Database Users

Newest Android head units

Hi,
It is really exciting that we are starting to get some real android car stereos on the market, that have software in them that can be entertained by the developers here on XDA. There are so many headunits that look the same with different hardware, look different with similar hardware, and are just altogether different. I can't find definitive information anywhere, and frankly search just returns too much scattered information to really sift through.
Needs:
Hands free quality is important.
hardware volume control - prefer a knob, but buttons are ok. I just do not want software volume buttons.
Rooted Android
3 sets of 4+ volt preouts, including controllable non-fading subwoofer preout
I don't care about a DVD/CD player - if it has one cool, but I don't need one.
What I'd like it to do:
"OK Google"
Tasker
Google Maps
Pandora
Spotify
Sirius/XM app - or Sirius satellite radio (I don't know if any of them do this natively)
Vevo
Kodi
Netflix
Hulu
Amazon Prime
Torque connected via bluetooth
bluetooth hands-free phone calls
WIFI tethered from Foxfi running on my phone
Am I looking for too much or is there a head unit that looks like it can accommodate this?
Summary Questions:
Other than price, is there any reason to consider the dual core (instead of the quad core) or the smaller resolution (i.e. are there some apps that don't work right with the larger resolution)?
Are some MCUs better than others?
Do all of the better Android head units suffer the problems with the microphone that will require modification to fix, or is there one out that has the fix already implemented? I saw the threads where people are desoldering stuff. Has that been resolved by some of the manufacturers, or am I destined to do that mod also?
Is there a really good aftermarket hands free microphone that is worth buying?
Is there sub pre-out control either on the stock firmware, or on a different ROM?
Is the sub pre-out affected by the fader?
What is the voltage at the pre-outs?
Do any of the units come with an IR sensor and/or a remote control?
Can I connect the bluetooth OBDII module, bluetooth phone, and wireless wifi tethering from the phone at the same time?
When text messages come into my cell phone, does the radio read them to me? Can I voice-to-text respond?
Does anyone see anything wrong with my needs, or the apps I plan to run?
Are any of them running newer iterations of Android? Is there anything stopping a developer from releasing a ROM with a newer android?
Should I be considering another unit? Is there an Android head unit other than one of the Hue Fei clones that would serve my needs better? Is there one Hue Fei clones that stands out as better than the others, or gets better support than the others, or that fits my needs better?

So it looks like the other two to consider other than the Hue Fei clones is the Newsmy which only has 1 RCA Pre-out and the Ownice which doesn't have root.

there is a new generation of AN-21U unbranded units floating around ali express. If you shop around you can get a good deal on one. Quad core R16 A9/1 GB RAM/up to 1080x600 res. There is little info on them so far since they are so new, but since they appear to be an update to a very popular pre-existing model, they should gain more support soon on xda.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...nd-generation-4-4-2-android-21u-ouku-t3230587
I have one coming in today and will update that thread with my impressions. I previously owned a carjoying UQ-124 so I will have a good unit to compare it to.
The carjoying unit was pretty solid but had one major issue - BT audio quality. The audio also was controlled by the MCU (poorly) which required a complex hardware mod to rectify. I also for some reason had stability issues w/ google now voice control (ok google)... worked sometimes but would crash >50% of the time.
I am hoping my new unit will not have these issues.

gijosh28 said:
So it looks like the other two to consider other than the Hue Fei clones is the Newsmy which only has 1 RCA Pre-out and the Ownice which doesn't have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Newsmy CarPad III (NRXXXX) has 5.1 pre-out available and uses the same MCU and ROM as the CarPad II (NUXXXX)

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/indashnet-world-s-first-open-source-infotainment/x/5292434#/story
This guy has been pretty responsive with his first 2 designs and now he's putting out an octa-core unit. Probably overkill but the indiegogo price is right. I don't know what his projected delivery dates are for this unit. You can check out his google+ page as well. That is his primary avenue for support and it seems to mostly work pretty well.

Hope i could provide some information. Please check the comments in quote.
gijosh28 said:
Hi,
It is really exciting that we are starting to get some real android car stereos on the market, that have software in them that can be entertained by the developers here on XDA. There are so many headunits that look the same with different hardware, look different with similar hardware, and are just altogether different. I can't find definitive information anywhere, and frankly search just returns too much scattered information to really sift through.
Needs:
Hands free quality is important.
hardware volume control - prefer a knob, but buttons are ok. I just do not want software volume buttons.
Rooted Android
3 sets of 4+ volt preouts, including controllable non-fading subwoofer preout
I don't care about a DVD/CD player - if it has one cool, but I don't need one.
What I'd like it to do:
"OK Google"
Tasker
Google Maps
Pandora
Spotify
Sirius/XM app - or Sirius satellite radio (I don't know if any of them do this natively)
Vevo
Kodi
Netflix
Hulu
Amazon Prime
Torque connected via bluetooth
bluetooth hands-free phone calls
WIFI tethered from Foxfi running on my phone
Am I looking for too much or is there a head unit that looks like it can accommodate this?
Summary Questions:
Other than price, is there any reason to consider the dual core (instead of the quad core) or the smaller resolution (i.e. are there some apps that don't work right with the larger resolution)?
Think mobile phone. it is similar.
Are some MCUs better than others?
What MCU done is about more low level works like power management. really depends on design. No base for comparing.
Do all of the better Android head units suffer the problems with the microphone that will require modification to fix, or is there one out that has the fix already implemented? I saw the threads where people are desoldering stuff. Has that been resolved by some of the manufacturers, or am I destined to do that mod also?
Most have mic built-in(in the panel), some have external connector which provide a chance to apply a good mic.
Is there a really good aftermarket hands free microphone that is worth buying?
No idea.
Is there sub pre-out control either on the stock firmware, or on a different ROM?
It is not about software/ROM/firmeware. this is by hardware design.
Is the sub pre-out affected by the fader?
Normally.
What is the voltage at the pre-outs?
depends on hardware design.
Do any of the units come with an IR sensor and/or a remote control?
Many.
Can I connect the bluetooth OBDII module, bluetooth phone, and wireless wifi tethering from the phone at the same time?
Wifi/BT same time for all head unit. BT OBD and BT Phone call together, it depends.
When text messages come into my cell phone, does the radio read them to me? Can I voice-to-text respond?
This could be done by one App which is not related to Head unit. don't know whether it exists already.
Does anyone see anything wrong with my needs, or the apps I plan to run?
could say no barrier. Need to check hardware related items.
Are any of them running newer iterations of Android? Is there anything stopping a developer from releasing a ROM with a newer android?
Lots of work is needed to port system to a newer version android. Similar as mobile phone.
Should I be considering another unit? Is there an Android head unit other than one of the Hue Fei clones that would serve my needs better? Is there one Hue Fei clones that stands out as better than the others, or gets better support than the others, or that fits my needs better?
no answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I posted my thoughts on the 2nd gen AN-21U vs joying UQ-124 here -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...eration-4-4-2-android-21u-ouku-t3230587/page3
summary - new unit is better than joying in every way except for customization and xda support. I have not applied an external amp or sub to my system yet, but I will soon. I am already using custom speakers (focal 8"). BT audio quality is night and day difference over joying. Bad BT audio quality is not universal, joying just did a poor job b/c they wired internal & external mic in parallel & used low quality bt module. I highly recommend it, though I have only had a short time with it (less than a day). My thoughts may change as I get more time to find issues.
@nonstop2050, I like how active you are here, I would have loved to buy one of your units had you supported my vehicle. If someone were to buy how long would you take to ship? I had to wait 3 weeks for my unit... I think they manufacture units as the orders come in, they don't keep stock on hand.

The joying units with a single volume knob allow you to adjust the pre out voltage. I have mine feeding into a 4 channel amp, powering front hertz components and a single JBL sub. I use the crossover on the amplifier - more scope for adjustability & probably performs more consistently than the one in the headunit feeding the sub pre out.

Chinese HU vs Parrot Asteroid Smart

Hi
I am currently using Parrot Asteroid Smart, generally I am satisfied with the unit, sound quality is great, BT and other features works good, but the HW is old and max. Android version is 2.3.
I'm thinking about upgrading to newer android and the only possibility I see is one of chinese 2din HU like Ownice C500.
Does anyone have experience if they are any cons of such change? What is the sound quality of C500 compared to Smart?
Any info would be appreciated.

ee0090 said:
Hi
I am currently using Parrot Asteroid Smart, generally I am satisfied with the unit, sound quality is great, BT and other features works good, but the HW is old and max. Android version is 2.3.
I'm thinking about upgrading to newer android and the only possibility I see is one of chinese 2din HU like Ownice C500.
Does anyone have experience if they are any cons of such change? What is the sound quality of C500 compared to Smart?
Any info would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the exact same situation. I was happy with the PAS at first, but it became outdated and frustrating very quickly - the lack of apps supported natively, the lack of ram and storage. Even after rooting and installing Google Play store there are so many apps that can't be run on 2.3. Positives though are that the Bluetooth call quality and voice command is in my opinion unmatched.
I have since bought an Eonon Android unit (rooted and installed Malaysk rom) for my wife's car and the interface is great, the sound is reasonable and the app support is great. The Bluetooth however is terrible, to the point of being unusable, the person on the other end can either not hear or suffers from major delay. This is a known problem with nearly ALL Chinese Android head units and there is a hardware mod but not being very confident in opening the unit and performing the mod properly and potentially voiding warranty is a risk I'm yet to take with it. I also have an issue where the physical volume control knob stops working and sound can only be adjusted on-screen, this is usually fixed with a reboot.
I still have not found a reliable unit to replace the PAS in my car after reading numerous threads that has Bluetooth quality on par with the PAS. Hopefully someone else here can recommend a decent unit?

Joying 2GB Intel is the way to go

CadillacMike said:
Joying 2GB Intel is the way to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why?

look over some of the various threads on XDA, and feel free to check out the official Joying forum - http://forum.carjoying.com/
For the most part i think Joying gets the least amount of negative feedback, they tend to have pretty good customer service, and they seem to so somewhat monthly updates. I have had the older 1gb model and I currently have the newer 2GB of RAM model, and I'm a big fan:
here is a video review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzGFDwSFj24&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUP4WGYHIaQ
but dont take my word for it, like I said, if you spend some time reading, you'll see a lot of the other head units have their fair share of bugs and complaints

If you want a fully functional BT interface, go with the Intel 2GB Joying head units. I think they are the only ones with a full stack BT interface available, the other Rockchip based units seem to have a somewhat hacked in BT interface which is limited compared to a full native interface, specially when it comes to how the Android OS can access and control it.
Install the apk from this thread and you have access to the standard Android BT settings screen, it is normally hidden in the Settings app but luckily it's not removed.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...elopment/bluetooth-settings-launcher-t3504526

Hilari0 said:
If you want a fully functional BT interface, go with the Intel 2GB Joying head units. I think they are the only ones with a full stack BT interface available, the other Rockchip based units seem to have a somewhat hacked in BT interface which is limited compared to a full native interface, specially when it comes to how the Android OS can access and control it.
Install the apk from this thread and you have access to the standard Android BT settings screen, it is normally hidden in the Settings app but luckily it's not removed.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...elopment/bluetooth-settings-launcher-t3504526
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info
Few questions:
What is the BT handsfree quality with external mic installed?
Does the radio display station names? Does RDS and AF work correctly?
What is the general sound quality?
Does WiFi module connect with 4G router?

I use the head units wifi to connect to my phone as a wifi hotspot. Works great. BT handsfree with external mic is very good, at least according to those I talk to, I haven't been on the "receiving end" yet..
The sound quality is good, I'm still using the OEM speakers and they sound better with this head unit compared to the OEM head unit. Can't confirm on radio as I actually don't use it much... It does have RDS it seems, but don't know if it works or not. (radio where I live is garbage, nonsense content and music seems limited to whatever the top 20 list is...)

Hilari0 said:
I use the head units wifi to connect to my phone as a wifi hotspot. Works great. BT handsfree with external mic is very good, at least according to those I talk to, I haven't been on the "receiving end" yet..
The sound quality is good, I'm still using the OEM speakers and they sound better with this head unit compared to the OEM head unit. Can't confirm on radio as I actually don't use it much... It does have RDS it seems, but don't know if it works or not. (radio where I live is garbage, nonsense content and music seems limited to whatever the top 20 list is...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info. Which version do you use? I can see there are 3 different versions of 7" universal unit with the same hardware. The difference is that two of them have volume knob and the 3rd only touchscreen.

Hilari0 said:
If you want a fully functional BT interface, go with the Intel 2GB Joying head units. I think they are the only ones with a full stack BT interface available, the other Rockchip based units seem to have a somewhat hacked in BT interface which is limited compared to a full native interface, specially when it comes to how the Android OS can access and control it.
Install the apk from this thread and you have access to the standard Android BT settings screen, it is normally hidden in the Settings app but luckily it's not removed.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...elopment/bluetooth-settings-launcher-t3504526
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both MTCD and Joying INtel have positive and negative feedbacks....
In terms of BT performance....both have BT Limited to MCU. Even you could pair from the BT standard menu, the functionality is limited. If i am not wront (correct me) both units CAN'T perform CALLS from BT by using google Now. Google Now recognizes correctly the name and it seems to start the call but never is initiated as it can not communicate with the real bluetooth Handsfree on the Headunit.

On the Intel units, the BT and wifi hardware is on the same board as the CPU, Android has full access to it. That is not the reason Google Now can't make calls. This is different on the MTCD units where the BT is a module which is sort of hacked in and Android doesn't have full access to.

I have bought Joying with Intel. BT handsfree works fine, although there are some other problems:
- no voice in Google Maps,
- when listening to the FM radio no voice output from nav apps except of Igo,
- I have connected Alpine active sub to the unit, sub works fine for first few minutes and stops, any idea why and what can be done about it? Sub worked great with Parrot, so it must be some issue with Joying.

ee0090 said:
I have bought Joying with Intel. BT handsfree works fine, although there are some other problems:
- no voice in Google Maps,
- when listening to the FM radio no voice output from nav apps except of Igo,
- I have connected Alpine active sub to the unit, sub works fine for first few minutes and stops, any idea why and what can be done about it? Sub worked great with Parrot, so it must be some issue with Joying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you change default nav app to your preferred one, you'll get voice output in FM radio.
For the sub - is the amp still ON after a few minutes when it stops? I have an active sub on mine and have no issues. I'd check on what your source for "on" signal on your amp is.

Google maps voice output doesn't work no matter what I do. As a default nav app neither.
Sub is powered and it works with very low volume settings, ad soon as I turn the volume up it stops working.

ee0090 said:
Google maps voice output doesn't work no matter what I do. As a default nav app neither.
Sub is powered and it works with very low volume settings, ad soon as I turn the volume up it stops working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We got Google voice output working. Look into the forum.

Strange. Maybe I should reset the unit to factory settings. Reinstalling google maps did not help.
Any idea what is wrong with the sub?

ee0090 said:
Strange. Maybe I should reset the unit to factory settings. Reinstalling google maps did not help.
Any idea what is wrong with the sub?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(have seen a few oem ones) if so it would be hooked up with the sub RCA output ? Is the amp powering down ??
If so try hooking the remote line on the amp to an 12v acc line instead. (This is no different to the headunit remote 12v output just that if you switch the head unit off the amp is still powered on , this could eliminate a headunit problem ?)

ee0090 said:
Strange. Maybe I should reset the unit to factory settings. Reinstalling google maps did not help.
Any idea what is wrong with the sub?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As wrx216 said. I think it might be bad wiring. try a different SUB "ON" source. For example, I tap in the + wire of my rear speaker as the power on signal for the sub amp.

Google maps voice output still does not work. I did factory reset - it did not help.

I have updated the firmware and google maps voice works fine. But sub does not work at all now.
I have connected remote wire of the sub to constant +12V output (the same as amp. power supply) - it still does not work. I have also tried to change RCA input of the amp. - still nothing.

how can China manufacturer make you happy

Guys. I have a really good contact to a manufacturer
And he asked me how he can make units better.
I told him the new units are good hardware but bad software. He asked me how he can make the software better... He really don't know the problems and want a end of the problems.
So i make a list. And need u to complete it.
0. The simplest, and most effective answer Release the source code! Make it public. Let the developer community fix the software problems for you. You'll get better solutions AND you'll get them sooner. You will also sell many, many more head units
We need a ROM with ability to root, we need access to recovery so our developers can make the ROM flash, the problem with your software still the same...
1. We want Ok Google without bush button
2. Making Call someone with ok Google
3. We want Google maps but today there are problems with voice output
4. After reboot some apps don't work properly
5. Your Equalizer is not enough. We need more options like car headunits...
Crossover that's seperate per channel HPF, LPF and possible BandPass (Front, Rear, Sub)
We are power users, and audiophile.
6. Chinch output for subwoofer is without function... All China devices still have this problem..
7. Ok Google from any screen
8. Full band equalizers
9. Proper internal amp
10. A real RDS for radio! I really don't know what is exactly the issue with Chinese head units and RDS support, which they claim they have it, but they usually don't. Now we search radio stations on frequency numbers... c'mon! A real and working RDS support is a MUST feature. We want to see radio station names and other RDS data.
11. Software is really the pain of these head units. Now they are just Android tablets in a 2din form-factor. What we need is a car dedicated launcher with 10-foot UI approach that works good with HU dedicated apps like Radio.app.
12.Proper Bluetooth implementation for connection to other devices (keyboards,Joypad,TPMS etc).
13. Color changeable buttons
14. Buttons and sterling wheel custom remap (hold, press, dubble press)
15.FM frequency range are from 76 to 95 Mhz since 2014.But most of Chinese HU are still 76 to 90 Mhz.
16.ability to control which apps gets killed on power off and which app will auto start on ignition.
I know there are much more problems... But he asked me, because I'm from Germany and i can speak 4 different languages (English,German,Turkish,arabic) all of them not god enough haha.
I'm the wrong person and i don't want forget something important.
I really don't know why he chooses me... My English ist bad. But he did. And that's it. now it's in our hands. To make it right. now he wants a list. A buketlist
How can we make u happy explicitly the developers!

To carry on supporting the older units like mtcb/c

Android units that can control iPods such as the normal head units with the "Made for iPod" logo.
Reading external hard drives of large capacity
Single din head units that don't look like something out of the movie Tron.
Full band equalizers
Proper internal amp
Voice commands such as those in Parrot Asteroid Smart.

Quality microphone. I have a somewhat noisy car (louder exhaust) and call quality is sub-par to what I was getting with a prior JVC unit.

What do i want?
A brand cpu like a Snapdragon 821 (it contains wifi AC 2.5/5.0 GHZ, LTE 4G+ modem, Spectra Camera ISP for car dashcam and so on...) 4gb mem, 32 or 64 gb SLC Nand, Burr Brown or Wolfson or Cirrus audio dac, high sensitive FM and DAB+ receiver from NXP, in sun readable OLED screen, voice control, and a pure Android shell like the pixel and root so people with Android skills can make this device better.
I know, this unit will be expensive and maybe overkill, but the advantage is that these are very good brand parts with driver support from factory, and that you can have this device for years instead to upgrade it after 2 year, if the producer follow the Android OS updates (for example, from Android 6 to 7 or 8) this device is strong enough to make such upgrade for some years.
Wich company have the nerve to make such device?

Flemischguy said:
What do i want?
A brand cpu like a Snapdragon 821 (it contains wifi AC 2.5/5.0 GHZ, LTE 4G+ modem, Spectra Camera ISP for car dashcam and so on...) 4gb mem, 32 or 64 gb SLC Nand, Burr Brown or Wolfson or Cirrus audio dac, high sensitive FM and DAB+ receiver from NXP, in sun readable OLED screen, voice control, and a pure Android shell like the pixel and root so people with Android skills can make this device better.
I know, this unit will be expensive and maybe overkill, but the advantage is that these are very good brand parts with driver support from factory, and that you can have this device for years instead to upgrade it after 2 year, if the producer follow the Android OS updates (for example, from Android 6 to 7 or 8) this device is strong enough to make such upgrade for some years.
Wich company have the nerve to make such device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be epic, but 99% of china stuff won't ever get that. Cost would be too high and they wouldn't move units in masses like they do now

Would it be possible to use an external battery to keep the hu in sleep mode instead of car battery? Like those 10 000mah cheap ones.
Good quality radio chip.
Rear camera on start.
Old snapdragon models, probably better than the cpu they use and cheap.
At least 64gb for app storage.
3gb of ram would be nice.
Real dvd player not like the mercedes special Joying HU...
Thats about it and it's a perfect unit for 2017 I guess^^
And yes I'd rather pay a few more and get a good headunit. I dont plan to change my hu evey two years like I do with smartphones.

Android auto. And Apple CarPlay. Let our phones do all the hard work.

kaderekusen said:
Guys. I have a really good contact to a manufacturer
And he asked me how he can make units better....
...How can we make u happy explicitly the developers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The simplest, and most effective answer to your question is this: release the source code! Make it public. Let the developer community fix the software problems for you. You'll get better solutions AND you'll get them sooner. You will also sell many, many more head units.

I may sound cynical, but I don't think you will find a Chinese supplier who understands what is needed to deliver the quality we are looking for, even if you tell them 10 times. I honestly think they don't understand any of the complaints on this forum. These guys are very creative in producing large numbers against very low cost, at the cost of serious quality assurance. They never look beyond their next sale, brand loyalty is a concept unknown to them.
Are they incapable of delivering what we would like? No, of course not. 90% of the equipment we use in everyday life was produced in China. It's just that companies like Sony, Kenwood, etc take the entire design process in their own hands, define their own QA-protocols and have their own people on site checking before batches leave the factory. In the end they have the purchasing power to kick out any supplier that doesn't perform. For this to change will take at least another generation, maybe even more. So unless somebody in another part of the world takes matters in his own hands and has units produced to his specs, I don't think much will change in the near future.
That being said, the software is the worst part of the system. As dhmsjs said, release that to the public and they will make it much better.
Apart from that:
- Carkit on Parrot-level;
- Quality DAC for the pre-out and amplifier section;
- Proper aftersales and parts-supply (if something breaks down now, with most suppliers you can throw away the entire unit, although issues can often easily be solved by simply providing a new button or board)
But then again, they mostly compete on pricing. The items mentioned above have the BOM rise and they think we are not willing to pay for that.

Ok he is here and read all your wishes

A real RDS for radio! I really don't know what is exactly the issue with Chinese head units and RDS support, which they claim they have it, but they usually don't. Now we search radio stations on frequency numbers... c'mon! A real and working RDS support is a MUST feature. We want to see radio station names and other RDS data.
Software is really the pain of these head units. Now they are just Android tablets in a 2din form-factor. What we need is a car dedicated launcher with 10-foot UI approach that works good with HU dedicated apps like Radio.app.

Agree with more focus on Audio quality/DAC and control - EQ, time alignment etc or at least full support for USB DAC including the ability to route radio and Bluetooth through it. Proper Bluetooth implementation for connection to other devices (keyboards,Joypad,TPMS etc).
Community engagement on XDA, there are effectively free software developers sat here waiting to help.
Always on OK Google with voice feedback.
Better Radio app with full RDS support, a lot of these units don't even display the station name. RDS is very prevalent in Europe and not having it feels like using a radio form the 70's
Ability to change the function of hardware buttons on the unit.

In my country(Japan) FM frequency range are from 76 to 95 Mhz since 2014.But most of Chinese HU are still 76 to 90 Mhz.I think this problem are easy to fix with the MCU update.Make it public the source code please!

ability to control which apps gets killed on power off and which app will auto start on ignition.
full bluetooth function
better dash fit
better steering wheel button control/remapping ability

Better EQ, Crossover that's seperate per channel HPF, LPF and possible BandPass (Front, Rear, Sub) 2GB or better ram. Open Source Support for custom rom/recovery. Strong RCA Voltage Outputs, Possibly 4V. Better Cases/Buttons etc. thats all I can think of for now.

Open Source as previously mentioned, best way to get devs like me to help you for free.
Super simple rooting
Android Auto installed by default (not the mirror link).
OK Google always on (as mentioned previously)
Actually just having Android Auto would be fantastic, I have several cars most with factory navs, so when I get into those I immediately use android auto. I want the same for my car except on long road trips then I'll setup a mobile hotspot and use the much more full featured system. But for daily driving, I get into my car set google maps (with traffic alerts) and take the quickest path to work.

the ultimate would be if it is possible to have a HUD screen output for Navigation and Speedometer utilising OBD data for speedometer. Or even to the extend of Navdy style HUD.

mishoboss said:
A real RDS for radio! I really don't know what is exactly the issue with Chinese head units and RDS support, which they claim they have it, but they usually don't. Now we search radio stations on frequency numbers... c'mon! A real and working RDS support is a MUST feature. We want to see radio station names and other RDS data.
as i know ,many Chinese head unit can display the station name ,the radio chip NXP TEF6686 can support display the name . maybe you did not click the PTY ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

peterchan2003 said:
as i know ,many Chinese head unit can display the station name ,the radio chip NXP TEF6686 can support display the name . maybe you did not click the PTY ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many fields of Rds data. Should be able to display: PS, Pty, & RT at minimum. Pty should adjust to region.

Buying a Chinese Android head unit

Hello guys!
So, I have a 2005 Audi A4 B7 and I'm thinking about buying an android head unit for my car. So far I have found 2 head units that look somewhat like the factory one, or that I like. They both have Android 8.0 / 8.1, Quad-Core with 2GB of RAM. Now, are these chinese head units generally worth it? I'm really concerned about sound quality (I have an aftermarket amplifier and subwoofer installed). Now I have a Kenwood head unit and the sound output is decent, can't really complain (better than factory radio).
And I have a few questions.
One of the units is made by Mekede (the factory look-alike) and the other one is made by Wondefoo. Has anyone had any previous experience with these 2 makers?
Also, I do not see an AUX IN on these chinese head units. Do the have one? Is it possible to have one? I'd much rather play music over BT, but is generally the connection stable?
Seeing as they are Android, am I able to install 3rd party apps, such as Vanced YouTube ? Or Waze (or any other app that does not come preinstalled) ?
Generally speaking, how is the boot up time on these units?
They both cost around $210. Are they too cheap? Should I try and save up more? Look for other makers? Most of the times I'm going to be listening to music (either via USB, BT - or any way it can be connected to my phone; or YT) while, sometimes, using Google Maps / Waze. Are these cheap android head units generally laggy when multi-tasking? Does it really matter which one I buy, as they're all "cheap chinese products"?
Here are the links to the units:
1. Mekede
2.Wondefoo
Or if you guys could recommend me another one which really is worth the money, it'd be appreciated. I'd like it to have volume knobs, and the factory look-alike is a plus.
I am sorry if these questios have been asked before!
Thank you!

One thing to keep in mind - RAM amount. 1GB of RAM is not enough for these units. I'd recommend 4GB of RAM, but make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM for sure (and even that may not be enough).
Try to find a unit with PX5 (octa-core) or PX6 processor and 4GB of RAM, if possible. Android 8.0 or 8.1.
In terms of sound quality, I too was concerned. I ended up rooting and installing Viper4Android and the sound quality is great. I'm using an extenral amp, but the internal amp sounded good with V4A as well. Viper4Android gives you a LOT of flexibility in customizing the sound to your liking.

jtrosky said:
One thing to keep in mind - RAM amount. 1GB of RAM is not enough for these units. I'd recommend 4GB of RAM, but make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM for sure (and even that may not be enough).
Try to find a unit with PX5 (octa-core) or PX6 processor and 4GB of RAM, if possible. Android 8.0 or 8.1.
In terms of sound quality, I too was concerned. I ended up rooting and installing Viper4Android and the sound quality is great. I'm using an extenral amp, but the internal amp sounded good with V4A as well. Viper4Android gives you a LOT of flexibility in customizing the sound to your liking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Must be a PX5 or PX6 ? Most of the sellers don't list their processor model, just listing it as "octa-core". I'm aware that V4A can give you a lot of flexibility in sound customization (I've used it on my phone for a while)
Do these head units integrate well with the CAN ?

Here are the more technical names (may help identify them):
PX3: Cortex A9 (Quad-core) - 32-bit ARMv7 architecture.
PX5: Cortex A53*(Octacore) - 64-bit*ARMv8 architecture.
PX6: Cortex A72 (I'm not sure of the details - brand new platform)
From what I've seen, most Android 8.0 units are PX5 and most Android 8.1 units are PX6 (brand new). Units with older versions of Android are probably PX3, I'm assuming. Most of these units do not get "official" major Android version updates - the manufactureres just release new models instead of upgrading existing models (but some can be upgraded via custom ROM's).
Personally, I would probably look for a PX5 MTCE octa-core unit with 4GB of RAM. I wouldn't consider anything older than a PX5/Android 8.0 unit - and like I said, I'd recommend 4GB of RAM if you can find it. The PX6 units are brand new - there are no custom ROM's or anything for them yet or anything. They also seem to come with less RAM and storage from what I've seen?!?!
Only way to be 100% sure what you are getting is to ask the seller - they should be able to tell you the processor type and "MCU" type (MTCE-XXX),where XXX is the MCU type. The MCU is like the "go between" between the Andorid OS and the radio hardware (MCU type can be seen under the Android settings menu) - you may even ask them to send a screenshot of the hardware info from the Android settings to confirm what it actually is.
Just a "general" overview of some of the basics - I hope that helps.
Oh - and if you have a CANBUS car, you need a CANBUS adapter. If the seller is selling a unit specifically for your car, they usually include the CANBUS adapter. That will allow your steering wheel controls to keep working and other items.

Yes. That actually helped. These with 4 GB RAM and at least a PX5 cost more, about $350 so I'm going to wait, save up a bit more, because I also need to convert my car from 1 DIN to 2DIN and that will cost me at least an extra $70.
I also want one that looks like the factory equipped one, so, yeah, I'll just wait another month or so.
Thank you for your answers, guys!
Sent from my SM-G935FD using Tapatalk

I have a mekede unit supposed to be android 8.1..... It's not it's actually 6.0
This was from mekede official store on aliexpress
They are now not answering my messages and unfortunately I didn't figure this out until after the buyer protection time limit had ended.

Just to post an update to my original post... At first, I thought that the sound quality was great. But the more and more I used the head-unit, I found that sound quality was NOT up to par with my previous WinCE head-units. And I also ran into noise-related issues. I did everything in my power to try and resolve these issues (including using external amps for better sound quality), but in the end, I gave up and re-installed my WinCE head-unit.
Unfortunately, from my experience, these Android head-units just aren't up to par in terms of sound-quality and noise-rejection. I had noise-related issues from the LED backlighting, USB devices, wifi and bluetooth wasn't very good either. Hopefully, they continue to improve upon these units, because having the head-unit run a full version of Android is great - but sound quality is also important - and even more important to some (like me). Would be great if the big audio companies starting building full Android head-units (Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, JVC, etc).
Since my WinCE unit supports Easy Connect, I can still get the advantages of Andoid for certain things while also having fantastic sound-quality and no noise issues. Best of both worlds. Granted, the WinCE unit is significantly more expensive ($699 vs $350), but just like anything else - in most cases, "you get what you pay for". The WinCE unit that I'm talking about specifically is the Dynavin N7 - and they use high-qaulity sound components. But I also had Rosen WinCE head-units and they sounded great as well (but again, significantly more expensive).
All depends on what is most important to you - software flexibility or sound quality.

My new 2021 PX6 from Phoenix Automotive Vertical Fast Boot OEM fiber option. Had this for about 2 months. I use it with an external OEM AMP. Used in a Lexus.
AMP is not fiber. The unit is a PX6 MCU RL78c (2014 Chip-set) NCHHWY V332-0 , Framework px6-userdebug 9 PQ2A 190305.002. OS 9.
Audio is very good! I love the sound. Speakers: OEM Mark Levnson in the front, 6.5inch JBL GX600C + Sound Ordnance M2-10DVC 10inch in the back.
Tested only with stock HU.
What works on the stock PX6:
(With correct wiring harness)
1. Fast-Boot. After first 2 setup boot-ups, on is instant for 24 hours of nonusage.
2. AC controls work (Cooling).
3. Searing Wheel controls work out of the box on Lexus w/canbus included.
4. Audio player works but not a good GUI.
5. Phone works with Bluetooth.
6. Android Auto is installed and works.
7. DSP Sound works with an EQ and many settings, GUI is good.
8. Most User Settings seem to work. Wheel mapping may stop after Fast-Boot for 5 minutes (bug).
9. Navigation (Google Maps) works, GPS works.
9.5. Maps works Off-Line in Google Maps.
10. Radio with about 16 memory storage.
What is not working in a Lexus / Toyota :
1. Factory Settings. All-access is denied. Locked out! Big Issue for me.
2. GAS monitor/usage. This should work out of the box. Phoenix says it is not working and is disabled in Lexus. BUT is advertised to work on the Phoenix site.
3. Sound MAX loud setting will NOT save after reboots. After boot, the sound is all the way up, loud. After talking with Phoenix tech, no fix. However, if FastBoot is on, the audio may save to a lower setting for about 24hours. If you don't use HU for 24 hours settings are lost again..
4. Screen will reflect windshield in GS Gen3 Lexus. May be an issue in sunlight.
5. If you wear Sunglasses or have glasses that do auto shade to dark, you may not like the screen because it can be hard to see.
6. Radio- Local / Distance not working. Can't find a fix. However Local radio is working fine. I get most local stations clear.
7. Temp display worked for 2 days now showing -40 at all times. (No fix).
8. Fast-Boot image changing. The stock app that changes the BOOT-Image will not work. It is out of date and will not work with Android 9+. It needs an update from Manufacture. A Phoenix Auto add-on app (download), also will not work, out of date. App complains of an Error with the Android version.
Add-On that work:
1. Musicolet from Play Store. The Stock Audio player sucks big time.
2. Bluedriver OBD2 reader.
3. Torque Lite or Pro OBD2 reader.
4. Function Generator, from Play Store.
That's about it.
Roger Out

Confused: what to buy?

Hi there, I'm an owner of an old AN21 unit (Android 4) and I'd like to upgrade my Golf 6 to improve speed, boot time, GPS lock time and better sound mainly. I use it offline so I would use an offline navigator most probably.
I see several threads and subforums so quick question: what should I get? I've read that I should go for a PX6 with 4GB RAM but I would like some feedback.
Thanks!

I recently purchased cheap Android 10 EKIY/Oknavi/TS10/Topway unit. I cannot root it, included software (launcher, radio, DSP, Surround, etc) seems unpolished, some features not working, like it was ported from older models.
Floating window feature does not work, GPS is accurate to 2m but it looses accuracy (goes to 15m) every 15min or so (apparently there was a fix released for it this month but my seller does not have it), and build-in cellular modem does not work in North America.
Back of the unit gets hot and it cannot run at full speed for long (throttles) because it overheats as it has no build in fan. I added external fan to fix that. Today I found that my bt headset pairs but does not do anything. Bluetooth software is very clunky but apple car play pairs and works with no issues.
On a good side - sound is nice, after adjusting DSP (although rudimentary, only one user setting) made it sound much better than OEM, also no hiss or hum. It boots very fast, speed is no issue. 720p IPS screen is bright and sharp, touchscreen responsive.
Overall, it's a good, inexpensive (got 8core 4GB/64GB unit for $230USD shipped) hardware but locked in mediocre software jail.

wanxu said:
Hi there, I'm an owner of an old AN21 unit (Android 4) and I'd like to upgrade my Golf 6 to improve speed, boot time, GPS lock time and better sound mainly. I use it offline so I would use an offline navigator most probably.
I see several threads and subforums so quick question: what should I get? I've read that I should go for a PX6 with 4GB RAM but I would like some feedback.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An MTCD unit of MCU type HA (HotAudio reseller is Dasaita.)
Refer MTCD forums.

Thanks both! I'll check the logs and try to understand what's the status quo...