My experience using a Carlinkit T-Box Android Lite Box in my MG Hector

It integrates very nicely with the existing infotainment functions. Retains the AC control bar at the bottom and 360 camera functions launch as expected.

BHPian Nonstop-driver recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I went to the service centre last week to get the D to N jerk checked. At first, the advisor tried to brush it off as normal but when we compared it against other Hectors, it appeared that the jerk was present in all but was amplified in my vehicle.

Then they spent almost the entire day checking the CVT, transmission oil, mounts, spark plugs, error codes and whatnot. But nothing came out of it. Ultimately I was advised to keep driving and report back if there were any issues.

Considering the complex vehicle that it is, I decided to close the chapter fearing they would break something else trying to fix this. Got headlights re-focused and they changed a brake pad (didn't even ask to). Bill was 0 as the elite maintenance package covered it. Got the ceramic coating touch-up done (last service of the 3-year package).

In a separate update, purchased a Carlinkit T-box Lite Android dongle and was surprised to see that it runs full-screen Android OS, Android Auto and Apple Carplay by default without any scaling or resolution issues. The dongle has 3 functions:

• Runs an Android OS on the headunit. In the basic model, you need to give it a hotspot, advanced models get a SIM slot. This means with just a hotspot, the headunit can run Google Maps, Spotify, etc.
• Wireless Android Auto. Same thing as above but now your phone heats up more and the battery drains faster.
• Wireless Apple carplay. Didn't try this yet but the reviews say this is integrated even better.

Integrates very nicely with the existing infotainment functions. Retains the AC control bar at the bottom and 360 camera functions launch as expected.

Other than the pros, 2 cons:

• Takes about 30-60 seconds to boot up after the MG boot-up
• Uses the USB port under the screen so the phone can't fit the wireless charger unless I remove the phone cover.

I have a trip planned to Chandigarh and then to Kangra later this week. This will be the first long trip in Hector. Planning to write a full purchase and ownership experience post that and click some nice pics as well.

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