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??
I installed two different models of Joyings newest PX5-based head units. Both are the 7 inch screen 4GB RAM / 32GB flash double DIN model with flat buttons on the left edge.
Please note that as of May 2018, there appear to be multiple new 4GB / 32GB Joying head units have different internal hardware and are not compatible with each other or with the PX5 2GB Joying head units.
JY-UM128N4PX5 is a QD unit
JY-UO128P4 appears to be an FYT unit
Buyer beware. My recommendation is AVOID the QD based units and seek out the FYT units.
See below for more details.
The following information is for JY-UM128N4PX5. Further down the page is information for JY-UO128P4.
=============== JY-UM128N4PX5 =================
Came with Android 8.0.0 installed.
APP Version TP6735 0.0.65
MCU Version TP6735 4.40
Kernel Version 4.4.103
Master password:126
Password for changing logo:0000
Password for changing UI:8086
So far I have noticed the following:
The unit does not trigger the amplifier turn on signal wire - the orange and black wire labeled AMP-CONT always measures zero volts on my voltmeter. Workaround is to use either the antenna signal wire, or the ACC power signal wire, to turn on your amp. Joying is aware of this issue.
Sleep does not work. The unit shuts down completely about one minute after you turn off the vehicle's ignition. It doesn't sleep and then come back on instantly like my Intel-based Joying unit. Boot time is about 20 seconds. Joying support now says that sleep is not supported on the QD units.
I cannot find the radio settings in the new radio app. You used to be able to slide the bar at the bottom of the radio app to get to settings. Now in Android 8, there are a couple of radio settings that have been moved to the main android setup dialog.
Some of the functionality of the former car settings app has been moved to the android settings dialog. But not everything is there - for example this is where I was looking for the ability to tell the unit to toggle the amplifier signal wire. I could not find any such setting.
AM radio reception is non-existent - static on all AM channels.
FM reception is good, but I cannot figure out how to get the FM Radio to enable display of song and station information - this used to be under RDS settings, which no longer exist.
Bluetooth calling works fine. Seems more stable than my older Intel-based unit.
Sound quality is good - I am using an external amplifier.
The logo set up is missing Porsche and Saab Logos. My Intel-based Joying unit had these. Easy enough to load my own custom logo.
The unit ships with Joying's "Launcher3" selected. On the home screen, the labels of the bottom row of icons are cut off. The screenshots on Joying's website show the same thing. The joying2 launcher is missing.
If you reflash the unit, the vertical keypad on the left side of the unit gets un-mapped and stops working. Fix is to go into car settings and remap it.
========================= JY-UO128P4 ==================
Android Version 8.0.0
Build Number px5-userdebug 8.0.0 OPR5.170623.007
System Info APP 1024x600 2018-04-27 21:42:36
MCU Version 2018-01-23 10:59:33 JY_(R68)_R-86C-096I-NC-NP-1.0-P12S
Passwords:
Factory settings: 3368
Developer Options: 3368
Reset: 3368
Password for changing Launcher:8086
Password for changing screen current:
So far I have noticed the following:
The software on the JY-UO128P4 is very close to that of my older Joying Intel based system.
The developer has replaced all of the system settings screens native to android with their own settings screens. Not super cool. All of the car settings and android system setting are now intermingled.
Upon unboxing, the JY-UO128P4 has only a single Wifi antenna wheras the JY-UM128N4PX5 had two (diversity) wifi antennas. I have not tried to compare reception differences.
The amplifier turn on signal now works as expected (AMP-CONT wire correctly signals 12V when unit is active)
Sleep works as expected
AM radio reception works weakly.
The FM radio application works as expected. Radio app settings are accessed within the radio app. It's possible to enable RDS for song and station ID within the radio app.
All of the joying launchers are available - I prefer launcher 02 and it's available on this unit.
Many more car logos are available on the system. Porsche logo was built-in.
The only things I've noticed so far that are worse with the JY-UO128P4 than the JY-UM128N4PX5
The unit suffers from the android 8.0 bug on Joying where all of your google contacts are deleted if you allow your account on the head unit to sync contacts with google.
As noted above - the native android settings panels are all removed.
The app for setting the color of the buttons on the side panel is limited to pre-determined solid colors - yellow, white, red green etc. On the JY-UM128N4PX5 you could select and set any RGB color, which made it possible to match the button illumination to your other dashboard lights.
As I learn more, I will post more.
ddruker said:
I just installed Joying's newest PX5 head unit. It's the 4GB model.
It came with Android 8.0.0 installed.
APP Version TP6735 0.0.65
MCU Version TP6735 4.40
Kernel Version 4.4.103
So far I have noticed the following problems:
The unit does not trigger the amplifier turn on signal wire - the orange and black wire labeled AMP-CONT always measures zero volts on my voltmeter. Workaround is to use either the antenna signal wire, or the ACC power signal wire, to turn on your amp. I found another post of someone else who had this same issue.
I cannot find most of the passwords needed to set up the unit. The master password is 126 - I found that by watching a joying video. But I cannot find the second level passwords for changing the logo, changing the launcher, etc. Anyone have the other passwords?
The utility to change the color of the buttons on the left side of the unit works, but the buttons do not illuminate one the unit is booted.
I cannot find the radio settings in the new radio app. You used to be able to slide the bar at the bottom of the radio app to get to settings. Now in Android 8, there are a couple of radio settings that have been moved to the main android setup dialog - but for example I cannot find a setting to turn on the functionality to identify song and station names.
Some of the functionality of the former car settings app has been moved to the android settings dialog. But not everything is there - for example this is where I was looking for the ability to tell the unit to toggle the amplifier signal wire. I could not find any such setting.
I cannot figure out how to change the launcher - with the default launcher the lower row of app icons is only half visible on the screen.
Who else has a new Joying Android 8 unit - what else are you seeing? Has anyone found solutions to the items above?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had several back and forth emails with Joying support in the last couple of days.
They are trying to find the passwords for their new units under Android 8. Support didn't know. They had me try 00000 and 123456, neither of which worked. I told them the main password is 126 - they didn't know this either. I still need passwords for all of the second level settings - change the launcher, change the logo, see if there are more developer options for car config, etc.
They are apparently aware that the AMP-CONT lead to turn on the external amplifier does not work. They recommend connecting the accessory wire from your vehicle to the amp signaling wire instead, so the amp will turn on when you turn your key to the accessory or on position, bypassing the head unit.
They acknowledge there are no detailed settings available for the radio under Android 8 in the radio app. So there is no way to turn on station or channel ID for US customers.
I also let them know about another radio issue - FM Radio reception is normal, but AM reception is awful to non-existent.
Google maps is ok, directions from Google maps are mixing with other audio ok.
Feels like Android 8 on the new Joying 4GB units isn't quite ready for prime time yet... Has anyone tried to upgrade a 2GB Android 6 unit to Android 8 now that the Android 8 files are on Joying's website? Do you see the same behaviors, or am I seeing hardware issue with the brand new 4GB units? I suspect it's all software, but would be nice to know.
ddruker said:
Feels like Android 8 on the new Joying 4GB units isn't quite ready for prime time yet... Has anyone tried to upgrade a 2GB Android 6 unit to Android 8 now that the Android 8 files are on Joying's website? Do you see the same behaviors, or am I seeing hardware issue with the brand new 4GB units? I suspect it's all software, but would be nice to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2GB units are not compatible with the 4GB units. They need different hardware drivers and different MCU firmware as the firmware in the 2GB units is from FYT. I forgot the manufacturer of the 4 GB units but @gtxaspec knows.
There is no downloadable firmware yet for the 2GB units.
hi, i've the same unit and the password was noted into the user manual, it's 3368.
If you buy Joying android 8.0 unit the SKU like:JY-UO135N4PX5 or JY-UOS03N4PX5,password as below:
Master password:126
Password for changing logo:0000
Password for changing UI:8086
TomTom
It seams to be so hard. Again an Android HU, where TomTom navigation does not work. It let's me download the maps, but after that it crashes every time I try to load the application.
I can confirm these passwords are correct:
Master password:126
Password for changing logo:0000
Password for changing UI:8086
Other findings so far:
The illuminated buttons do work - they sometimes take a few seconds to come on after your illumination wire signals with 12V.
The logo selection with this new unit does not include Porsche or Saab. You can still upload your own custom logos.
I updated the unit to the latest (2018-4-20) release on the Joying website which is supposed to include optimizations and Zlink and my unit is now hanging at the Android text logo (right after the animated Android logo). I sent a note to Joying support for help and will also wait for a few hours to see if it comes back to life.
ddruker said:
I can confirm these passwords are correct:
I updated the unit to the latest (2018-4-20) release on the Joying website which is supposed to include optimizations and Zlink and my unit is now hanging at the Android text logo (right after the animated Android logo). I sent a note to Joying support for help and will also wait for a few hours to see if it comes back to life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same happened to me
After writing about 25 emails with Joying support I had to reflash the whole system ... loosing all my data.
For now I am really not going to try any more updates from Joying with this unit.
Really hoping for a Custom Rom & Root for this unit.
I have one of these as well. Any one find where the setting is to make the sleep mode last longer(2hrs) before it full shuts down? it seems to be locked on 30sec currently. Also it wont pair with my OBDlinkMX BT dongle. in the older MTCD units, making the BT password 1234 let you do it, but not here. anyone have any luck with BT OBD dongle pairing?
I was really leaning towards getting this unit but have been holding off because I wish it had Bluetooth 5.0, maybe I should wait a little longer since it seems to have a fair amount of bugs. I know a lot of people are happy with the Xtron since it has all the best features I just really prefer to have the buttons on the left like this unit has. Looking forward to seeing if you guys can get this squared away
peregrines said:
The same happened to me
After writing about 25 emails with Joying support I had to reflash the whole system ... loosing all my data.
For now I am really not going to try any more updates from Joying with this unit.
Really hoping for a Custom Rom & Root for this unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to get my unit working again by reflashing. It took about 10 tries with three different USB cards but it finally worked. Joying support provided a file that included a system image and a Window-based chinese language USB card writing programs, along with a word document with instructions. You build the USB drive and then plug it into the left hand USB connector, and click the reset button on the front of the unit. It loads, then tells you to remove the USB drive, and then if you are very lucky it will reboot into Android.
After re-flashing, the vertical keyboard on the left side of the unit did not work. Turned out the mappings had been erased. Fix is to remap the keys - there is an option in car settings.
Current issues still present in the unit seem to be:
Unit shuts off entirely after 30-60 seconds instead of sleeping when you turn off the vehicle. My intel-based unit sleeps for several days.
No AM radio reception - static on all channels.
No way to turn on song or station identification in the radio settings for FM.
AMP-cont signal wire does not work. I've worked around by wiring my accessory wire directly to my amp's signaling wire.
Have not tried Torque and Bluetooth ODBII reader pairing yet - on my list for this weekend.
So, it's not just me...
I purchased a JY-UM135N2PX5 (PX5 2G/16G) with Android 6.0 mid to late March.
I had it on my bench through April, testing and configuring it prior to install.
After trading emails with Joying tech support, I was sent an Android 8.0 update to address a Zlink/iPhone issue.
I started my install in the car today, and discovered "no sound". I guessed that the AMP-CONT wasn't turning on the OEM amplifier. I rechecked the cables, which checked out just fine. Tried a Joying JY-UM135N2 (Intel Sofia 2G/32G Android 6) on the same harness, and it functioned as expected (turned the OEM amplifier on and had sound). I took them both back to my bench and noticed that the "AMP-CONT" on the PX5 unit did not appear to have 12V on it, while the Sofia unit did.
I did not leave the non-functional PX5 unit in the car long enough to see any other issues.
I am curious if I were to revert back to Android 6 on the PX5 unit, if it would fix the AMP-CONT issue (at the cost of breaking the Zlink/iPhone functionality)
ddruker said:
I was able to get my unit working again by reflashing. It took about 10 tries with three different USB cards but it finally worked. Joying support provided a file that included a system image and a Window-based chinese language USB card writing programs, along with a word document with instructions. You build the USB drive and then plug it into the left hand USB connector, and click the reset button on the front of the unit. It loads, then tells you to remove the USB drive, and then if you are very lucky it will reboot into Android.
After re-flashing, the vertical keyboard on the left side of the unit did not work. Turned out the mappings had been erased. Fix is to remap the keys - there is an option in car settings.
Current issues still present in the unit seem to be:
Unit shuts off entirely after 30-60 seconds instead of sleeping when you turn off the vehicle. My intel-based unit sleeps for several days.
Poor AM radio reception
No way to turn on song or station identification in the radio settings.
AMP-cont signal wire does not work. I've worked around by wiring my accessory wire directly to my amp's signaling wire.
Have not tried Torque and Bluetooth ODBII reader pairing yet - on my list for this weekend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be so kind as to share those files with us? This would be a good starting point for further testing and research. Simply upload to a hoster like mega.
z0rn said:
Would you be so kind as to share those files with us? This would be a good starting point for further testing and research. Simply upload to a hoster like mega.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link to the zip file from Joying with the firmware image for reflashing, their USB drive utility, and instructions...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=13HXHRRfuduhIYV41pjQlvsJ0o3xesNBC
Here is the reply I got from Joying support this morning in regards to the open defects I am tracking with the unit. I suspect that all of this will get fixed in subsequent software releases, it's relatively obvious stuff. Can anyone confirm if these same issues exist in the Android 8 builds on Joying's 2GB PX5 head units, or are these unique to the newest 4GB units?
Dear friend,
Please noted :
1) sorry that your system is different with Intel head unit , it do not have fast boot feature . so it will completely off .
2) for the AM receptions is bad , you need to set the proper time and zone . also the radio area choice .
3) sorry, the head unit you purchased do not have the RDS setting .
4) for the am-cont not voltage , please connect the ACC (red wire ) to your amplifier wire . then can offer 12V .
Hope your noted .
Candy
ddruker said:
Here is the reply I got from Joying support this morning in regards to the open defects I am tracking with the unit. I suspect that all of this will get fixed in subsequent software releases, it's relatively obvious stuff. Can anyone confirm if these same issues exist in the Android 8 builds on Joying's 2GB PX5 head units, or are these unique to the newest 4GB units?
Dear friend,
Please noted :
1) sorry that your system is different with Intel head unit , it do not have fast boot feature . so it will completely off .
2) for the AM receptions is bad , you need to set the proper time and zone . also the radio area choice .
3) sorry, the head unit you purchased do not have the RDS setting .
4) for the am-cont not voltage , please connect the ACC (red wire ) to your amplifier wire . then can offer 12V .
Hope your noted .
Candy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they serious? I would suggest to try the Malaysk Rom, i guess your units are MTCD and MTCE devices so maybe this rom would support the missing software like rds and the other hardware not supported by Joying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvgrcn_As8
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...-malaysk-roms-px5-2-4-gb-8-0-android-t3762724
Good luck!
Flemischguy said:
Are they serious? I would suggest to try the Malaysk Rom, i guess your units are MTCD and MTCE devices so maybe this rom would support the missing software like rds and the other hardware not supported by Joying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These units are NOT MTCD/E. Do not use the Malaysk ROM.
---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 PM ----------
ddruker said:
Here is the reply I got from Joying support this morning in regards to the open defects I am tracking with the unit. I suspect that all of this will get fixed in subsequent software releases, it's relatively obvious stuff. Can anyone confirm if these same issues exist in the Android 8 builds on Joying's 2GB PX5 head units, or are these unique to the newest 4GB units?
Dear friend,
Please noted :
1) sorry that your system is different with Intel head unit , it do not have fast boot feature . so it will completely off .
2) for the AM receptions is bad , you need to set the proper time and zone . also the radio area choice .
3) sorry, the head unit you purchased do not have the RDS setting .
4) for the am-cont not voltage , please connect the ACC (red wire ) to your amplifier wire . then can offer 12V .
Hope your noted .
Candy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a 2GB Android version 8.0.0 unit, but my unit is a FYT based unit like the Sofia 3GRs, unlike yours which is a QD unit.
Mine does have fast-boot as my unit is a FYT based unit, using the same hardware/SOM as the Sogia 3GR intel units.
I never used AM-reception. I wouldn't know, but I know from previous users on Sofia 3GR that they also complained about the AM reception
Which RDS-setting? This is so confusing and so not concrete. RDS is a complete set of functions. The syu/FYT based software on the FYT based units support RDS-PS, RDS-PTY and RDS-TA/TP. The latest firmware versions on FYT units (Sofia 3GR and my PX5) also support RDS-RT. They do not support RDS-AF. They implemented "something" like AF. If you use that option it does not select the Alternate Frequency of your radio station, it selects the strongest signal it can find of any station. Note that it is the software. The radio chips in all these units support the complete RDS set of functions.
Don't know about the the amp-cont wire.
You ask about and mention AM and about RDS. I hope you know that RDS can only be used on the FM signal. RDS is not available for AM.
Help
Heres a link I need help to identify my android head unit
https://app.box.com/s/o90d0lnjrqqlek5w1q6lekaj5dgsa20y
Traww said:
Heres a link I need help to identify my android head unit
https://app.box.com/s/o90d0lnjrqqlek5w1q6lekaj5dgsa20y
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have an Allwinner T3 chipset in your unit.
Do not use a Joying thread to ask a completely off-topic question.
I've received the same unit, facing the same issues as the OP.
Also the localisation in my language is quite poor.
surfer63 said:
These units are NOT MTCD/E. Do not use the Malaysk ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've bought this unit in the hope that it would be compatible with custom ROMs.
Are you saying that the unit MCU is almost unknown and that no custom ROM would be available in the near future?
Hi All,
I'm looking for advice. I want to fit android head-unit into my BMW e90. Looking at what is available on the market I think that there is nothing that would do all I need. Basically:
Joying JY-UOS03N4 - System looks most up to date spec-wise, it looks like the DSP provides very good control of the audio output, I like the detachable screen as I could place the LCD higher on the dash (with a custom mount). Issues: No support for BMW Canbus (Parking sensors chimes, parking sensors display, canbus data display)
Eonon GA9165 - Should nicely integrate into the the car, has physical buttons and full BMW canbus support. Issues: Software looks dated, no clear mention of support for android auto, poor sound output control (equaliser with 4 presents that's all, no mention of high/low pass filters for the sub etc.)
Xtrons PB7890BP - Not sure of anything on this unit.
Ideally I would like to get the Joying unit working with Canbus adapter from Eonon (can be purchased separately). So I have few questions:
- Does anyone know what signalling those adapters use? Is that somethign like usb/serial or just outputs resistive values like on normal car stereo?
- How difficult would it be to extract software (that displays the stats, parking sensors etc) from Eonon and put it into Joying unit?
- Is it worth a hassle? Any other ideas?
Thanks
GA9165B owner
I have a Hifi system, and I also only use the High quality options from Google play or streaming.
I very much think this unit puts out well left alone. There are lots of hidden menus in the head unit. And I think there is a sub output control buried in there with all the AVI controls.
I just want to go to Android 9 and ditch the locked Widget screen and expand the volume control option submenus.
The bigges setback is the system doesnt let you one aspect of sound its all or nothing single slide flat control, audio gets interrupted by unpleasent notifications and is unsettling.
Hello,
I installed the FunRover Android 8.1 Intel Airmont eight-core 1.8GHz SC9853i (4GB RAM, 64GB flash) on my Skoda Octavia 2 FL RS (2010).
I would like to provide an intial feedback to all who might consider this headunit and ask some questions regarding setup of some Android headunit features.
Links to setup:
Headunit: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...ml?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.2.20b456d00mOBJe
DVR Camera: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HD-...ml?spm=2114.12010108.1000023.7.35b11b8d1Fd2HV
1) Installation:
Pro:
- plug and play - no extra adapters needed
- direct integration with can for vehicle information like: door open, car sensors, steering wheel controls, AC info
- good fit
Cons:
- held in place only by the frame's plastic pins
- it provides a single USB, the second one has an AUX cable plug that is fit if you have the original oem usb cable, so make sure you have it or buy the proper aux to USB cable if you need two USB ports
2) Look and Feel:
Pro:
- good design
- pleasant touch feel
- somewhat responsive
Cons:
- the screen seems to be of less than high end quality: left side touchscreen buttons section seems slightly detached from the frame (1-2 mm) and moves when pressed
- the screen is not IPS... the seller added a note on the site that you need to ask specifically for IPS screen....
- glass protector and screen reflect strongly in daylight so it is not ideal
- the silver frame has a gold tint so it does not match the silver dashboard tint from the car perfectly
- touch buttons do not respond always - you find yourself having to push twice for a response
3) Hardware & related features:
Pro:
- specs seem enough for anything you may need
- built-in 4G modem
- good GPS signal
Cons:
- intel / platfrom heats like crazy - average CPU temp is 80C - screen gets hot because of this
- only one 4G antenna - but stil OK signal
- extremely poor WiFi signal (phone has full wifi from router and the headunit has maybe half or even losing signal)
- 4G modem has poor speed, maybe you get 300KB download speed over 4G
- hardware has poor screening for interference: radio has a "buzz"; even with all audio stopped you get a hum in the speakers
- sound is poor compared to a high / mid radio: I had the Skoda Bolero unit and the sound is twice as good; after some EQ tweaks I was able to get a decent sound quality, but you will need an external amp if you want mid/high sound quality
- screen is reflective; maybe if you ask for the IPS version it will be better
- bluetooth seems to disconnect when on a bumpy road... so I'm putting this on HW; must test more
4) Software:
Pro:
- stable up to now
- quick cold boot (compared to an Ownice500 I had)
- sleep option makes almost instant boot, but I am worried of battery drain so I turned it off as you can't configure a max sleep time before complete shutdown (as you can on other headunits)
- reverse supports steering direction via can (the lines move when turning the steering wheel); also standard OEM parking sensors are supported
- support for vehicle info
- you can update the DVR app to gain some virtual adas features
Cons:
- the worst UI I saw, heavily restricted regarding customization - however I noticed the same is on Joying Intel units
- limited OS options compared to other Android Headunits, but sufficient for non Android geeks
- Radio app does not scale when used in split screen
- widgets from newly installed apps only show up after restart
- no manuals or detailed OS / SW options explained. You have an operational instructions app, but the descriptions are basic.
- reverse cam is not instant - has a 5s delay for app up
- the screen brightness can be controlled from the headlights setting or "time" - but the time can't be configured and is not synchronized with the sunset information from google maps for example
- minimum screen brightness can be too high for some people
- volume control is not separate for notifications etc. it's just one volume slider; you can configure some sound ratios between media, navigation , bluetooth, but that's it.... compared to ownice where you could configure nav / bluetooth / etc volume on the fly
- does not integrate with the car bluetooth module for audio output... but I guess it's too much to ask
- major issue with sound volume: seems related to using the steering wheel volume up/down - results in volume going to max or min randomly and using any button (screen, physical or steering wheel) only slows it down, but it's like it keeps getting the command to do volume up or down in paralel to any additional input you may do. You gain control after 10-30s if you keep pushing the mute / volume up/down on the steering wheel, however it is DANGEROUS (especially when it goes to MAX volume) because it can blow your speakers or scare the hell out of you / maybe cause an accident when it happens during driving.
5) External accessories:
5.1) FunRover DVR cam:
Pro:
- good viewing angle (170)
- plug and play
- DVR app works out of the box; starts automatically on boot and records 2 min time loop while overwriting oldest files
Cons:
- extremely limited DVR app - basically NO options to configure
- no file management; can't access the MicroSD card files of the camera from the headunit file manager; only works in the DVR app but I can't find a way to move / share these over to a separate location - e.g. google drive
5.2) External MIC:
- non existent - even though the seller said they will send it as gift it was not in the package
5.3) Reverse camera:
- I did not install it yet; I will get another HD cam and make a comparison with the packaged one
Questions:
A) What UI/Launcher do you recommend for such platforms? Will it show the built in apps (e.g. radio) or will they have to be reinstalled?
B) How can I manage or move files from DVR to another location - e.g. on headunit storage? DVR has... Novatek chipset. Do you recommend another DVR app?
C) What widgets / apps do you recommend to use for displaying the CANBUS information? I will try realDash to see if it can take the canbus source...., however I was hoping to have something like a widget on the homescreen and not an app
D) Did anyone encounter the sound volume uncontrollable volume issue? I already disabled the "bluetooth absolute volume" with no change in behavior. Also none of the sound settings made a difference. It seems like somehow the signal from the steering wheel button is processed in a loop. From my current experience it seems to be a canbus decoder or HU software issue.
E) Did anyone manage to integrate such a headunit with the skoda bluetooth module for audio output?
You can ask me other questions about this headunit and I will answer / test.
Have fun!
Hi, I just bought the same radio, but for Mitsubishi ASX. My first impression is almost the same like yours. My main problem is external microphone - when I use bluetooth for call, only internal mic is working.. :/ (matter of adjustment??). also RDS on radio is almost invisible..
I am looking for this device, now its android 9.0, but not sure if still TFT and not IPS screen. @axicos do you know if they improved this unit?
My new funrover arrived. Looks beautiful, ips screen, android 9.0, 2 USB (with CarPlay) but I have some issue's:
- parking sensors activate screen info when switched on by button or reverse, but don't shows the distance
- a/c temp is 2°C below the select one on the controller
- car settings menu : I can't activate any option
My car it's sa 2013 Passat variant.