Android Widescreen touchscreen For W204
04-27-2018, 04:16 AM
#26
I almost bought this unit myself. Unfortunately, there was some discovered issues with the unit which made me hold off unit this little quirks were resolved.
1) the phone function where you are on a call, the sound only comes out of the front left tweeter.
2) if you have the prefacelift command unit then you'll have to use this converter box which has some intermittent issues with it as well.
3) the tachometer and speedometer display on the screen only shows in KM, not mileage
4) it's running an older version of Android, not the latest or second newest version
5) Doesn't have the latest CPU processor in it (snapdragon)
6) The built in app which is supposibly for a front camera, does not actually work. You could install a dashcam and even plug the camera into the correct port on the back of the unit, but the app will not work, yet. This must be an upgrade or anticipated function in the works.
and there were a couple of other items on the list which on another post people were requesting to have the unit be upgraded to since this display unit is an actual self contained Android unit, like a smart phone. But nothing from China manufacturer on if they're going to do anything, yet.
I think I'm going to wait unit they come out with a Gen 2 or 3 before buying and upgrading my screen.
1) the phone function where you are on a call, the sound only comes out of the front left tweeter.
2) if you have the prefacelift command unit then you'll have to use this converter box which has some intermittent issues with it as well.
3) the tachometer and speedometer display on the screen only shows in KM, not mileage
4) it's running an older version of Android, not the latest or second newest version
5) Doesn't have the latest CPU processor in it (snapdragon)
6) The built in app which is supposibly for a front camera, does not actually work. You could install a dashcam and even plug the camera into the correct port on the back of the unit, but the app will not work, yet. This must be an upgrade or anticipated function in the works.
and there were a couple of other items on the list which on another post people were requesting to have the unit be upgraded to since this display unit is an actual self contained Android unit, like a smart phone. But nothing from China manufacturer on if they're going to do anything, yet.
I think I'm going to wait unit they come out with a Gen 2 or 3 before buying and upgrading my screen.
Can you elaborate on item #2? What are the intermittent issues with the converter box? (I have a pre-facelift C63 so this would be applicable to me)
04-27-2018, 07:35 AM
#27
MBWorld Fanatic!
Here's a link to the big 10.25" display thread, with all the improvements and problem fixes to date.
Now, my opinion is that some of the issues mentioned affect the W212 chassis only, where this unit is so popular, namely the left tweeter thing about the phone.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...installed.html
Now, my opinion is that some of the issues mentioned affect the W212 chassis only, where this unit is so popular, namely the left tweeter thing about the phone.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...installed.html
04-27-2018, 11:50 AM
#28
Thank you for the detailed list, I too find the very dated version of Android a big concern and a blocker for buying the product.
Can you elaborate on item #2? What are the intermittent issues with the converter box? (I have a pre-facelift C63 so this would be applicable to me)
Can you elaborate on item #2? What are the intermittent issues with the converter box? (I have a pre-facelift C63 so this would be applicable to me)
Reach out to Raymond Urias on Instagram @Raymonduriasjr or on youtube.
He was the one who had installed this unit and mentioned to all the issues, including about the converter box.
04-27-2018, 05:09 PM
#31
Member
Thread Starter
I almost bought this unit myself. Unfortunately, there was some discovered issues with the unit which made me hold off unit this little quirks were resolved.
1) the phone function where you are on a call, the sound only comes out of the front left tweeter.
2) if you have the prefacelift command unit then you'll have to use this converter box which has some intermittent issues with it as well.
3) the tachometer and speedometer display on the screen only shows in KM, not mileage
4) it's running an older version of Android, not the latest or second newest version
5) Doesn't have the latest CPU processor in it (snapdragon)
6) The built in app which is supposibly for a front camera, does not actually work. You could install a dashcam and even plug the camera into the correct port on the back of the unit, but the app will not work, yet. This must be an upgrade or anticipated function in the works.
and there were a couple of other items on the list which on another post people were requesting to have the unit be upgraded to since this display unit is an actual self contained Android unit, like a smart phone. But nothing from China manufacturer on if they're going to do anything, yet.
I think I'm going to wait unit they come out with a Gen 2 or 3 before buying and upgrading my screen.
1) the phone function where you are on a call, the sound only comes out of the front left tweeter.
2) if you have the prefacelift command unit then you'll have to use this converter box which has some intermittent issues with it as well.
3) the tachometer and speedometer display on the screen only shows in KM, not mileage
4) it's running an older version of Android, not the latest or second newest version
5) Doesn't have the latest CPU processor in it (snapdragon)
6) The built in app which is supposibly for a front camera, does not actually work. You could install a dashcam and even plug the camera into the correct port on the back of the unit, but the app will not work, yet. This must be an upgrade or anticipated function in the works.
and there were a couple of other items on the list which on another post people were requesting to have the unit be upgraded to since this display unit is an actual self contained Android unit, like a smart phone. But nothing from China manufacturer on if they're going to do anything, yet.
I think I'm going to wait unit they come out with a Gen 2 or 3 before buying and upgrading my screen.
its great u brought these issues up i had never heard of them! However from what i can see a few of them have actually been fixed.
1- The phone issueonly using front left speaker was only a problem in the w212. However the fix was a new aux to rca cable.
2 - yes there were isolated cases of prblematic boxes, however new ones were sent out that resolved the problems.
3- I thought mph ha been added recently? Can someone confirm?
the rest tho, i completely agree.
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LoFox (04-27-2018)
04-28-2018, 12:20 AM
#35
Agreed, I'll wait until they update the OS, 5.1.1 is already deprecated by Google (at least from a security perspective.) Realistically the OS should be updated to at least 7.1.2 and it can just trail behind 8.x if the hardware is anywhere from 2016+
04-28-2018, 12:39 AM
#36
Addressing the grammatical errors in the UI would also be a nice plus, if the handful listed here are all that there is then it isn't that bad (but still a little embarrassing.) ****, I'd gladly review their text strings and correct any spelling or grammar for free (the home UI app doesn't have that much text and I feel it would add the final touches on what looks like a very polished interface.)
Does anyone know who to manufacturer is for this device, and their website? (I imagine it would be in Chinese only, but maybe we can find some info on updates, either hardware of software)
Does anyone know who to manufacturer is for this device, and their website? (I imagine it would be in Chinese only, but maybe we can find some info on updates, either hardware of software)
04-28-2018, 05:54 AM
#37
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2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Warning possible stupid questions coming....
Why does the OS even matter here? Can’t you just update it with the programs intact and move on?
And if the thing is already rooted, is it not straightforward to correct any spelling errors etc?
We should all work together and make an MBWorld version of this that meets our expectations. Getting DashCommand and Harry’s LapTimer to work with an aux camera on one of these would be so epic for me......
(i don’t know anything so ignore if stupid)
Why does the OS even matter here? Can’t you just update it with the programs intact and move on?
And if the thing is already rooted, is it not straightforward to correct any spelling errors etc?
We should all work together and make an MBWorld version of this that meets our expectations. Getting DashCommand and Harry’s LapTimer to work with an aux camera on one of these would be so epic for me......
(i don’t know anything so ignore if stupid)
04-28-2018, 06:33 AM
#38
Warning possible stupid questions coming....
Why does the OS even matter here? Can’t you just update it with the programs intact and move on?
And if the thing is already rooted, is it not straightforward to correct any spelling errors etc?
We should all work together and make an MBWorld version of this that meets our expectations. Getting DashCommand and Harry’s LapTimer to work with an aux camera on one of these would be so epic for me......
(i don’t know anything so ignore if stupid)
Why does the OS even matter here? Can’t you just update it with the programs intact and move on?
And if the thing is already rooted, is it not straightforward to correct any spelling errors etc?
We should all work together and make an MBWorld version of this that meets our expectations. Getting DashCommand and Harry’s LapTimer to work with an aux camera on one of these would be so epic for me......
(i don’t know anything so ignore if stupid)
1. Why does the OS even matter here? Can’t you just update it with the programs intact and move on?
- With Android, the OS and various is tightly coupled to hardware interfaces and system drivers. So in the case of this display/screen, basic components such as graphic drivers would need to be re-ported to the new version of Android to match and OS interface changes and still successfully talk to the hardware components (screen etc,) same process would apply to WiFi drivers, Bluetooth drivers, custom drivers which handle the Mercedes COMAND interface which plugs into the unit.
- Regarding the core question if the OS even matters, that's a very good question! Perhaps it doesn't, if the hardware is running great on Android 5.1.1 and the overall system is stable with no core problems like crashes, display issues, WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity problems then the only real valid points are the security holes which are not patched and potentially well-known due to the ancient version of Android and possible feature support for very new Android apps. Security might also not be as critical because if we stick to just the core apps which would be used in a car environment such as Google Maps/Waze, Torque, Spotify/Pandora, Netflix/Hulu chances of compromising the system are lower than on a phone or tablet where you might just download random apps which you think are cool. (Also important to keep in mind that the system support screen-mirroring so there should be nothing prevent us from running any apps on our phones and 'casting' them to the display ... slightly less convenient than having the app in question on the display system but an acceptable alternative.)
- Not really, since this is an Android system the entire UI is definitely just an app/APK which you could de-compile, update and repackage with some changes you want and re-install it but it would be a pain and require a fair bit of experimenting .. you would basically have to hack the APK. (If the developer of the UI released the source code to the public it would be very easy to make these changes.)
- I'm sure we have the necessary expertise between all the forum members, only if we could all get along and work together :-D
04-28-2018, 07:19 AM
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
So there IS a 10.25" unit with the updated Android OS.
If you look on ebay search under "10.25" benz", but as mentioned in the W211 thread I linked, the interface sucks. Gone are the cool OEM style graphics, now it looks like a giant android phone.
I'm guessing that at this money, the volume of work referenced above meas that the developers didn't want to invest the time and just plopped it ..."here's one with updated Android OS for those that won't buy the otherone because of the OS". Currently this Android 7.1 10.25" interface is offered for the W205, but there seems to be a vendor that may have a wider array of applications.
As far as grammar, the early complainers interpreted "HI" displayed on the main screen as a weird grammar error, but it was just a display of the maximum HVAC temperature selected and an indication that proper communication with the HVAC did not happen. But it then got fixed. There is one error that remains, but if you look at Doug Demuro's Mercedes reviews, there is questionable quirky phrasing even in the OEM Mercedes units, someone structured a statement of the screen in a German way, sounding awkward in English.
If you look on ebay search under "10.25" benz", but as mentioned in the W211 thread I linked, the interface sucks. Gone are the cool OEM style graphics, now it looks like a giant android phone.
I'm guessing that at this money, the volume of work referenced above meas that the developers didn't want to invest the time and just plopped it ..."here's one with updated Android OS for those that won't buy the otherone because of the OS". Currently this Android 7.1 10.25" interface is offered for the W205, but there seems to be a vendor that may have a wider array of applications.
As far as grammar, the early complainers interpreted "HI" displayed on the main screen as a weird grammar error, but it was just a display of the maximum HVAC temperature selected and an indication that proper communication with the HVAC did not happen. But it then got fixed. There is one error that remains, but if you look at Doug Demuro's Mercedes reviews, there is questionable quirky phrasing even in the OEM Mercedes units, someone structured a statement of the screen in a German way, sounding awkward in English.
04-28-2018, 11:08 AM
#40
Addressing the grammatical errors in the UI would also be a nice plus, if the handful listed here are all that there is then it isn't that bad (but still a little embarrassing.) ****, I'd gladly review their text strings and correct any spelling or grammar for free (the home UI app doesn't have that much text and I feel it would add the final touches on what looks like a very polished interface.)
Does anyone know who to manufacturer is for this device, and their website? (I imagine it would be in Chinese only, but maybe we can find some info on updates, either hardware of software)
Does anyone know who to manufacturer is for this device, and their website? (I imagine it would be in Chinese only, but maybe we can find some info on updates, either hardware of software)
They are usually responsive with email communication through their website.
B.
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LoFox (04-28-2018)
04-28-2018, 05:11 PM
#42
The company is in China and their website is www.carlife-mall.net
They are usually responsive with email communication through their website.
B.
They are usually responsive with email communication through their website.
B.
In mid 2017 they've started using an IC from a US manufacturer, Freescale the IMX6-quad process with Android 4.4.2 (another very solid choice) but also a VERY dated processor (from 2011-2013) similar to the previous cores from Rockchip. In later 2017 they've introduced units with an unnamed quad core IC which I'm guessing might be the same Rockchip PX3 IC from their 2016 models (based on the specs) but with an updated version of Android 5.1.1.
It is somewhat curious that they have not released anything in 2018, especially due to their aggressive release cycle in 2017, so either sales have slowed of they have a large stock of 2017 unit's left over. One of their last released products (from July 30, 2017,) a backseat monitor, lists yet another unnamed processor, which based on the specs might be something from the Snapdragon family at Qualcomm and it runs Android 6.0.1.
As I mentioned earlier the Android OS is very tightly coupled to the hardware that it is running on; for example, if we take that possible-Snapdragon mentioned earlier, it is impossible for the manufacturer to update Android on those systems without help from the IC manufacturer (Qualcomm) and that applies to all other manufacturers that were used such as Freescale and Rockchip. Using dated or end-of-life processors will almost always yield no level of support from the IC manufacturer, no updates to either core components within the IC or support for never version of Android.
Overall, if they continue to release products in 2018, I'm sure they will rev their hardware which might introduce new versions of Android (ideally nothing below 6.0.1) but again this will be tied to the IC manufacturer that they use so they will need to go with a relatively modern IC which is either still supported or ships with an acceptable version of Android.
04-28-2018, 05:31 PM
#43
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2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Many valid points here, I thought the c63 section would bash on it hard (esp you Blkrokt loool) but I guess not.
Just a heads up, this has been installed in our w204s by a fellow memeber (non-c63) I will post a link here for you guys to view.
Just a heads up, this has been installed in our w204s by a fellow memeber (non-c63) I will post a link here for you guys to view.
04-28-2018, 05:32 PM
#44
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2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Here it is friends: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/700934-android-10-25-screen-unit.html
Note: better on Pfl, on fl it sits over the dash area
Note: better on Pfl, on fl it sits over the dash area
Last edited by Adi-Benz; 05-02-2018 at 08:42 AM.
04-28-2018, 06:31 PM
#46
05-02-2018, 01:00 AM
#47
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Thread Starter
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BLKROKT (05-02-2018)
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05-02-2018, 09:17 AM
#49
05-02-2018, 09:39 AM
#50
MBWorld Fanatic!
From CKM? Maybe he can get the miles vs km thing solved.
Makes sense because if he has an order for a batch of these, he has leverage to make the manufacturer solve couple of the remaining items.
For me, I don't care about the android version. Those that care, will have the new version coming out which I doubt will be cheaper.
I'd like to see the distance to miles option and the ap for dashcam work.
I would be willing to pay for an associated dashcam that is given to work with this unit.
There was a vendor that briefly offered these on eBay for a really good price and offered an associated dashcam for a small up charge.
Perhaps the problem has been that you need to buy a particular dashcam that works with these.
Makes sense because if he has an order for a batch of these, he has leverage to make the manufacturer solve couple of the remaining items.
For me, I don't care about the android version. Those that care, will have the new version coming out which I doubt will be cheaper.
I'd like to see the distance to miles option and the ap for dashcam work.
I would be willing to pay for an associated dashcam that is given to work with this unit.
There was a vendor that briefly offered these on eBay for a really good price and offered an associated dashcam for a small up charge.
Perhaps the problem has been that you need to buy a particular dashcam that works with these.
