU?
What about USB in arnrest and AUX - do they work or is it possible to wire them for working?
Rockford will still have it's power? HU amp is written to have 4x50W while whole system is 8 speakers + 1 woofer altogether 710W. What is rockford's input?
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Hi, i have just installed a Joying UL-135N2 in my 2011 Outlander Rockford Navi.
Some part of the installation where quite manageable, but some parts are more complicated.
With the right adaptor, CTSMT002.2 from connects2 the Rockford and the SWC works.
The original BT will not work, but the SWC works with the HU BT functions.
Reverse camera needs 6.8V signal from the HU, so here you need an step-down converter and some soldering.
The USB in the armrest needs an adaptor cable, alternatively you can disassemble the mid console and solder the cable.
I have ordered the step-down and the adaptor cable , but not received yet. I have tested the camera with 6V, but the image quality is poor, hope the 6.8V is better.
Out2011

Trying to Pick an Android Head Unit

I have a 94 FJ80 Land Cruiser I am building into an Expedition Truck to go off camping with and I was looking at mounting an Android Tablet into my Dash to use as a Navigation and Stereo since they're are off road and trail navigation apps that can be used with Android OS. I ended up stumbling upon these head units with Android OS's and I figure they would be an easier/cleaner installation and perfect for my needs. So Now I am trying to decide on one. And I figured I would ask some people that know more about them than I do.
Any big benefits to 5.1 vs 6.0?
Most of the stuff I googled seems to be bigger benefits for phones.
They all seem to be pretty much the same Whether it is Pumpkin, Joying Eonon, Boison, etc. Is there a better Supported Name?
Is there a specific processor to look for that it better?
I have seen Intel and AMD A7/A9's.
Most of them have 1GB ROM 16GB RAM, some have 2/32. Is 2/32 must better or faster or is it just overkill for this application?
Thanks,
MikeHawk

You want the 2/32 to avoid performance issues.
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I had a 1gb Erisin (es3015v) with the Rockchip 3188 cpu. I now have a Joying 2gb Intel Sofia unit. The difference is night and day!
The Erisin was so slow I frequently regretted buying it, and had to do a bunch of tweaks (disabling google services for instance) to get it to run at an acceptable speed.
The Joying feels like a next gen. unit compared to the Erisin. Also since the Intel cpu uses very little power, it goes into a deep sleep mode instead of switching off when you leave the car, so startup is instant. I haven't tried the new 3388 2gb units, so I can't comment on them, but I expect they will perform close to the Intel.
Whatever you end up with, make sure you get a 2GB model!

Off road use? Hmmm i dont think these units can handle it.I would probably stick to a tablet in a rugged case.
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aplusmiami said:
Off road use? Hmmm i dont think these units can handle it.I would probably stick to a tablet in a rugged case.
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Off-Road as in trails not Racing or dragging behind me on a road. I know lots of people that have 2 din touch screen units in their trucks.

Name brand units? The Chinese units agent exactly the most durable
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First Android HU Please Help! Eonon (2GB 4core A7) vs Xtrons (4GB 8core A53)

I ordered an Eonon GA2168K yesterday before I realized the Quad Core processor (A7) and ram (2GB) was potentially outdated. I like that it’s running 8.1 and the looks of the mount/ swivel feature to the 10.1” screen are more appealing to me.
However, I’m now considering sending that one back and ordering the Xtrons TE103AP. While I don’t love the looks of the screen mount as it appears to stick out way further than the Eonon (and only pivots vertically). I’m wondering if it would be best to have the upgraded Octa Core processor (A53) and ram (4GB). Is is really going to preform that much better to justify the additional $100? It’s also currently running 8.0 as opposed to the Eonon running 8.1.
I’m in over my head trying to gauge processors and ram specifications and just want to make sure I’m making the best decision for the money. The Eonon is $100 less which is more inline with my current budget but if the extra specs are far superior then I can prob justify the extra $100.
I don’t plan to do anything crazy with the head unit. Most intensive activity would probably be running videos on the unit for the kids on long road trips.
Thanks so much for any and everyone’s help with this. I’m freaking out trying to make the right call!

Insight?
Can anyone please provide some logic behind the processors and ram differences? I’ve been reading that even with an OctaCore processor it’s all about the app developers and if they’ve actually written the app to actually take advantage of the 8 cores properly. With that said maybe it’s the ram that’s more important.m but as I mentioned before I’m new to all of this.
Any comments are beyond appreciated!

Back at it!
Back at it again researching. I’ve actually been reading about more know issues with the Xtron unit that the Eonon in the last 24 hours. It appears the screen issue is pretty common which I’m wondering know if it has anything to do with the only vertical pivot mount and connector that I don’t really love.
I’ve also read that while the tech keeps advancing app developers have not gone back and rewritten apps to actually take advantage of the Octa core processor. In some cases people say the ovtacore units are not as fast as the quad core units because the apps are not optimized. Could this be true?
Still so torn. Really hope I can get some feedback on this thread. Maybe from some people who actually have the units and or units that utilize the same ram and processors...
Thanks again in advance for any comments.

Anyone?
Bump for some comments?

I just received my Eonon GA2175 this week, i was going to buy one of the 8 core 4g ram units but they were out of stock when i ordered it during the Valentines day sale which was too good a deal to pass up .
I read lots of different posts and the consensus was not to get a 1g ram unit as they tended to be laggy, i dont need a fast unit so as long as it plays music and runs Igo i will be happy.
Hopefully fiting it tomorrow although its going to be 37c so a bit hot to be working in a hot car.

Thanks a lot for your comments. I went ahead and installed the Eonon unit to give it a try and honestly I could not be happier at the moment. The unit is snappy fast and responsive. I have not yet (knock on wood) experienced any sort of lag. I am very happy with the screen mounting setup and of course the pivot which is one of the primary reasons I chose this specific unit. I’m imagining only time will tell how the CPU and RAM will do but I’ve also ready a lot about rooting the device to remove pre installed bloat ware which I’m kinda keeping as a fall back option currently if needed. I’d rather not root the device as I don’t really know all the cons of doing so just yet but at least it’s an option if I find the device to be slowing down and or having trouble keeping up. Once I’ve had more time to use the unit I’ll certainly add some additional feed back. Good luck getting yours installed!!! These android units are absolutely amazing value for the money!
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hangover68 said:
I just received my Eonon GA2175 this week, i was going to buy one of the 8 core 4g ram units but they were out of stock when i ordered it during the Valentines day sale which was too good a deal to pass up .
I read lots of different posts and the consensus was not to get a 1g ram unit as they tended to be laggy, i dont need a fast unit so as long as it plays music and runs Igo i will be happy.
Hopefully fiting it tomorrow although its going to be 37c so a bit hot to be working in a hot car.
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Cool @hangover68 - out of interest what is the MCU on that unit? Is it an MTCE or something else?

So..... two days in now and the audio started shuttering while several apps were open and working. I had the bag giving me directions, an app downloading, and the audio playing and it started shuttering bad. Turned off the bag and it was still shuttering. It seems like it will fire up and play audio ok but as soon as I try to do too much it starts like glitching or lagging. Is this the under powered CPU and RAM???? Seriously thinking about returning it now for the Octa Core 4GB ram unit from Xtrons or Dasaita 10.1”. Please help...

TundraTech0054 said:
So..... two days in now and the audio started shuttering while several apps were open and working. I had the bag giving me directions, an app downloading, and the audio playing and it started shuttering bad. Turned off the bag and it was still shuttering. It seems like it will fire up and play audio ok but as soon as I try to do too much it starts like glitching or lagging. Is this the under powered CPU and RAM???? Seriously thinking about returning it now for the Octa Core 4GB ram unit from Xtrons or Dasaita 10.1”. Please help...
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It could also be overheating - My Eonon did that when I first got it - (we were having 45 degree C days here in Australia!).
Download CPU-Z and check the thermals page when it is stuttering. This might give you a clue. Mine was reaching over 120 degrees!
The solution for me was to add a heatsink on top of the CPU, now it stays around 60 to 80 degrees even in the Australian heat

millab said:
Cool @hangover68 - out of interest what is the MCU on that unit? Is it an MTCE or something else?
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Not sure, will i find that in the system info ? Performance is good and IGO nextgen is running good, sound is much better than i expected.
Just got to route the reversing camera cable and wire it in.

millab said:
It could also be overheating - My Eonon did that when I first got it - (we were having 45 degree C days here in Australia!).
Download CPU-Z and check the thermals page when it is stuttering. This might give you a clue. Mine was reaching over 120 degrees!
The solution for me was to add a heatsink on top of the CPU, now it stays around 60 to 80 degrees even in the Australian heat
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Click to collapse
Only thing is I live in NH of the USA and it’s like 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit right now. Should be plenty cool to keep any overheating issues at bay.
Fingers crossed the manufacturer can shed some light on the issues.

TundraTech0054 said:
Only thing is I live in NH of the USA and it’s like 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit right now. Should be plenty cool to keep any overheating issues at bay.
Fingers crossed the manufacturer can shed some light on the issues.
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Haha yeah maybe it isn't overheating then! :silly:
Yeah I hope they work it out for you!

HMI: KABT_010.2018.09.20.13.30
MCU: TS907.181110
MEDIA: HC_v1.0.0_180917_0900
BTV: BT.18.08.27.0930(C0:81:35:13:47:87)
OS custom build version is alps-mp-o1.mp5
Processor is an MTK 1.2GHz ARM A7 quad core

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!

Do recent head units work OK with 2GB RAM? (need to replace a 2/32 Joying Sofia)

I swear! This isn't the usual clueless newb post! I've been running these things for 7 years, and have 4 units going in different cars now. But the one is question today is a 5 year old Joying Sofia 2GB/32GB unit running Android 6.0, that I accidentally trashed the screen on, and am now looking at replacements for it.
This one is in a strictly off road 4x4 toy, and is mainly used for navigation apps, ham radio APRS, and engine data logging. I occasionally listed to music on it, but it's not really a priority. Games/YouTube/videos/etc are NEVER run on this one, nor does it connect to the internet. As it stands, I'm fine with the performance of this one, and wouldn't even be thinking about a new one if I hadn't damaged the screen.
But if I were to get a new one, presumably I'd end up with something running Android 8/9/10...will these newer versions of Android still run similarly on 2GB of RAM, or should I really be looking at getting one of the 4GB RAM models now?

No