Database Users

Digging in ... do any head units currently support these items?

I'm (hopefully tomorrow) replacing my dying Jeep. Likely candidates are a 2014 Rav4 or a 2012 Town and Country. Both seem to have good double-din slots without having a lot of vehicle subsystems tied to the factory HU. So ... I am beginning to investigate putting in an Android HU.
I'd like a recommendation on the best HU -for me- ... I know it isn't going to be the same for everyone. What I'm looking for, in no particular order, and not all of these are must-haves:
* community-supported ROMs
* 2GB RAM is highly desired.
* video input for the factory-equipped backup camera
* steering wheel controls (I'm assuming I need an adapter specific for whichever car I buy, probably not included with the HU but I want the HU to be able to accept them if possible)
* Decent sound quality output
* Good radio reception (does the US have an equivalent to DAB?) ... I'm willing to use an external FM module if that ends up being the highest quality option. App support is included in the word "good" here. And as likely figured out, I'm in the U.S.
* Some SIMPLE form of external storage (SD card is fine, USB HD is fine, I even have a spare 60GB SSD with built-in USB port since I just rebuilt my PC)
* Ability to tether to my WiFi hotspot (currently it would be a Nexus 5 phone) OR Bluetooth data connection (but I've found BT data sharing to be less well supported).
* Lollipop? I realize from searching there aren't any out there yet (pfft @ Parrot for nixing the aftermarket version of the RNB6) ... I'm not in a big rush to do the upgrade RIGHT NOW, if I can wait a few months to get a 5.x HU I will do that. Just need to know if such a model is known to be in the works?
I might go with a tablet-in-dash alternative, but would rather have a full HU. I've looked at various applink/mirrorlink solutions and found them all wanting.

>community-supported ROMs
Yes, most of us are using the custom ROMs made by Malaysk.
>2GB RAM is highly desired.
They are all 1GB devices and use nearly the same integrated CPU/RAM chipsets right now. I am pretty sure that we will see 2GB devices eventually but all of them right now are 1GB. But frankly for everything you need to do on these units 1GB is fine, just like it is for most android tablets. And the quad core devices are very responsive and snappy, going from dual core to quad core makes more of a performance difference in experience.
>* video input for the factory-equipped backup camera
Pretty much every unit has a standard composite input dedicated for backup cameras which are activated with 12v on the backup signal line. They are all also able to show the backup camera before the system is fully booted, so you turn the car on, put it in reverse and you can see the backup camera while the android continues to boot in the background (15-30secs).
>* steering wheel controls (I'm assuming I need an adapter specific for whichever car I buy, probably not included with the HU but I want the HU to be able to accept them if possible)
A standard feature, and most cars are based on the same standard.
>* Decent sound quality output
I have found they have good sound output. Especially for playing MP3's. They also extensive audio controls and EQ capabilities so you can really tune the sound compared to most factory units of "Bass/Treble".
>* Good radio reception (does the US have an equivalent to DAB?) ... I'm willing to use an external FM module if that ends up being the highest quality option. App support is included in the word "good" here. And as likely figured out, I'm in the U.S.
Some say the AM/FM is more sensitive than their factory radio was. I find it to be about equal in my case.
>* Some SIMPLE form of external storage (SD card is fine, USB HD is fine, I even have a spare 60GB SSD with built-in USB port since I just rebuilt my PC)
Most units have a couple of SD card slots that can use whatever SD card size you want. I have a 32GB and a 64GB in mine. They also support whatever USB sticks you want to use on their USB ports. They maybe do not work with USB hard drives from what I have read, you would beed to research further.
>* Ability to tether to my WiFi hotspot (currently it would be a Nexus 5 phone) OR Bluetooth data connection (but I've found BT data sharing to be less well supported).
Most all support wifi tethering, but they do not support bluetooth tethering because the bluetooth is actually handled by a dedicated bluetooth card designed for audio/phone control.
>* Lollipop? I realize from searching there aren't any out there yet (pfft @ Parrot for nixing the aftermarket version of the RNB6) ... I'm not in a big rush to do the upgrade RIGHT NOW, if I can wait a few months to get a 5.x HU I will do that. Just need to know if such a model is known to be in the works?
Its a nice to have, but there are more 4.x devices in the world than their are 5.x and it will be supported for quite awhile. I am not sure what all it buys us anyway because 4.x is stable and 5.x new features really only apply to phones.
Basically, most all the current android head units are based on the same internal hardware designs, the and main differences are in the physical front panel layout of what buttons, or knobs, or if you want a dvd slot or not etc.. my recommendation is that you get one with the best options available right now which are a) quad core, b) 1024x600 screen res, c) 16GB internal flash storage. Other than those specs its all down to the physical design of the units front panel for the most part.
I chose the carjoying unit shown in this topic because I thought it was the best choice of front panel design(no dvd slot to waste screen space, at least one knob and not all touch(yuck), etc)... to fit in my standard double din auto.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...oying-rk3188-rk3066-2-din-head-units-t3193170

nixfu said:
{snip}
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the response

nixfu said:
>community-supported ROMs
Yes, most of us are using the custom ROMs made by Malaysk.
>2GB RAM is highly desired.
They are all 1GB devices and use nearly the same integrated CPU/RAM chipsets right now. I am pretty sure that we will see 2GB devices eventually but all of them right now are 1GB. But frankly for everything you need to do on these units 1GB is fine, just like it is for most android tablets. And the quad core devices are very responsive and snappy, going from dual core to quad core makes more of a performance difference in experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Newsmy units (NU3001, NU5002, etc) have 2GB of RAM and we were able to get the source for one of the ROM versions and developed a custom ROM from the source
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...4-4-2-kitkat-head-unit-newsmy-carpad-t2865525

Are there any units that have two camera inputs for rear and front camera?

So I finally found a car ... ended up buying a 2006 Toyota Sienna Limited with less than 50K miules (insert long rant about flying across country to pick up a 2013 Rav4 only to find the dealer mis-advertised and accepted payment for the wrong trim level).
After a lot of contemplation, and realizing I want to be able to do a mirrored set up in my camper-van (a giant E350 diesel) ... I've changed gears and am sifting through how-to's on doing a 7" tablet with a plain amp, joyconn controller for the steering wheel controls, and magnetic mounts so that I can swap my tablet from 1 vehicle to another.
But thanks for all of the input on my newbie questions.
I think I'm actually taking on a significantly harder project if I'm really going to do it right ... but being able to take my tablet with me and put it in 2 different vehicles (maybe 3 if my wife decides to let me do the same rigging to her Rogue) along with keeping up with latest versions of Android will keep me happier in the long run.
HOWEVER, this is the spot I could still be convinced on ... does anyone know of a hot-swappable double din system? If I could yank the whole thing out I might go back to a full headend and just not worry about carrying it around outside of those 2 vehicles. I did some searching but I'm guessing due to the added size required for rail hardware this probably doesn't exist.

Great questions and fantastic answers. Thank you!

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

Guidance for Android Head Unit

I currently have a Kenwood KVT614 head unit that I hate with a passion. I can't stand the useless screen (without apps it really serves no purpose), the navigation software and about everything.
As a result I am considering switching the head unit out and I love the idea of something running android.
My car is an electric car and it only has a single DIN slot, so I am somewhat constrained in my choices.
Ideally I am looking for an android head unit that covers the following:
- Can run android apps, e.g. navigation (both offline and online via the phone)
- Tethering - I read that some headunits have issues with Bluetooth tethering which is obviously much better for phone battery
- Having an electric car, I actually want the headunit to turn OFF (not sleep) when the car is off
- Screen size: not too big - probably 6-7 inches or I saw some "very wide" widescreens at 8.8 inches that would fit well
- I also like the idea of screen mirroring or android auto (and carplay) working but I would very much prefer for this to work via wireless (not some stupid cable)
- power consumption would ideally be as little as possible with this being in an electric car ...
Does anyone have any recommendations?
I have been looking at some of Joying units, since they seem to be the most modern android head units with 4GB RAM, 32 or 64GB storage and running Android 8.0 or 8.1 …
Would love to get some feedback.

And how do I determine whether a head unit is a MTCB or MTCD, or whatever?
Is there a database or list somewhere? Does this no longer apply to new headunits?

It's too bad there is no sticky or wiki with recommendations and some guides.
Once you know your board (MTCx) there is some decent info, but for someone looking for a single DIN headunit there current forum setup is pretty useless.

No one helps here much.

The new joying intel based units have a new dsp chip that will blow everything out of the water in android platforms. I ordered on last week. Will be doing a review on it by next weekend hopefully

Trouble searching for headunit for ford

I am currently looking for a headunit for my ford transit, but I have trouble finding the perfect one, I have found a couple but uncertain if they're any good(see links).
I would like to be able to add 360 bird view.
Decent sound, will properly add an active subwoofer later on
wireless android auto
smooth OS
nice to have: Dab & 4g
one that might work
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004902344873.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
this is the original headunit: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KRQalanxDLk/hqdefault.jpg
Car: Ford transit V363 2018
Would be nice if someone to give some pointers for what to look for, or any pointers have to search for more good options.

Hallo, how about taking an excellent processor UIS7862 on the FYT platform, from manufacturers such as EKIY, preferably 6-8 GB of ram(T7 6G 128G-B, T7 8G 128G-B) , if you want 360 cameras, the function is optional for some types, you better write to the seller first. For Dab+, you have to buy an adapter and stick the antenna on the glass, or you can buy a hub for the existing antenna. It has 4.1 coaxial and optical output, so if you have this connection option, the subwoofer should work. Android auto is built in, but it's only by wire, but with such a powerful inclusion of AA I consider it unnecessary, but that's a matter of opinion. Internet wifi + 4g. You can find everything it can do on the device page, direct any questions to the seller:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005123491195.html
Dab+
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832747015924.html
3D 360 camera:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832806473556.html
Why FYT? It is an open system with the possibility of various adjustments and modifications, if you are just a basic user, then ignore the following information and leave the device as it is:
General FYT založené Spreadtrum uis7862:
General FYT based Spreadtrum uis7862(s) (unisoc ums512) & uis8581a (sc9863) - Q&A, Mods, tips, firmware
Last revised: 07 June 2023 (reason: added info for the uis8581a) This thread tries to be a "one fits all" thread about FYT based Spreadtrum Unisoc uis7862(s) (Unisoc ums512) and uis8581a (sc9863) head units and its software, modded or not. The...
forum.xda-developers.com
Software Development Modded syu.ms.apk:
Modded syu.ms.apk
Hi all. This syu.ms.apk mod main function is to extend control of steering wheel controls plus some extra. It is two part mod : - factory com.syu.ms.apk must be replaced with this modded syu.ms.apk - easiest way is to use lsec mathod . If...
forum.xda-developers.com
Software Development [KERNEL] FYT 7862(a/s) kernel MD-EDITION with FMC:
[KERNEL] FYT 7862 and 8581 kernel MD-EDITION with FMC
Hi community I'm happy to introduce Kernel MD-EDITION for FYT 7862 units. This firmware is built into the latest kernel released on 2022-12-09. Internal mods: Improved SPRD parameters to use more GPU to render instead of consuming CPU for...
forum.xda-developers.com

Hey thanks for the awesome reply, how do you see if a unit uses the UIS7862 Processor? since I cannot see that in the description.
Is there no with wireless android auto?

T7 should have UIS7862 FYT, if you want to be sure, write to the seller. As far as I know, the android car can do 5g wifi wirelessly, but I haven't found a suitable device for the Transit.

Okay thanks, the one you sent looks promising is the resolution nice? and I see it's only Android 10 and not 12, is that an issue for a head unit?

Blu-ray QLED 1280x720 is good, but everyone can have a different opinion. I don't see any problem with android 10, on the contrary they don't lie like other sellers who offer android 11 and it's fake, it's actually android 10.

My car has built in parking sensors from the factory, they work through Can-bus.
Would these work for the android headunit?

I don't know how they have a well-made canbus for the Transit, I recommend taking a photo of the cable harness and the connector you have in the car and writing a question and requirements to the seller. I can't advise you in this case.

Hey Pavel, I am a little confused isn't the T900 the same as the one you sent?
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004922549850.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.5ed24ae4XI0i9P&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
The T900 is from EKIY Autoradio Store and only 7 day delivery

EKIY has more stores, it should be the same, only it is under a different label and is photographed with a different launcher, choose the store that suits you better, especially check with the seller if it really has the UIS7862 FYT and if the power cable with canbus adapter, and if it also supports 360 cameras. You can install whatever launcher you want, you can find it here:
7862/8581 FYT Factory by Mario Dantas

Okay thanks for all the feedback, The only thing I am missing is one with volume knob but I think I can forget about that
How's the sound quality from them? are they good enough or should I invest in a external DSP?

You can put an external volume control. The device has a DSP, there is a wide range of settings, the quality should be good, there are different opinions about the sound quality of these units, everyone has a different idea about the sound quality. Buying Chinese units is always risky, I am not a seller to guarantee that everything will work perfectly, such questions are unnecessary. You have to decide for yourself if you want to go for it.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32991722079.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000023.7.651e7d05faF6jw