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Aftermarket Head Units - What's Coming?

I would assume that the Pioneer NEX units will be receiving Android Auto, but those are really bloated, expensive systems that do way more than I want, and almost all of them have resistive screens.
There is currently an Alpine CarPlay head unit that seems very nice, and has exactly what I would want (except it's CarPlay). I hope they make this sucker into an Android Auto head unit when it's available.
What would be even more awesome is if it enabled whatever system (CarPlay, Android Auto) based on what was plugged in, so you and your SO could have different phones.
Anyone know any other head units that may be on the way?

You might want to check out a chinese Android head unit. They aren't exactly android auto and have their drawbacks on both the hard- and software side but they are available to buy now and are often sold dirt cheap, compared to the prices established brands will probably charge for upcoming android auto devices

Parrot RNB
Check out the first description of the Parrot RNB posted over at the Connected Car forum here. Just announced at '15 CES. It is a double-DIN, Lollipop head unit that is compatible with both Apple and Android systems, gps, OBDII (!).
Here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2449005

I have a Kenwood ddx9902S and could not be happier.
dcdttu said:
I would assume that the Pioneer NEX units will be receiving Android Auto, but those are really bloated, expensive systems that do way more than I want, and almost all of them have resistive screens.
There is currently an Alpine CarPlay head unit that seems very nice, and has exactly what I would want (except it's CarPlay). I hope they make this sucker into an Android Auto head unit when it's available.
What would be even more awesome is if it enabled whatever system (CarPlay, Android Auto) based on what was plugged in, so you and your SO could have different phones.
Anyone know any other head units that may be on the way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

BPryde said:
I have a Kenwood ddx9902S and could not be happier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the 9702s and it had several issues. Ever since my phone updated to 6.0.1 (a Nexus 6P), the audio coming out of it (spotify or GPM) was very quiet. Nothing I did fixed it. Also, when using Android Auto, once an overlay sound (notification, Google Voice Search) happened, the audio would have this audible static in it during bassy notes, only fixed by rebooting the head unit.
I even got a replacement head unit and it had the same issues.
I ended up getting a Joying Android 4.4.4 head unit instead of Android Auto. So far I am really impressed. The screen is really good, the sound is great, and it's got full Android as the head unit's OS.

Looking for a Good Android Auto Head Unit

Hey Everyone!
I'm looking for a good, reasonably priced, double-din head unit that supports Android Auto for my 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo and am looking for some advice/suggestions.
All the car audio sites (Crutchfield, etc.) show that you can't install a double-din in the 850, but that's only due to two small plastic lips in the console from the original stereo that can easily be removed with a dremel.
I was looking at the JBL CP100, but that still isn't available yet (for who knows how long). I would like to get something with a reasonably modern feature-set and UI, and I've generally had good experiences with standard Kenwood receivers (I currently have a KDC-BT562U installed), but I'm not particularly picky.
I have an Xperia Z5 so Android Auto is a must (obviously), but also having Apple CarPlay functionality could be useful as I sometimes share the car with iPhone users, as long as it doesn't add on to the cost. Also, having a good standard Bluetooth connection option for relatively short drives that wouldn't require the full AA experience, but having the ability to just listen to music and make/receive phone calls is important.
I'm looking for something below around $450, but if that's not possible, I would like the get the least-expensive product that's not too much of a compromise.
Any input would be appreciated as I (obviously) have pretty much zero understanding of car-related things.
Thanks-in-advance!
Cheers,
4Strings

I was planning on installing an Android tablet, like the Nexus 7, as a car headunit. But the major issue for me is the sound. The sound from the headphone jack isn't the clearest. USB audio has its draw backs, mainly when you have a lot of apps open and memory usage is high, the sound gets choppy. I have been looking at these android car radios but I have not been able to find anything with a more elaborate sound processing section. I'm talking about filtering such as low and high pass capability, bass filtering, loudness levels, etc. A lot of them has the EQ app but that doesn't do any frequency filtering. You can buy a separate active crossover unit, but that's not plug and play, and you still have to somehow figure out how to connect one with RCA inputs to the tablet which probably needs some other kind of interface, more stuff to buy. So for now, I'm staying with a real car headunit until I find one that will suit my needs.

You can find the Pioneer 4100NXT for around 450-500. I think it is first rate and does both CarPlay and Android Auto from two different USB ports. It also has an optical drive and SD card slot so there is plenty of room for media if you set it up for both Android Auto and CarPlay. I don't think any of the other third party units are this versatile (the JBL CLEARLY isn't).
I am very happy with the audio from this. Independent adjustable crossover points for both front and rear, phase control for each speaker, and two custom presets on the EQ, in addition to three or four best seat in the house (vehicle) settings. Honestly, the only thing that is missing is what's missing in Android Auto (Waze, Dash, etc.).

4Strings said:
Hey Everyone!
I'm looking for a good, reasonably priced, double-din head unit that supports Android Auto for my 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo and am looking for some advice/suggestions.
All the car audio sites (Crutchfield, etc.) show that you can't install a double-din in the 850, but that's only due to two small plastic lips in the console from the original stereo that can easily be removed with a dremel.
I was looking at the JBL CP100, but that still isn't available yet (for who knows how long). I would like to get something with a reasonably modern feature-set and UI, and I've generally had good experiences with standard Kenwood receivers (I currently have a KDC-BT562U installed), but I'm not particularly picky.
I have an Xperia Z5 so Android Auto is a must (obviously), but also having Apple CarPlay functionality could be useful as I sometimes share the car with iPhone users, as long as it doesn't add on to the cost. Also, having a good standard Bluetooth connection option for relatively short drives that wouldn't require the full AA experience, but having the ability to just listen to music and make/receive phone calls is important.
I'm looking for something below around $450, but if that's not possible, I would like the get the least-expensive product that's not too much of a compromise.
Any input would be appreciated as I (obviously) have pretty much zero understanding of car-related things.
Thanks-in-advance!
Cheers,
4Strings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like Android and want the ability to mod your device, you could look at numerous number of double din android units for China. I purchase a unit from Erisin that was specifically design for my car but they also sell standard double din units. They are expandable so you can add dab, dvr, mic, etc and can mirror a connected android / apple phone. Also support Bluetooth. Worth a look

I am actually looking at that right now. Thanks for the suggestion. Looks like these Android car radios still have ways to go when it comes to audio options. I am very particular about how my system sounds and an EQ alone is not enough to clean up audio sound for me. Thanks again.
Solutions Etcetera said:
You can find the Pioneer 4100NXT for around 450-500. I think it is first rate and does both CarPlay and Android Auto from two different USB ports. It also has an optical drive and SD card slot so there is plenty of room for media if you set it up for both Android Auto and CarPlay. I don't think any of the other third party units are this versatile (the JBL CLEARLY isn't).
I am very happy with the audio from this. Independent adjustable crossover points for both front and rear, phase control for each speaker, and two custom presets on the EQ, in addition to three or four best seat in the house (vehicle) settings. Honestly, the only thing that is missing is what's missing in Android Auto (Waze, Dash, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

dricacho said:
Looks like these Android car radios still have ways to go when it comes to audio options
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Click to collapse
I am not sure what other options you're looking for. The crossovers have adjustable frequency and slope on both sides of the crossover point, preamp outs for all 5 channels, and manual or automatically measured (kinda pointless in most cars though) set points for time alignment.

If you've had a Pioneer headunit, you'll know what I'm talking about. All these Android radios have an EQ section but doesn't have high pass filter for the front and rear speakers and doesn't have low pass for subs. So you got low frequencies going to the midrange and tweeters which will distort the sound. These options are built in to most Pioneer headunits.
Solutions Etcetera said:
I am not sure what other options you're looking for. The crossovers have adjustable frequency and slope on both sides of the crossover point, preamp outs for all 5 channels, and manual or automatically measured (kinda pointless in most cars though) set points for time alignment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I give up. What part of "crossovers have adjustable frequency and slope on both sides of the crossover point" did you not understand?
https://goo.gl/photos/nDNAk846BefCEd756

Nevermind...
Solutions Etcetera said:
I give up. What part of "crossovers have adjustable frequency and slope on both sides of the crossover point" did you not understand?
https://goo.gl/photos/nDNAk846BefCEd756
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

DIY Samsung tablet car system vs dedicated AA touchscreen head unit

Just bought a used 2007 Toyota Solara SLE convertible (with JBL 7 speaker system), and looking to replace stereo. I've read up on here and elsewhere about some of this, but still have some Q's before moving forward.
Main needs:
Spotify (strongly prefer NOT to use bluetooth due to audio compression)
GPS (The larger the screen, the better for this)
Theft-resistant (Either looks not worth stealing, has removable face without wearing out connectors, is built-in and looks hard to steal, etc)
I'll drill down on the details in a bit, but I'd like a little perspective first on reasons why it would matter if I go with a dedicated head unit, or possibly get the fiddly bits and hook them up myself to do something like a slide-mounted Samsung tablet that I can easily pop in and out.
1) Is there some reason in general why one path is better than the other?
2) If I go DIY route, I've been reading up that Android Auto is not available for tablets without data (wifi only versions). Can't tell if that info is outdated, or still true. I see a few mentions of 3rd party workarounds, but not much info on how they are working.
3) I'd really prefer a larger readout as I use GPS heavily on a regular basis. The detachable ones I see for 10.1 screens from Joying, etc look to have connectors NOT designed for daily plug/unplug. Do these hold up?
4) Is it better for theftproofing to have a removable face, or something smaller that fits in the double din and looks harder to steal?
5) If I do the DIY route, does the audio come out of the tablet via usb and need a d/a, or out of the phones jack?
5) There seems to be info out there for DIY to get the steering controls working, car info like tire pressure, temp, etc. If I then already have the amp, and can work out the audio, and get info to and from via bluetooth with my phone or using my phone as hotspot, that's all bases covered, right? Is there anything I'm missing that CAN'T be done this way and would be better off just getting head unit?
6) Are the dedicated head units less updatable or anything like that than something like a samsung tablet?
7) Is there an issue with my 7 speaker system? Haven't checked, but I'm under the impression from some conversations I've had that there's a 7 speaker dedicated amp currently in place (not part of existing head unit). I read something about certain versions of AA not supporting subs. Not sure what that means. If I'm replacing head unit with full DIY rig, can't I just sent audio to the amp, and it splits from there, or does processing and separate out for sub need to somehow happen prior to the amp?
FYI: Asking in part because I'm thinking about getting a tablet anyway, and might as well have dual use if possible. Also, I'm considering idea also of leaving the stock stereo as is (has BT for voice, but not audio streaming), and rigging a detachable dock for tablet that then feeds audio via the aux input. I guess if I go this third route, I'd store music on it locally, and use it's wifi with my android phone as mobile hotspot to get new tracks, access map data, etc.
Thoughts on why one path is better?

Too many q's?
Available info in another thread? (I've searched and read all I could find)
Better in another subforum? (Connected car maybe?)

Thank you for the questions it is helping me do more research.
If any one can answer part of a question please chime in.

1. Android tablets (Samsung, LG) over Chinese (KLYDE, Joying, etc) units:
- better screen - even an old Galaxy Tab3 has a screen 10x better than any chinese in-car unit.
- cleaner Android implementations - chinese units suffer from poor system implementation that generates lots o0f issues with Bluetooth audio quality, OBDII pairing, WiFi and 3G/4G compatibility
- software upgradable - again, my Samsung Galaxy Tab3 from 2013 runs Nougat. My Klyde in-car unit runs Lollipop
- better RAM, usually
- more flexible in implementation
Chinese (KLYDE, Joying, etc) units over Android tablets (Samsung, LG):
-easier to install
-FM radio
-some level of integration with the car's systems
2. Since version 2.1 Android Auto is a standalone app so it will run on WiFi only units
3. No idea. But if I were to take the DIY road, instead of removing the tablet I'd have a fake panel to cover the screen, with the front part of a cheap stereo.
4. It depends on your preferences. Audio will be much better if run through an external d/a converter but you can start with getting the signal from the headphone jack and add a converter later.

Probably 2 main differences:
Android tablet wont have good amplifier. Not so good sound, you must install many apps from yourself (this is good and bad), no radio probably or bad radio. You must also connect an antenna for the radio if the tablet has one.
You must also do some modding by yourself, connection for power etc. Probably use tasker for some things, search in youtube and other places for suitable script. Xposed, app settings will help for making many apps more car like.
Search for car launcher etc.
I am writing this as i have installed in past, not tablet but mobile phone (an old galaxy s2) in a Fiat punto. So i have done those im Writting for.
If you give time and efford at the end it could be better the result compaired with a dedicated one.
The dedicated one has the benefit of don't search at all. Just install, plug and play. Probably better sound.
If it has android, you can make many things with this. Probably most as the tablet i wrote before.
If it only has android auto you can do only basic things..
Sent from my SM-G9350 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Ok, I had both approaches with 2 different chinese units and one Zenpad.
- 1st Chinese unit, piece of .... so I almost smashed it with a hammer in a fury rage, so got it sold after 3 month, conclusion stay away from XTRONS!
-2nd I had a Zenpad built into my dash, lucky enough for me my dash was big enough to easily fit in an 8" tablet. I bought a mechless Sony car radio, which is much smaller than a normal unit and I hid it behind the tablet, steering wheel remote control still worked, so I could control the radio from the steering wheel, but never needed anything else than adjusting the volume. I did not use FM radio at all. See attached picture. This has a few potential problems, most probably you won't be able to charge the device & use the usb port at the same time, you will need a custom kernel for that or a USB-C tablet. Also its much more difficult to fit it in properly, when the system freeze or crash and you need to hard reset it, it can be painful, however overall I was very pleased with my setup. Since you cannot use the tablet for the bluetooth hands free I still needed to use a Himbox HB001. TIP: The install was done with the help of a 6mm acrylic sheet, which I cut to size using a jigsaw.
-3rd changed the car and couldn't do the same thing in the new car so I bit the bullet and bought another chinese unit, this time I went to an Intel based one. So far so good, I have only done about 1000 miles with it but it looks to work OK, boot up is really quick, bluetooth A2DP quality is good (not like the crap XTRONS), handsfree quality seems decent, but I need more feedback from others on this, I hear them clearly the question is how good they can hear me, so I can recommend the unit: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301955449854
And now to the Android Auto question, they run on all of them, just use my app: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...ndroid-4-1-headunit-reloaded-android-t3432348

Considering Android Auto and have some questions

I am thinking about replacing my car stereo with an android head unit.
I have been reading the forum but do have some open questions:
1. How good are these head units?
2. Most head units seem to run older versions of android so I am concerned that the playstore and apps are not going to be supported for much longer. Which headunits are somewhat modern (good specs) with good developer support. I assume there are no treble supported headunits yet?
3. My primary use case for an android headunit are:
- listen to podcasts (PocketCasts?)
- GPS navigations (Google Maps or Waze)
- see my reverse camera when backing up
- listen to music (Pandora, Spotify, youtube, or stored music)
- listen to the radio (probably nice to have)
4. I am planning to get a dashcam and I saw that some headunits integrate with dashcam + reversing camera
5. Would be nice to be able to use a Bluetooth or something remote on the steering wheel. Ideally something discreet/small that can be glued to the back of the steering wheel ...
6. I am not planning to install a separate SIM card in the head unit (thanks ridiculous carrier prices in the US). How successful have people been getting their headunit to rely on Wifi at home and tethering to the phone when driving.
7. I saw some threads about headunits "sleeping" when the car is off - I drive an electric car, so I definitely want the unit to be OFF when the car is off. Don't care if it takes 10-30 seconds to boot.
8. Any recommendations for single DIN headunits that match the above requirements/use case? Don't need or want a gigantic screen and certainly do not want a motorized screen ... there seem to be some nice headunits where a 7" screen is mounted to a single DIN unit and the screen can be moved up and down depending on where you need it in the car.

You are actually considering an Android head unit, not Android Auto.
This is Android Auto:
https://www.android.com/auto/
Android headunits have several dedicated sections here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-head-units
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcb-android-head-units-qa - for older units running Android 4.4 or 5.1
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcd-discussion-questions-development - for newer units
Since you do not seem familiar with Android headunits and their specifics I strongly advise against gambling on Chinese units. Getting an Android Auto/Car Play compatible unit from an established manufacturer (the Sony XAV AX-100 seems pretty popular) would be a much safer option at similar price.

Looking for android screen, and a little question.

hello friends, i'm newbie at this topic, but i have a little question before i begin
first of all, ANDROID AUTO is a name for all the android car? or it's specific models?
second of all, I've been searching for over 3 weeks on the internet,EBAY,ALI etc.
and i can't find a what i'm looking for..
i've found some 2gb ram and 32rom, and with some good prices like 100$~170$ that is very low prices and good.
but must of them are not sitting good on the frame, get out a little bit. and i'm looking for a screen that support a subwoofer.
did anyone maybe seen or bought something like this?
9Inch,2RAM,32ROM,SUBWOOFER Support,coming with a compitible frame (I have corolla 2011).
Thanks very much for who can help

Android Navigation System with support subwoofer
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Meir69 said:
first of all, ANDROID AUTO is a name for all the android car? or it's specific models?
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Click to collapse
Neither. Android Auto is a simplified Android user interface tailored for use while driving. The phone "projects" the interface onto the car's head unit, and the car provides touch input back to the phone. It supports a limited number of apps - navigation (Google Maps and Waze) and media (most major music apps, like Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, etc.), and handsfree phone. It supports Google Assistant, to allow voice commands. It also allows the phone to play audio through the car at a higher quality than Bluetooth can provide. It's supported by most major automobile and aftermarket car stereo manufacturers. It is not available in every country, probably because of legal or regulatory issues.
It has absolutely nothing to do with those cheap Chinese head units which run Android as an OS. There are different forums which discuss those.