I've in the not so distant past dropped my old stereo in favour of an aftermarket Android head unit. It's quite similar to the dynavin 90x except the unit it's a fully fledged "carputer" with an Android 8 os, 1.5 ghz octacore processor 4 GB ram 32gb storage with Bluetooth,GPS, wifi etc. So far I have added a reverse cam, dash cam,4G connectivity and DAB+ radio ! With 4G I have a pay as you go sim fitted and it's enough to stream internet radio. The dash cam operates when you move and records to either the unit or the memory card. Built in GPS, motion sensors and 4G helps with collision telemetry The reverse camera can be configured as a dash cam too if required. I can screen mirror my phone to it, and make and receive calls direct from the unit. Use the head unit as a mobile WiFi hotspot The system has a canbus interface so I can still use all the old features from the original stereo. ( Steering controls etc) Other advantage of having a head unit like this, is the fact you can have a live OBD data feed and fault diagnosis without even needing a laptop and cable. There is an emerging fan base over at X D A forums (android development site) there are already custom ROMs (operating systems) to flash to these headunits which greatly improve both the user interface, functionality and performance. I can customise the user interface how I like it , install the android apps I want on it ( currently have super Mario 64 emulator on it ) choose what navigation app I choose on it. Soon I will be adding TPMS and a dvb t twin tuner to complete the package. Android auto is on the way up, but still has a little way to go but what I've experienced so far is that it's at the stage now where seamless integration is becoming the mainstream enthusiast route. And as third party apps improve things will only get better. Looks quite funky too
I like it. That is quit cool. If you shout "Coffee", do cup holders come out the dash followed by cups of coffee?
No but you can ask Google assistant who holds the world guinness record for the loudest fart....whilst driving. ...And longest burp !
The driving element must be a whole new category ! Kindest Regards Carl. ps just out of interest what is the record?
Think these units are great, proves the worth of open systems like Andriod and the A Forum developers, can't see Apple allowing access to iOS to code something like this. Super way to get all the modern tech on an older car ......brilliant stuff...
A genuine question. Do you find at all distracting, either for input or reading, when actually on the move? I've noticed the trend for new cars of many marques to come with similar units ex factory, in fact that's all they have for all subsidiary systems settings etc. I have never driven or been driven in one. so haven't witnessed a driver resorting to one - all my friends are poor....... Does it involve much stabbing/probing or can it be done without long 'glances' downwards?
For the most part it's all automatic, so you don't need to stab around radio channels can be changed by the steering wheel. Call functions are accessed by the steering wheel. Nav can be brought up by voice command Dash cam is PIP so it won't distract.
I can answer that to some extent. At the end of July, I exchanged my 63 plate X3 xDrive 30d M Sport for a 67 plate Audi Q5 S line 2.0 litre TFSI. The difference is as chalk to cheese. The biggest problem (not the correct phrase I know) was that it had a Virtual Cockpit Display (VCD) in front of the driver (operated by steering wheel controls) and a large MMI screen over to the left in the centre at eye level, that is operated by a large control wheel and a touch pad down to the left and near the auto transmission lever. For several weeks, even after getting used to it sitting parked at home I found myself operating these controls both on the steering wheel and the touch pad and wheel down to my left. In my view it is getting out of hand, having all these controls that distract the driver. Again in my view it is just as dangerous and more distracting operating these controls than it is operating mobile phones that are not hands free. The top picture shows the Cheetah speed camera and the Dash camera in such a position to not be a distraction.
A very valid question. If I'm on a long journey, especially at night-time, I will switch off the i Drive display which I find distracting, and it only takes a second to fetch it up again. For the same reason, HUD would not be on my list of priorities when speccing a car. Only my own opinion - I realise that others love to have lots of toys to play with.
This thing auto dims at night and it also changes the theme to dark mode (exactly what an Android phone does at night) It's all there guys
I very much agree, and it's not just the controls distracting drivers but some of the crazy stuff available to by-pass safety when driving. A few years ago my SIL was a young fireman and got called out to a car crash on a local dual carriageway. The driver had been distracted by the TV playing on the display screen, even though it shouldn't have been possible. But it seems a cable to by-pass the TV cut off was available on ebay for a few quid so the driver fitted it!
You do not need to do that anymore. On most of the recent VAG Audi etc etc vehicles you can change the code and have it play anytime you like. Easily done using the VAG-COM Diagnostic System Software (VCDS). I was offered the facility the other day buy a guy who fitted my front/rear parking cameras and programmed High Beam Assist, but I declined.
I fitted an android head unit to my sons Audi A2 complete with DAB and reverse cam. Apart from the DAB losing signal frequently the unit is excellent. If parked near the house you can use the house WiFi to upload music to the built in hard drive, pretty cool. The Nav works well as does the Bluetooth. We also purchased the Bluetooth OBD plug for real time diagnostics.
The stick on window aieral is pretty pants. I'm going to retrofit a dvb aeiral in the spoiler to combat the weakness
couple more additions HDMI (to TV) and USB 3 (to headunit) in the Cigarette lighter socket USB 3 port in the glove compartment for DTV usb video playback DVB-t and TPMS now fitted and fully functional. DVB T aerials relocated to front and rear of car, and RF chokes fitted to improve reception. OE Diversity aerial fully functional with the new head unit (excellent reception) others have struggled with this. I may do a complete DIY install review for others who fancy the leap to android
Done mine, installed the Avin screen, not played much with Android, however my thoughts were more cosmetic focused and retain the OE function, quite a lift to the E70 dash The Avin 8.1 offers mirror link which allows iOS nav mirrored from phone As yet not impressed with Android side, I got Igo Europe maps, though yet to get working, currently using OE gps antenna with a splitter.... I’ve an Avin Antenna to try though it looks like dash mount, which I don’t want....