Car 'Infotainment' options

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Car 'Infotainment' options

SomePostman

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# 181276 8-Oct-2015 20:25

Hi all,
I was looking to replace the double DIN sized unit on my car with something that did SatNav, backing camera, bluetooth (hand free calling and play music) etc

It seems like I have three options:

1) Proprietary systems - JVC, Pioneer etc. I have no idea what OS they are and I doubt they are configurable or can add applications etc
2) Cheap Chinese Android - seems tempting, being an Android fan... and especially at the prices you can get them. But unless someone can say that they have had success with a particular unit I'd be very nervous
3) Android Auto - seems like the first few models are coming out and I have no idea if it's good (or worth the price)

One thing to consider is that I don't really want to be using mobile data too often, or at all... it's just too damn expensive.

Has anyone got any experiences ore recommendations?

I'm actually a little surprised at how little information and discussion there is on this topic.

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# 1402688 8-Oct-2015 20:40

I was looking at this a little while ago. See this thread.

The point I got to was that you _might_ get a really good deal out of China, but there was really no guarantee it would all work properly. Even if one particular brand of head unit worked okay for someone, there was no guarantee that the particular unit you ended up with wouldn't have some kind of defect. And I couldn't justify the cost for a decent unit for an ageing car. I basically wrote it off as all too hard, and ended up with separate devices (DVD player for the kids on long journeys, phone cradle, GPS unit etc.) rather than an all-in-one.

iCarus, based on the raspberry pi was very tempting, but the boot time is always going to be a bit of a problem.

SomePostman

82 posts

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# 1402712 8-Oct-2015 21:29

I've bought some cheap Chinese things from Aliexpress that I've been thrilled about ... and others that you just simply hold and say "oh no wonder it was so damn cheap".

But in saying that, I'm so tempted to get a cheap chinese android unit. Would it run Google maps if you downloaded the local map? Anyone have any specific model experiences?

reven

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# 1402716 8-Oct-2015 21:35

I was looking at this, but the price and running android 4.4 put me off, for that price I would want android 5 at least. I think they're nearly there, and hoping android auto gets it there, but dont really like the idea of having to plug in my phone to use it, I just want to jump into my car and not pull my phone out of my pocket, or to simple throw in down somewhere (wireless charging or something), plugin things in is annoying IMO.

SomePostman

82 posts

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# 1402785 8-Oct-2015 23:03

I couldn't see any prices on that site...what was that unit worth? It doesn't bother me that it's running kitkat, the best thing about lollipop to me was the notifications and that's kind of irrelevant. So is material design when it'll look totally custom.

SomePostman

82 posts

Master Geek

# 1403281 9-Oct-2015 22:48

Does anyone know if any of these options have voice commands available? like for dialing or composing a text message?

Can they read out incoming text messages?

Maybe I'm wanting too much... it just seems like it should be very doable!

Handsomedan

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# 1404191 12-Oct-2015 10:58

Nakimichi do some reasonably priced systems, which run a proprietary OS.

All the things you've asked for with the exception of adding apps...

I have a low-end Double DIN Nakimichi and think it's an excellent unit. Does all except GPS, which is why it's the cheaper version.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.

Dingbatt

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# 1404302 12-Oct-2015 13:18

Ive seen a Christchurch based outfit called oemaudio advertising on TV (www.oemaudio.co.nz) that have a wide range of both specialised and generic head units for different makes and models. They seem to be similar to the Chinese ones however you would expect everything to be in English and have an NZ warranty etc. Unfortunately their website doesn't have any pricing.

I am looking for something as well, unfortunately my Nissan has all the climate controls integrated with the OEM sound system and there is nothing on the market that is a remove and replace option.

Areas of Geek interest: Home Theatre, HTPC, Android Tablets & Phones, iProducts.

Kyanar

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# 1404550 12-Oct-2015 18:10

Dingbatt:
I am looking for something as well, unfortunately my Nissan has all the climate controls integrated with the OEM sound system and there is nothing on the market that is a remove and replace option.

Have you checked into the Alpine "Car Fit" options? They even have VE Commodore Series II head unit replacements (the only ones on the market).

mdf

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# 1404597 12-Oct-2015 19:30

New repco mailer today (doesn't seem to be online on repco's super-ultra-modern website). Philips double DIN head unit with reversing camera for $439 - at that sort of price it won't be top of the line, but is pretty competitive with what you'll pay to get something direct out of China. And buying from NZ, you know it will at least be in English and have CGA backing.

The catalogue doesn't have the full specs, but if I'm reading the model number right its this one.

This is in Wellington if repco prices things differently around the country.

SomePostman

82 posts

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# 1404599 12-Oct-2015 19:36

I'll ask that oemaudio place for pricing and I'll look for that repco mailer to see what they have.

I am still very tempted to get a unit out of China - you guys do know that Aliexpress.com withholds payment until you say you have received the item and are happy with it? If it wasn't in english or terrible quality, just lodge a complaint and they won't get paid until they resolve it.

Thanks all for your thoughts!

MrMistofeles

56 posts

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# 1408564 18-Oct-2015 12:55

Ive been looking at the chinese units too. If you end up going for one I'd be keen to hear how you get on.

SomePostman

82 posts

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# 1410500 21-Oct-2015 14:19

Quick update - I ordered this Joying unit. Hopefully I don't live to regret going the generic Chinese option. I'll post pictures and thoughts when I've got it installed.

reven

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# 1410535 21-Oct-2015 15:26

SomePostman: Quick update - I ordered this Joying unit. Hopefully I don't live to regret going the generic Chinese option. I'll post pictures and thoughts when I've got it installed.

Will you install yourself or get someone to do it?

linw

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# 1410719 21-Oct-2015 21:03

Looks good. Look forward to your follow-up.

richms

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# 1410728 21-Oct-2015 21:15

One person supports this post

mdf: New repco mailer today (doesn't seem to be online on repco's super-ultra-modern website). .

Its like they dont want to sell people anything. I have spent sooooo much with supercheap because of that craphouse website. And supercheaps aint all that good either.

Richard rich.ms

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