Forget Car Play or Android Auto. This is much better!
#27
#28
Super Member
Always amazes me how quickly the Chinese make this kind of stuff. What gets me though is why they don't put a little more effort into the design of the GUI on those things (i.e. make it look more like the COMAND interface rather than the basic box icons). Considering all the effort that has to go into making a custom form factor, build all the electronics etc and then they reach the software stage and go "meh... that'll do".
#29
Super Member
Thread Starter
Always amazes me how quickly the Chinese make this kind of stuff. What gets me though is why they don't put a little more effort into the design of the GUI on those things (i.e. make it look more like the COMAND interface rather than the basic box icons). Considering all the effort that has to go into making a custom form factor, build all the electronics etc and then they reach the software stage and go "meh... that'll do".
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Kirkland, WA
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2016 C300 4Matic
Always amazes me how quickly the Chinese make this kind of stuff. What gets me though is why they don't put a little more effort into the design of the GUI on those things (i.e. make it look more like the COMAND interface rather than the basic box icons). Considering all the effort that has to go into making a custom form factor, build all the electronics etc and then they reach the software stage and go "meh... that'll do".
#31
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C43 AMG Sedan
I had an android head unit in my previous vehicle, it was awesome (I can run spotify natively and not have to use my phone to stream it).
#32
Super Member
Thread Starter
I believe what the OP posted in Android based, and with Android you can load a different launcher and customize it to your hearts content.
I had an android head unit in my previous vehicle, it was awesome (I can run spotify natively and not have to use my phone to stream it).
I had an android head unit in my previous vehicle, it was awesome (I can run spotify natively and not have to use my phone to stream it).
#33
As with any product, no matter how good it is, there are going to be people who love it and there are going to be people who hate it. That's understandable. Different strokes for different folks. For me, I've been really happy. I love the fact that I'm not fixed to a set of navigation suite and multimedia player. I can use Sygic today. Tomorrow it could be Google Maps. The day after could be anything. Everyday I could change it to something new. Like today, I don't feel like working at all. So, I set my wallpaper to the beach. It kinda helps with the mood
https://youtu.be/5SgVqZ1pTyw
https://youtu.be/5SgVqZ1pTyw
#34
#35
Super Member
Thread Starter
Will do. But earlier in the thread, I have a video that shows how I switched back and forth between the OEM screen and aftermarket screen.
#36
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by huyuci
Will do. But earlier in the thread, I have a video that shows how I switched back and forth between the OEM screen and aftermarket screen.
#37
Super Member
Thread Starter
#38
Originally Posted by huyuci
Yep. That is exactly right.
- Can you use the equalizer with the OEM sources or does it completely replace the Sirius radio, cf slot, etc., If you want any of its functionality?
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
There's likely no integration. The screen can either pass through the OEM video signal or toggle over to the Android screen. Two independent systems sharing one display. The Android EQ will affect audio playing from within the Android environment only, and COMAND's EQ only will apply to sources within COMAND.
I don't believe the Android system, which looks like it's completely self contained within the screen, would have access to any of the car's media slots, but there may be a way to load media onto it on the hardware itself.
I don't believe the Android system, which looks like it's completely self contained within the screen, would have access to any of the car's media slots, but there may be a way to load media onto it on the hardware itself.
Last edited by Mike5215; 06-19-2017 at 09:57 PM.
#40
Originally Posted by Mike5215
There's likely no integration. The screen can either pass through the OEM video signal or toggle over to the Android screen. Two independent systems sharing one display. The Android EQ will affect audio playing from within the Android environment only, and COMAND's EQ only will apply to sources within COMAND.
I don't believe the Android system, which looks like it's completely self contained within the screen, would have access to any of the car's media slots, but there may be a way to load media onto it on the hardware itself.
I don't believe the Android system, which looks like it's completely self contained within the screen, would have access to any of the car's media slots, but there may be a way to load media onto it on the hardware itself.
#41
Super Member
Thread Starter
There's likely no integration. The screen can either pass through the OEM video signal or toggle over to the Android screen. Two independent systems sharing one display. The Android EQ will affect audio playing from within the Android environment only, and COMAND's EQ only will apply to sources within COMAND.
I don't believe the Android system, which looks like it's completely self contained within the screen, would have access to any of the car's media slots, but there may be a way to load media onto it on the hardware itself.
I don't believe the Android system, which looks like it's completely self contained within the screen, would have access to any of the car's media slots, but there may be a way to load media onto it on the hardware itself.
#42
That is correct. The 2 screens are completely independent from each other, so there is no sharing resources between the 2. You toggle from Android screen to OEM and back. There are 3 USB ports and 1 microSD slot, but the slot is kind of inaccessible. It also has its own bluetooth.
Would be helpful if you can kindly post the user or installation manual.
Thanks!
#43
Super Member
Thread Starter
There's a cable that connects the head unit (require removing the center console) to a controller box and from the controller box to the screen. It also has bluetooth so you can connect to your phone. This stuff is made in China. So, it's unrealistic to expect a user manual :-)
#44
Super Member
Not really. The video is hugely distorted to stretch for the wide aspect ratio. They even stretched the GUI. Going from SD TV to HD TV does not distort the picture, unless you stretch the picture to fill up the 16x9 screen - which is a stupid thing to do. Why would anybody intentionally distort the picture. This screen would drive me nuts!
#45
Super Member
Thread Starter
Not really. The video is hugely distorted to stretch for the wide aspect ratio. They even stretched the GUI. Going from SD TV to HD TV does not distort the picture, unless you stretch the picture to fill up the 16x9 screen - which is a stupid thing to do. Why would anybody intentionally distort the picture. This screen would drive me nuts!
#46
There's a cable that connects the head unit (require removing the center console) to a controller box and from the controller box to the screen. It also has bluetooth so you can connect to your phone. This stuff is made in China. So, it's unrealistic to expect a user manual :-)
Btw is your oem head unit Comand or Audio 20?
#47
Super Member
Thread Starter
But you said you "think" it is connecting via AUX. Did you install it yourself or did you have someone installed it for you?
#48
Just trying to figure out how the audio is routed to the car speaker.
Most aftermarket media boxes require either AUX or via Bluetooth/FM transmitter to OEM head unit for audio.
If this does not require any of the above, then it must come with its own external amp to bypass the built-in amp in the OEM head unit.
Do you find any difference in the audio quality after you installed the unit?
#49
Super Member
Thread Starter
I have Audio 20 but have not purchased this unit yet.
Just trying to figure out how the audio is routed to the car speaker.
Most aftermarket media boxes require either AUX or via Bluetooth/FM transmitter to OEM head unit for audio.
If this does not require any of the above, then it must come with its own external amp to bypass the built-in amp in the OEM head unit.
Do you find any difference in the audio quality after you installed the unit?
Just trying to figure out how the audio is routed to the car speaker.
Most aftermarket media boxes require either AUX or via Bluetooth/FM transmitter to OEM head unit for audio.
If this does not require any of the above, then it must come with its own external amp to bypass the built-in amp in the OEM head unit.
Do you find any difference in the audio quality after you installed the unit?
#50
You're correct. There's an external amplifier that you connect to the head unit. The unit uses audio from the head unit when you switch to OEM screen, so there's no difference in quality in audio. When you switch to Android, it would use its amplifier which is almost the same with OEM. I can't really tell the difference.
I guess the only drawback will be if I just want to use the Sygic nav on the box, I will not be able to play music from my cd on the OEM head unit.
I assume the external amp has 4+1 output (4 speakers + sub)?
So far have you encountered any glitches with this product?