Related
Now that the Nexus One Car Dock is out and it is confirmed that it does indeed support BT pairing, how about some recomendations on some good compatable car stereos to go with it?
In my case, I would like a Double-Din unit. If I want BT, and Satelite, most dealers are trying to sell me a base unit with each feature as an add-on. That would make working with these systems awkward as they are not fully integrated into the unit. Is there such a thing as a unit that does all of this:
Double-Din
BlueTooth
Satelite Radio
HD Radio
Ability to control the music playback on the Nexus
thm92630 said:
Now that the Nexus One Car Dock is out and it is confirmed that it does indeed support BT pairing, how about some recomendations on some good compatable car stereos to go with it?
In my case, I would like a Double-Din unit. If I want BT, and Satelite, most dealers are trying to sell me a base unit with each feature as an add-on. That would make working with these systems awkward as they are not fully integrated into the unit. Is there such a thing as a unit that does all of this:
Double-Din
BlueTooth
Satelite Radio
HD Radio
Ability to control the music playback on the Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Satellite and HD radio are generally going to require add ons, but Bluetooth is often an integrated solution.
My head unit review is here
How on earth are we going to decide what's best? I like mine, but I am quite sure it's not the absolute best.
Alpine FTW!
I always use Alpine headunits. I believe this one will work meet all of your requirements. You may have to purchase an additional bluetooth control unit, but that is pretty much the norm. This one also is compatible with Alpine's imprint technology which is AWESOME! If you don't know you should check it out.
http://ikesound.com/alpine_iva_w505
Here is the imprint module:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/pxa-h100
Also found the Bluetooth module:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/kce-400bt
ccunningham83 said:
Also found the Bluetooth module:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/kce-400bt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has this been tested with the Nexus One, which is pretty picky about what Bluetooth Devices it will pair and work with? A positive report would be really cool.
Ok, instead of 'best' how about most reasonable? This setup is over a grand! If there isn't a unit with these features integraged, I will prefer to go with a bluetooth device first and add the rest later (on a side note, couldn't these extra units interface thru bluetooth as well?)
A feature that I see advertised a lot is an 'iPod adapter' that allows the head unit to control an iPhone and display track information as well. Would a bluetooth connection to the nexus provide this feature?
thm92630 said:
Ok, instead of 'best' how about most reasonable? This setup is over a grand! If there isn't a unit with these features integraged, I will prefer to go with a bluetooth device first and add the rest later (on a side note, couldn't these extra units interface thru bluetooth as well?)
A feature that I see advertised a lot is an 'iPod adapter' that allows the head unit to control an iPhone and display track information as well. Would a bluetooth connection to the nexus provide this feature?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, this setup is expensive, but it is a very nice setup. I personally don't have it, but I do have experiance using high end alpine products. I did read that when paired with bluetooth, the album information will be displayed. I don't know if that includes streaming Pandora or not though.
I didn't think it would be crazy for someone who spent $530 on a phone to get the best phone out would mind spending the money on a high end radio. If you want to make it cheaper I would suggest getting a single DIN radio, they are substantially cheaper and you can get the same features, plus a storage area above or below in the existing space.
I'm in the same boat as the OP. Tracking....
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
I personally despise that Pioneer unit. I bought it originally from Amazon but ended up hating almost everything about it. It beeps every time you do ANYTHING, it is bright blue like a comet even at night and lights up the whole cab, the menus are a mess to use, and the iPod support seizes control of the iPod while the head unit iPod controls aren't even very good at all.
I sent it back and bought a JVC double DIN http://www.amazon.com/JVC-KW-XG700-Double-Receiver-Expandable/dp/B000R3G86K . It has no iPod support or bluetooth though (even though I still consider it to be superior just on a usability basis). There is no bluetooth in it though, so now I am looking at buying a $100 bluetooth adapter for it. I see that JVC is going to release a new model any day though, the XR810. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWXR810/JVC-KW-XR810.html?tp=5684&avf=N At first I was afraid because it too has blue backlights, but it turns out that all of the lighting is completely customizable. This thing seems to do everything the way I want it to such that I'm thinking of upgrading even though my receiver works fine. Since it has bluetooth built in, its only $200 more than just buying a bluetooth adapter.
That said, if you're looking at buying aftermarket and you dont care about what it sounds like or amplifiers or custom speakers, there are probably cheaper units that still offer bluetooth connectivity.
The more people that check this out and add the better
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=660617
so far we have 4 headunits that work pretty well, if you find another one please place it into the list
-Charlie
bradsh1 said:
I personally despise that Pioneer unit. I bought it originally from Amazon but ended up hating almost everything about it. It beeps every time you do ANYTHING, it is bright blue like a comet even at night and lights up the whole cab, the menus are a mess to use, and the iPod support seizes control of the iPod while the head unit iPod controls aren't even very good at all.
I sent it back and bought a JVC double DIN http://www.amazon.com/JVC-KW-XG700-Double-Receiver-Expandable/dp/B000R3G86K . It has no iPod support or bluetooth though (even though I still consider it to be superior just on a usability basis). There is no bluetooth in it though, so now I am looking at buying a $100 bluetooth adapter for it. I see that JVC is going to release a new model any day though, the XR810. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWXR810/JVC-KW-XR810.html?tp=5684&avf=N At first I was afraid because it too has blue backlights, but it turns out that all of the lighting is completely customizable. This thing seems to do everything the way I want it to such that I'm thinking of upgrading even though my receiver works fine. Since it has bluetooth built in, its only $200 more than just buying a bluetooth adapter.
That said, if you're looking at buying aftermarket and you dont care about what it sounds like or amplifiers or custom speakers, there are probably cheaper units that still offer bluetooth connectivity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right about bright blue. There are two way to deal with that - either turn the display off or wire it to the dimmable dash lights with an inline resistor to drop the voltage a bit more. The dash lights go right to most harnesses, so it's not a big deal. But if it gets 12v straight from the vehicle, it's going to be bright when it's on. I haven't had any issues with with mp3 playback with the N1 since the first day. I can use N1 playback, or I can use head unit controls, or I can use my factory steering wheel controls, which are by far easiest. Beeps? I don't care. They're soft and they don't bother me.
That is another reason I bought the uint I did, full customizable color scheme and (standard) dimming features when hooked up correctly.
its a pain because my vehichle VW GTI has the CAN system to power on the unit vs a standard 12v on source.
what are your best guesses for the video playback bypass for ebrake on a GTI?
-Charlie
dahui9 said:
That is another reason I bought the uint I did, full customizable color scheme and (standard) dimming features when hooked up correctly.
its a pain because my vehichle VW GTI has the CAN system to power on the unit vs a standard 12v on source.
what are your best guesses for the video playback bypass for ebrake on a GTI?
-Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If hooked up correctly, they all have dimming. However, the lights on these are generally far more efficient than the dash lights, which means by the time the dash lights are visible, the head unit lights are too bright. I plan to fix that with a resistor in line with power coming from the dimmer. It's a simple fix. The head unit does have a dimming adjustment, It just doesn't go nearly far enough.
Not sure why video bypass is required on the DVD players, but I have read that a lot of people do it. What is the situation that requires a bypass?
Wish I hadn't posted here. It was a double.
attn1 said:
If hooked up correctly, they all have dimming. However, the lights on these are generally far more efficient than the dash lights, which means by the time the dash lights are visible, the head unit lights are too bright. I plan to fix that with a resistor in line with power coming from the dimmer. It's a simple fix. The head unit does have a dimming adjustment, It just doesn't go nearly far enough.
Not sure why video bypass is required on the DVD players, but I have read that a lot of people do it. What is the situation that requires a bypass?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so when your driving your surrounding peeps can watch music videos, dvd's, and or home made movie clips (no erotic pun intended ) if you don't do it no video will play while the car is in motion.
-Charlie
dahui9 said:
so when your driving your surrounding peeps can watch music videos, dvd's, and or home made movie clips (no erotic pun intended ) if you don't do it no video will play while the car is in motion.
-Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is a circuit the emergency brake is supposed to close that indicates it's safe to play video? Seems like that would be easy enough to circumvent right at the head unit. Easier than connecting the head unit to the emergency brake.
I'm looking for a better bluetooth kit for my car. The one I have sounds like garbage, produces static whenever I get around cities, etc. Would prefer to just buy a new unit for my car, but have a feeling those may be a bit expensive especially since I have a double din unit and it would just look ugly having a single din instead.
sevron said:
I'm looking for a better bluetooth kit for my car. The one I have sounds like garbage, produces static whenever I get around cities, etc. Would prefer to just buy a new unit for my car, but have a feeling those may be a bit expensive especially since I have a double din unit and it would just look ugly having a single din instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This:
http://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/double_din_bluetooth.html
Not more than a couple hundred for a whole new head unit.
Kinovo BTC450. $40 on Amazon. Bought 2. They work great.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I just got this double din unit for my wife's car.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158WXGT90B/Sony-WX-GT90BT.html?tp=5684
I could not possibly be more happy with the quality of it. The bluetooth connection and sound quality is absolutely stellar.
I am waiting for a headunit that supports Apt-X. It seems that there isn't one on the market yet, despite all modern high-end phones supporting it, and plenty of accessories coming out with Apt-X support.
Get a souble din to single din plate/converter and then it provides a cd slot used to hold your phone. and a nice single about $200 (if that) If your thinking of audio I personally use a cord.(ebay gold plated 3' audio cord $4) on my 09 Ranger with a single din pioneer, way easier n "hassle" free. when a call comes in it goes to the tooth.. Just my thoughts
I have the BlackBerry adapter, works great.
http://www.amazon.com/BlackBerry-Remote-Stereo-Bluetooth-Gateway/dp/B00170KUM0
Unless you want to run AOSP ROM's, then buy an APT-X bluetooth adapter. It can hid behind your dash and plug into your current car stereo head unit's 3.5mm input jack.
Much higher audio quality than you get with normal bluetooth. Much deeper bass also.
AOSP ROM's don't work very well though, with APT-X. See my signature.
sevron said:
I'm looking for a better bluetooth kit for my car. The one I have sounds like garbage, produces static whenever I get around cities, etc. Would prefer to just buy a new unit for my car, but have a feeling those may be a bit expensive especially since I have a double din unit and it would just look ugly having a single din instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony WX-GT Series Double DIN Head-Units - this one is nice. Look online.
I'm using a Dension Gateway Pro BT. Lets me retain my stock system, but adds in-car handsfree, A2DP streaming, USB phone/hard drive/flash drive/whatever support, and auxiliary input, while integrating all the functions with the car's built-in controls (works with steering wheel controls and displays track titles, and full menu and browsing support on the driver information display).
Only issue with my car is it disabled satellite radio, but then again I'd never, ever subscribe to that low-quality crap again.
swieder711 said:
Kinovo BTC450. $40 on Amazon. Bought 2. They work great.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for the BTC450. It's Apt-X, sounds beautiful, and connects to the S4 immediately. The small size helps to disappear it for a nice look and the car socket adapter has a usb port. Charming little device.
I bought the iClever Himbox HB01 Bluetooth 4.0. It is small really low profile and looks nice. It sound fantastic when playing music. Calls on it are good too.. People say I sound very clear but they could tell I was using a hands free device but I guess that is normal with all hands free products.. I would recommend this highly and at only 25 bucks it is a great deal and feels high quality..
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GJFGE0K/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
johnus said:
I'm using a Dension Gateway Pro BT. Lets me retain my stock system, but adds in-car handsfree, A2DP streaming, USB phone/hard drive/flash drive/whatever support, and auxiliary input, while integrating all the functions with the car's built-in controls (works with steering wheel controls and displays track titles, and full menu and browsing support on the driver information display).
Only issue with my car is it disabled satellite radio, but then again I'd never, ever subscribe to that low-quality crap again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went a similar direction, opting for the iSimple Connect. Looks like it works just like the Denison but you can retain the factory Satellite radio. I do subscribe to XM, but mostly because the GF likes it and I do a lot of long distance (700 miles) trips in the car.
I've never seen this before, found it by accident on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=321184153604
It has a removable tablet that sits in a docking station on the head unit. Pretty interesting, I was wondering if anybody here has ever seen or used it before. The tablet removes to reveal a standard double din stereo faceplate underneath. It's sold by a company called xtrons.com They have a pretty professional looking website for a company out of China. They even have support forums. Opinions?
Thanks
I've recently got myself a new (to me) car and I want to get a new stereo/head unit to go in it. I have no experience with ICE and don't want to make a costly mistake.
Here is what I would like to do, if possible:
Have my phone connect to the head unit automatically when I get into the car. This will require a head unit that has bluetooth, I presume? And Tasker to perhaps control this.
Have my phone go into car mode (again, Tasker I presume) and my screen to be mirrored to the head unit, automatically.
Be able to control my music app (Shuttle, but I don't mind using something else) using the steering wheel-mounted controls (forward, back, volume).
Display and be able to answer incoming calls using the head unit/car speakers. Without taking my phone out of my pocket. I presume the head unit will need some sort of mic or something.
Ideally use Google Now via the head unit, and Maps as well.
I probably could cobble together a reasonable working knowledge of all this stuff if I spent hours on the internet but when the resources of XDA are at my disposal, why not use them? I am sure there are some really clued-up people on this forum when it comes to ICE and connectivity, so if you can offer advice, or tell me where the flaw in my plan is, or help me to avoid pitfalls then please comment.
Also any recommendations on head units that aren't really expensive but incorporate the screen I would need into a double-DIN space in a 2009 Mitsubishi Colt and will do what I want it to do.
Very grateful!
Oh and the reason I've posted here is because I'd rather get the knowledge I need from people who have an N5 and who know about any problems there might be with this particular phone. I've watched a video on YouTube which showed a head unit working with the N4 and N7, but the N5 wouldn't connect to it :-O
What's your budget? You can find units that fit your criteria from 200 all the way up to 700. Most units will do what you require so I'd just go to a brick and mortar store and find one you like. All brands are pretty good nowadays. I've always been a fan of Alpine or Sony but again that's just preference.
theesotericone said:
What's your budget? You can find units that fit your criteria from 200 all the way up to 700. Most units will do what you require so I'd just go to a brick and mortar store and find one you like. All brands are pretty good nowadays. I've always been a fan of Alpine or Sony but again that's just preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tbh I don't know. Can I get something for £200? £300? I'm in UK.
Can you explain to me how the voice input part of it works, do all these head units have an integrated mic so I can answer calls?
Also, am I looking for something that has Miracast or MirrorLink? Or is there some other standard which the N5 uses to connect?
Sorry if I sound ignorant but I really don't know how it all works, and that's just the sort of customer that unscrupulous sales people LOVE walking in to their store!
Perhaps there's an internet site you can recommend that lays out the basics?
Also, this is probably a stupid question, but can these type of units control your phone even while the phone screen is off? For instance I would want to play music from my phone without ever taking it from my pocket, or launch and run Maps from the head unit, with the phone screen off. Can that be done?
Hey everyone! I am brand new to this forum and joined because I saw the most quality forum threads on the Joying head unit line of products here than any other forum I could find. I have a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette that I am hoping to install an 8" Joying Snapdragon radio in and could use some help gaining legitimate reviews and maybe some answers for questions I have regarding the Snapdragon and other Joying products. I'll number the talking points below for anyone willing to contribute and help me out. Thanks!
1) How is the Joying Snapdragon product that you have experience with, EXCLUDING all experiences pertaining to steering wheel controls? the C5 did not offer steering wheel controls, so I'm out of luck for that luxury.
2) How bright are the screens? Given the radio location in my car, glares when the roof is on is very unlikely, but a brighter screen is always better and would help if I chose to use the radio while the top is off and the sun can shine in almost directly onto it.
3) This is a very, very niche inquiry, but does anyone have a Joying snapdragon or android 10 head unit happen to also own an Xbox 1 or newer? If so, could you please tell me if you can download the Xbox app from the Google Store and install it on the radio? Furthermore, if this can be accomplished, can you please see if it is possible to Remote Play your Xbox on the Joying head unit via the Xbox app? The way I am thinking about it, doing this would require you to pair a wireless Xbox remote to the head unit via Bluetooth and then having the radio connected to WiFi (hotspot or sim-card, I suppose), OR it might work with a USB-wired remote connected to the radio via the USB port(?). I wouldn't be playing games while driving, but it would be something very cool to do at things like car meets or whatever. IF someone tries this, AND it works... how is it?
4) I see a lot of reviews in certain places here and there that say the Joying head units really don't offer any improvement over factory radios. Can someone please school me on this? A Best Buy employee told me once that almost all aftermarket radios (grant it, he was referring to Kenwoods, Alpines, etc.) will inherently improve the sound (either by volume or quality) over the factory radio because the aftermarket units "push" more power (in watts?) than factory units. I've replaced the factory Bose "twiddler" speakers in my car with aftermarket JBL speakers that can be found at Best Buy, so I'm hoping the Joying Snapdragon can make the most of them. Other than that, my car's sound system remains the same.
5) Does anyone happen to also have experience with these units and their communication/compatibility with the OBD2 adapter? Joying offers a deal to get their wireless OBD2 device, which I assume may be used on apps like Torque and such. Furthermore, does anyone think you could buy an OBD2-to-USB cable and run a wired connection to the radio for a faster, more responsive reading when using apps like Torque to view engine and ECU data?
Thank you to everyone who chimes in! I really appreciate it and I hope to hear from you all soon.
Chris Laymon said:
Hey everyone! I am brand new to this forum and joined because I saw the most quality forum threads on the Joying head unit line of products here than any other forum I could find. I have a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette that I am hoping to install an 8" Joying Snapdragon radio in and could use some help gaining legitimate reviews and maybe some answers for questions I have regarding the Snapdragon and other Joying products. I'll number the talking points below for anyone willing to contribute and help me out. Thanks!
1) How is the Joying Snapdragon product that you have experience with, EXCLUDING all experiences pertaining to steering wheel controls? the C5 did not offer steering wheel controls, so I'm out of luck for that luxury.
2) How bright are the screens? Given the radio location in my car, glares when the roof is on is very unlikely, but a brighter screen is always better and would help if I chose to use the radio while the top is off and the sun can shine in almost directly onto it.
3) This is a very, very niche inquiry, but does anyone have a Joying snapdragon or android 10 head unit happen to also own an Xbox 1 or newer? If so, could you please tell me if you can download the Xbox app from the Google Store and install it on the radio? Furthermore, if this can be accomplished, can you please see if it is possible to Remote Play your Xbox on the Joying head unit via the Xbox app? The way I am thinking about it, doing this would require you to pair a wireless Xbox remote to the head unit via Bluetooth and then having the radio connected to WiFi (hotspot or sim-card, I suppose), OR it might work with a USB-wired remote connected to the radio via the USB port(?). I wouldn't be playing games while driving, but it would be something very cool to do at things like car meets or whatever. IF someone tries this, AND it works... how is it?
4) I see a lot of reviews in certain places here and there that say the Joying head units really don't offer any improvement over factory radios. Can someone please school me on this? A Best Buy employee told me once that almost all aftermarket radios (grant it, he was referring to Kenwoods, Alpines, etc.) will inherently improve the sound (either by volume or quality) over the factory radio because the aftermarket units "push" more power (in watts?) than factory units. I've replaced the factory Bose "twiddler" speakers in my car with aftermarket JBL speakers that can be found at Best Buy, so I'm hoping the Joying Snapdragon can make the most of them. Other than that, my car's sound system remains the same.
5) Does anyone happen to also have experience with these units and their communication/compatibility with the OBD2 adapter? Joying offers a deal to get their wireless OBD2 device, which I assume may be used on apps like Torque and such. Furthermore, does anyone think you could buy an OBD2-to-USB cable and run a wired connection to the radio for a faster, more responsive reading when using apps like Torque to view engine and ECU data?
Thank you to everyone who chimes in! I really appreciate it and I hope to hear from you all soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From reading the forums what learnings do you have regarding FYT based chinese origin head units so far?
Your post reads like solicitation - the information is here for you to read.
marchnz said:
From reading the forums what learnings do you have regarding FYT based chinese origin head units so far?
Your post reads like solicitation - the information is here for you to read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, like I said, I'm new to this forum and, admittedly, I didn't look into the existence of any community guidelines that this post might violate, such as the solicitation you think my post reads as. If that's the case, I understand it if you choose to remove my post. I am probably wrong to assume that this forum is similar to car forums in that a user may post a thread whether to distribute or obtain information. For example, in the Corvette forums I use, I can post a thread about a new exhaust system I put on my car and list some things I liked and dislike about it to help future buyers, or I can ask a question about how other Corvette owners have enjoyed or disliked their experience with an aftermarket seat that I might be interested in. In either of those scenarios, I wouldn't be accused of solicitating because it's kind of the normal thing to do on a forum. So I don't potentially make the same mistake in the future, can you please tell me why my post "reads like solicitation," what the community guidelines (or whatever they are) that I may have violated, and what you mean by "the information is here for you to read?" For example, am I not allowed to post questions here?
However, I can't post a question like this on the Corvette forums because 99% of the boomers on there only buy "American, REAL QUALITY" aftermarket radios and never give android head units a chance. The other 1% seem to use the Joying 8.8" head unit because they want to retain the factory radio bezel. So, nobody over there is doing what I'm thinking of doing, so I'm coming to the only forum I found where users post information about the Joying unit.
But, to answer your question about what I've learned, I saw and read a thread started by @tRidiot under the "FYT Android Head Units" category that was titled "Do not buy a Joying Snapdragon unit - actually, Joying's customer service in general pretty well sucks." which can be found here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...service-in-general-pretty-well-sucks.4419619/ .
By reading this thread, I learned that @tRidiot had a really sour experience with Joying's customer service and was thoroughly disappointed with the way the radio interfaced with the steering wheel control canbus system (or whatever its called). So, I learned to not have any high expectations for the Joying product line to interface well with steering wheel controls. I've also read Facebook posts about this issue being consistent in other user experiences. As stated in my original post, I'm not really concerned with steering wheel controls because my car doesn't have any.
I also read a thread by @lowridincrew, with no title, in the category "Android head-units," that talks about the snapdragon product line by joying and compares it to their previous models. What i learned there is that the hardware in the snapdragon products doesn't seem to be as competitive (or fast or as powerful, etc.) as their less expensive products. It seems like some of those who commented on that thread have purchased a Snapdragon product and, in first impressions, seem to be okay with it. There seems to be an appeal for the new UI and that older models most likely won't be given the updated UI.
I've also tried to reach out to a YouTuber, SaabUnleashed, as he has done several android head units including the Joying Snapdragon, but he has not responded.
SO, that is all the information I have learned by reading threads on this forum. I would still appreciate any and all contributions that pertain to answering the questions listed above, and if I need to take my questions elsewhere, please tell me where I need to take them. Thanks!
Chris Laymon said:
Hey everyone! I am brand new to this forum and joined because I saw the most quality forum threads on the Joying head unit line of products here than any other forum I could find. I have a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette that I am hoping to install an 8" Joying Snapdragon radio in and could use some help gaining legitimate reviews and maybe some answers for questions I have regarding the Snapdragon and other Joying products. I'll number the talking points below for anyone willing to contribute and help me out. Thanks!
1) How is the Joying Snapdragon product that you have experience with, EXCLUDING all experiences pertaining to steering wheel controls? the C5 did not offer steering wheel controls, so I'm out of luck for that luxury.
2) How bright are the screens? Given the radio location in my car, glares when the roof is on is very unlikely, but a brighter screen is always better and would help if I chose to use the radio while the top is off and the sun can shine in almost directly onto it.
3) This is a very, very niche inquiry, but does anyone have a Joying snapdragon or android 10 head unit happen to also own an Xbox 1 or newer? If so, could you please tell me if you can download the Xbox app from the Google Store and install it on the radio? Furthermore, if this can be accomplished, can you please see if it is possible to Remote Play your Xbox on the Joying head unit via the Xbox app? The way I am thinking about it, doing this would require you to pair a wireless Xbox remote to the head unit via Bluetooth and then having the radio connected to WiFi (hotspot or sim-card, I suppose), OR it might work with a USB-wired remote connected to the radio via the USB port(?). I wouldn't be playing games while driving, but it would be something very cool to do at things like car meets or whatever. IF someone tries this, AND it works... how is it?
4) I see a lot of reviews in certain places here and there that say the Joying head units really don't offer any improvement over factory radios. Can someone please school me on this? A Best Buy employee told me once that almost all aftermarket radios (grant it, he was referring to Kenwoods, Alpines, etc.) will inherently improve the sound (either by volume or quality) over the factory radio because the aftermarket units "push" more power (in watts?) than factory units. I've replaced the factory Bose "twiddler" speakers in my car with aftermarket JBL speakers that can be found at Best Buy, so I'm hoping the Joying Snapdragon can make the most of them. Other than that, my car's sound system remains the same.
5) Does anyone happen to also have experience with these units and their communication/compatibility with the OBD2 adapter? Joying offers a deal to get their wireless OBD2 device, which I assume may be used on apps like Torque and such. Furthermore, does anyone think you could buy an OBD2-to-USB cable and run a wired connection to the radio for a faster, more responsive reading when using apps like Torque to view engine and ECU data?
Thank you to everyone who chimes in! I really appreciate it and I hope to hear from you all soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer question #4 as I've dealt with high end Kenwoods, Pioneers etc. It does improve sound and the person that said it's not any improvement over factory radios are delusional. The android radios offer a crossover and wide band EQ's. That alone improves sound quality a ton. I have a 08 Lacrosse and I've went from Factory to Kenwood DMX7704S to a Joying 4GB - 64GB 7 inch head unit. The Joying had way more control over the Kenwood. Whoever got in my car thought I had a amplifier installed but it was just my Headunit. I was able to fine tune it nicely. The only issues would be when adding a amplifier, either use the factory cables to go back to RCA cables straight to the amp or a crossover. The RCAs tend to be 1v and under as my Kenwood had 4v which makes a huge difference.
Chris Laymon said:
Hey everyone! I am brand new to this forum and joined because I saw the most quality forum threads on the Joying head unit line of products here than any other forum I could find. I have a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette that I am hoping to install an 8" Joying Snapdragon radio in and could use some help gaining legitimate reviews and maybe some answers for questions I have regarding the Snapdragon and other Joying products. I'll number the talking points below for anyone willing to contribute and help me out. Thanks!
1) How is the Joying Snapdragon product that you have experience with, EXCLUDING all experiences pertaining to steering wheel controls? the C5 did not offer steering wheel controls, so I'm out of luck for that luxury.
2) How bright are the screens? Given the radio location in my car, glares when the roof is on is very unlikely, but a brighter screen is always better and would help if I chose to use the radio while the top is off and the sun can shine in almost directly onto it.
3) This is a very, very niche inquiry, but does anyone have a Joying snapdragon or android 10 head unit happen to also own an Xbox 1 or newer? If so, could you please tell me if you can download the Xbox app from the Google Store and install it on the radio? Furthermore, if this can be accomplished, can you please see if it is possible to Remote Play your Xbox on the Joying head unit via the Xbox app? The way I am thinking about it, doing this would require you to pair a wireless Xbox remote to the head unit via Bluetooth and then having the radio connected to WiFi (hotspot or sim-card, I suppose), OR it might work with a USB-wired remote connected to the radio via the USB port(?). I wouldn't be playing games while driving, but it would be something very cool to do at things like car meets or whatever. IF someone tries this, AND it works... how is it?
4) I see a lot of reviews in certain places here and there that say the Joying head units really don't offer any improvement over factory radios. Can someone please school me on this? A Best Buy employee told me once that almost all aftermarket radios (grant it, he was referring to Kenwoods, Alpines, etc.) will inherently improve the sound (either by volume or quality) over the factory radio because the aftermarket units "push" more power (in watts?) than factory units. I've replaced the factory Bose "twiddler" speakers in my car with aftermarket JBL speakers that can be found at Best Buy, so I'm hoping the Joying Snapdragon can make the most of them. Other than that, my car's sound system remains the same.
5) Does anyone happen to also have experience with these units and their communication/compatibility with the OBD2 adapter? Joying offers a deal to get their wireless OBD2 device, which I assume may be used on apps like Torque and such. Furthermore, does anyone think you could buy an OBD2-to-USB cable and run a wired connection to the radio for a faster, more responsive reading when using apps like Torque to view engine and ECU data?
Thank you to everyone who chimes in! I really appreciate it and I hope to hear from you all soon.
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1 I've had 3 of the last 4 joying units and if you're okay with tinkering a bit to get it to your liking it's a worthwhile purchase. With a few caveats, you can't use Google assistant to make voice calls and sometimes the radio app starts when you start the stereo
2 the screen is very bright. I used to use one in my BMW convertible and even in direct sunlight I could see the screen. There is also a screen protector for some joying units on Amazon and I believe one is anti glare
3 yes you can install the Xbox app but you'd have to download the apk. The play store won't allow you to.
4 changing the EQ might offer a better experience but don't expect a mind blowing difference
5 you can ONLY use the joying obd2 with joying head units if you want to go the bluetooth route. As far as wired usb Idk but I can't imagine it not working.
Got word from a manufacturer on Aliexpress about one of their units They said the far better Snapdragon 665 versions of HU would possibly come out around June
There's no reason to go with a slower Snapdragon 625 compared to the UIS7812 imo
#1 If you are looking at Joying snapdragon units I believe they are all button less, which not having swc is going to be a pain in the butt as you will have to click on the volume icon and slide the volume up or down, hard to do while driving. But other. Than that it's solid. People complain at the fact that the 625 is an older chipset but this is a head unit not a tablet porformance is more than enough for radio stuff. One other thing people don't look at is LTE bands, the snapdragon units support band 4 and 12 which are big in the T-Mobile network, but i will note my Joying headunit has a 4g issue so haven't been able to experience a fully connected drive currently still going through customer service to rectify this issue.
#2 The screen is bright I haven't had issues with not being able to see the screen content. That being said it glares a lot, my unit being mounted 100% vertically reduces the chances of having glare issues but i can see it being an issue on my Avalon where the screen has a slight angle facing the windshield. When I had a Joying unit in that one glare was impossible to combat making the screen useless around mid day.
#3 you can download any android app as on any android device but you will not be able to pair a controller. I tried pairing my Xbox series x controller for hours, couldn't get it to connect, it seams Joying changes something in the Bluetooth interface that voids being able to access the main Bluetooth settings. For me that would make this point useless. I haven't tested USB connection only Bluetooth.
#4 This can be true. There are a lot of generic android radios for under 100 bucks that use the cheapest audio chips to get a product out and sold. This gives you the Android experience but overlooks the audio experience. Joying on the other hand is fairly expensive for a Chinese company sourcing android radios. The reason for this is they implement higher end components to also improve audio quality, and although it is not on par with high end pioneer or Kenwood's it does compare to radios in it's price range. In most cases if your car has only 4 speakers meaning 1 on each door and no factory amplifier the Joying will improve your sound. If your car has a premium audio system from factory IE. JBL, Bose, mark Levinson ext where you have 8-12 speakers in your car and bypass that with this radio it will sound like crap. It would sound like crap with any radio as factory amplifiers have different impedance and crossovers to compensate for special speaker wiring that your radio won't have. Another thing is if you plan to install a sound system in your vehicle you are told to stay away from these units as they distort at low volumes not allowing you to maximize the audio. Also true of old Joying units, these new ones get pretty close to 3v out of RCA before distortion at around 75-80% volume. I tested them with my DM-RTA. Granted this is not 4v as standard by pioneer, Sony and other headunit manufacturer it should suffice and or can be improved by a 200$ line driver. At 700$ still cheaper than any large manufacturer radio with similar specs as in size and functions like wireless car play And android auto.
#5 This I don't know but would advice to ask and see if you are able to pair a Bluetooth model and phone at the same time.
Thanks everyone for chiming in! I know this is a very dated thread by this point, but I felt like I had a few things worth mentioning in case anyone comes looking for it.
Per Joying's customer service, the snapdragon product line (currently) ONLY allow pairing with JOYING-brand Bluetooth products (i.e. steering wheel controller, TPMS, or the OBDII device) and devices categorized as phones.
I think this is a bummer because, well, I feel like one of the biggest reasons to buy an android head unit over other devices is because of the open-source, "do what you want" liberty that isn't given by its competition. This also stinks because it means that a device like an Amazon Echo Auto cannot be used at all -- this device would allow hands-free navigation or music, etc., but it requires a Bluetooth or AUX connection, both of which Joying does not seem to afford for the snapdragon products
I am still going to wait to see how/if the Snapdragon product line is improved as was rumored. I'm also curious to see how Apple's announcement of iOS 16's new and improved Apple CarPlay will change on these devices.
I don't want to discount Joying as a consideration when selecting a head unit -- as of now, I think they are the only brand to offer an 8" all-screen option. I think I still want to go with an android head unit, but I may find myself switching to a different brand or even non-android based unit.
I think @surfer63 wrote about fyt units needing to install obdII before any other Bluetooth devices like cell phones. He has really taken the time to post great info about these units, it just takes a little time and more knowledge than I have to sift through the info and determine if it applies to your unit. I have the hengcheng pro S9.
Chris Laymon said:
Thanks everyone for chiming in! I know this is a very dated thread by this point, but I felt like I had a few things worth mentioning in case anyone comes looking for it.
Per Joying's customer service, the snapdragon product line (currently) ONLY allow pairing with JOYING-brand Bluetooth products (i.e. steering wheel controller, TPMS, or the OBDII device) and devices categorized as phones.
I think this is a bummer because, well, I feel like one of the biggest reasons to buy an android head unit over other devices is because of the open-source, "do what you want" liberty that isn't given by its competition. This also stinks because it means that a device like an Amazon Echo Auto cannot be used at all -- this device would allow hands-free navigation or music, etc., but it requires a Bluetooth or AUX connection, both of which Joying does not seem to afford for the snapdragon products
I am still going to wait to see how/if the Snapdragon product line is improved as was rumored. I'm also curious to see how Apple's announcement of iOS 16's new and improved Apple CarPlay will change on these devices.
I don't want to discount Joying as a consideration when selecting a head unit -- as of now, I think they are the only brand to offer an 8" all-screen option. I think I still want to go with an android head unit, but I may find myself switching to a different brand or even non-android based unit.
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You still don't appear to understand that there is no "joying" headunit. Your comments apply to a factory type sold by a seller called JOYING.
Without posting the details of the unit from Android system information including the MCU, the comments lack context which may mislead others.