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Wow, just when you think you've found a headunit that is perfect, what happens instead? You read some reviews that are written after the user owned it for a short amount of time, and then you discover the problems.
Is there an Android HU that gets good FM/AM reception? Doesn't need to be rebooted? Won't disappoint? I previously got burned on a cheaper model and don't want to repeat that again. Hell - I could have just gotten a Kenwood and avoided all the headache and a $195 install job.
Hi,
I think that depends on your definition of "problems". My definition of a real problem is when there is no solotion on xda developers
OK, first I would recommend that you buy a head unit that was made for your car brand and model if available. I own a 2013 Skoda Rapid (similar to VW Polo / Golf, no "dirty" jokes please lol) and bought a VW specific model ("Autopumpkin" (reseller) 2 DIN for VW, RK3066 processor with Android 4.4.4 @ 800x480px, firmware is KLD2).
Installation: Plug in the quad lock CAN bus and the head unit was ready. Nothing else to do.
AM/FM:
In some cases, your car antenna needs +12V power to work properly. My head unit has a "phantom power adapter" (don't know if this is the right word in english). If you don't connect +12V to antenna, the reception is awful, I only received 4 stations with poor quality. Once the pantom power was connected (in my special case, I also needed a FAKRA adapter to connect the head unit with the car antenna since the plugs from the head unit didn't fit in the car connector), I received 18 stations (more can't be saved) on 88-95MHz (band goes from 88-108 here) using auto scan mode.
"Doesn't need to be rebooted":
I don't know exactly what you mean, would you like to specify that? The head unit can't be always on due to the high power consumption which would kill the battery very fast. Boot time is about 20-30 seconds but it remains about 5 minutes in standby if you pull out the ignition key.
Sound quality:
If sound quality is as important for you as for me, you MAYBE have a problem with those cheap head units but that also depends on what you like to do and to what kind of music you do listen.
On FM, sound quality doesn't matter for me because I use FM only for traffic announcements and news / documentary). The built in EQ is not the best one, at first I was thinking about to send the unit back because of the bad quality. After some days, I tried Poweramp with it's EQ and the difference was HUGE. Sounds better that the original car radio. Later, I tried Viper4Android (EQ app) since the Poweramp EQ only works for Poweramp and I thoght better radio sound quality would not be bad, but AFAIK AM/FM (and Bluetooth) sound output is not processed in Android what means only the build in EQ can influence the sound quality of that parts.
Traffic announcement (TA):
But one thing about TA feature does really drives me crazy: If you have enabled TA and the radio app detects traffic announcements (what happens also if the radio is in "background" respectively not explicit opened), a "modal popup" appears and you can't do anything (you can't skip TA or switch to another app) but vol up / down or disable TA with the "Close" button at all what means that you have to go to the radio app and enable TA again manually.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth works much better than expected. If I get into the car in the morning, my phone (Sony Xperia Z2 with stock rom) connects with the head unit in seconds. If I press the "Play" button in the head unit's bluetooth app, it almost instantly continues playing my Spotify playlist from the phone (Spotify app doesn't work on my head unit, don't know why...).
3G / Wifi:
About 3G: Sometimes the HU loses connection because the power supplied by the USB ports is not enough. In that case, I have to power off and on the unit again (but "soft" reboot, done in seconds). Wifi (if you use your smartphone as hotspot with teathering) does work very well but not on distances over approx. 10 meters.
About GPS:
The GPS signal fixes very, VERY fast (2-5 seconds, but thats maybe because Android fixes the signal at boot time) and the supplied navigation app (iGO Primo) can calculate a route from south germany to a random forrest in Poland (I tapped on a random place on the map) approximately 1500km away in less than 10 seconds.
Dual way CAN bus:
Does work with my car, I can control radio stations via the buttons of my on-board computer / MFD (Multi Function Display as called by VW, my car doesn't have SWC) and the MFD shows the station frequency. I can also control the Media Player App (next / prev track, not volume), but only the built in one, not Poweramp.
Conclusion: If there is a HU for your specific brand / model, you should not have as much trouble as if you buy a generic one, especially with installation. You should have at least some basic Android, car and technical knowledge and (most important) the will to play around with your device, try out new apps, firmwares and roms, play with the settings etc... If you want a real plug and play solution, you maybe have to pay 1000€ / $ +. You get what you pay for
I hope my reply was helpful.
Nice Text. So it is.
hippelsepp said:
I hope my reply was helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was, thank you. Which HU do you use?
My question is: Is there an American/Japanese/Anywhere else head unit that can do as much as these Chinese head units??
Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap
jrgalang said:
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microntek head units are using its own "layer" of virtual keys mapping (irkeyDown/up). It is useful from their point of view, because you have possibility to use long press behavior on hard keys. Android has its own definitions of key events and actually it is good habit to use them (in case of developing "steering widgets" and players developing as well). Probably microntek finally started to broadcast Android's defined key events among the system which caused support of many media players .
But that is only my theory .
CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.
jrgalang said:
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wtf, I gotta figure out how to get that on my Joying.
Reply
jrgalang said:
Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend,
This is Nicole from Kaigele.
Sorry to tell you that,from your posted info and images,this unit is not from our factory.Maybe you need to contact your direct seller to get more help.
thanks
best regards
Nicole
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?
Intro:
For many years I used to use 1 DIN headunit connected via BT with my android phone. Phone was nicely mounted in bracket hard fixed to the dashboard.
So, I was getting into the car, putting phone into the bracket, starting the car and phone was connecting BT with headunit automatically. Could do phone calls, playing music etc. in 10 secs. Done, finished. No extra configuration, setting up, pressing buttons...
If I needed to use Google Maps, I had to use the phone screen, but it was ok with me, just two clicks.
But... I've upgraded my car and I have to redo my car-audio-phone connectivity
And now..
I'm browsing the market of 2din android based headunits (HU) for a couple years now. They are getting better and better, having more and functions (too many?) etc. Are they not to complicated in daily using? I seen many YT videos where people showing many options of their HUs, but there is completely nothing about daily using.
I'm thinking to purchase one of the latest Joying 2DIN HU and connect it to my android phone via BT, but "The more I know, the more I know I don't know"
That should cover my phone calls and music needs, however I have some doubts I cannot find answers to:
1. Does HU will connect to my phone every time by itself (BT) once paired?
2. How do you Guys, use Google Maps? Screen-mirror (via wifi using phone's "external display" option) or preinstalled in HU Google Maps app?
If phone's mirror, can it be turn on by itself automatically to see my phone app on HU screen without getting into phone's settings?
If preinstalled app, how HU can connects to my Google account? Does it mean I need to buy extra SIM card? Or it can use my phone's data, if so, does it mean I have to go into phone's settings and create a hotspot?
3. DVR, again, does it can be turned on once HU is up by itself, or do I have to turn it on by myself? I hope it has the time loop feature like proper DVR cams do?
4. Parking camera, does it turn the camera on (and screen) once I put R gear on?
Does the latest headunits can be driver friendly or it's still to early and I expect too much?
Thank you for all your answers.:good:
I can speak for Joying (see footer):
1. Yes, it does. It does not show contact names (only numbers) right after start, but they appear after 1st call
2. I can not see any reason using screen mirror (or Android auto) on HU with Android 6+ - PlayMarket apps are almost all yours on HU. My Google account is accessible via WiFi hot spot (USB dongle (auto) or Phone - you have to start hotspot on it), I can pay for apps from HU.
3. Joying DVR does start automatically. It has some issues making additional files until GPS locks, but anyway "ends" still can be put together. One drawback - J.DVR only uses 20Gb on max allowed 32Gb card - too bad.
4. Reversing camera works properly if connected properly, everything is on screen when R gear is on, including dynamic parking lines.
And you certainly should read this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74092359&postcount=3
But, still it's chinese, be prepared
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?