The Apple CarPlay works instantly and the sound quality is above average, which is important to me as an audiophile.

BHPian M35 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Update

I've been using my new device for nearly a month now and it has truly impressed me.

The apps and touch function flawlessly and I haven't had much time to explore all of its features yet. I've been pleased to find that Apple CarPlay works instantly with my iPhone 14 Pro as well as XS MAX.

Additionally, the device has a dedicated sub-woofer output which I've used to connect my powered sub-woofer in the spare tire well. The sound quality is above average, which is important to me as an audiophile, thanks to the quality of Skoda speakers/components.

I had the device installed at Galaxy Premium Accessories in Kochi, which is run by a fellow BHPian. Though it wasn't cheap, I'm more than satisfied with the overall cabin experience. This is a 9-inch screen + 4G 64GB variant.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I used my Mahindra Scorpio S4 and Maruti Suzuki Swift Zxi Type 2 for my experiments on android head units.

BHPian yogeshnaik recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This review is based on my own usage, research, observations that I have done on few android car audio head units. I had worked on design and development of OEM and aftermarket Car Audio Units for almost two years and this enthusiasm made me to explore new technologies on Audio Head Units. I used Mahindra Scorpio S4 and Maruti Suzuki Swift Zxi Type 2 for my experiments on android head units.

Android Audio Head Units are emerging in the market as popularity of the Operating System is already seen in Android phones. Its Linux kernel advantage and the app repository are a boon for its success.

When you consider a new technology in infotainment system for your vehicle, one needs to be utmost careful in selecting a system because this happens to be an integral part of your vehicle and can lead to certain irregularities and malfunctioning of other connected modules. Since the vehicle is a people carrier, safety of occupants and others on the roads needs to be considered, selecting a proper time-tested Audio Head Unit (AHU) will wade away the risk, something new technology on hardware or software can lead to unknown events.

If you have an OEM and want to change a system still for exploring new features or just for fun, my primary recommendation is not to tamper the OEM unless you are equipped with proper information on the system, its pros & cons the side effects and what are the features that can hamper the normal operations of the vehicular platform. If the audio quality offered by OEM AHU is considerably good then sticking to OEM systems will have a peaceful venture between the vehicle and the driver, this is because the OEM AHUs are well tested with all the necessary test cases in all weather, road conditions, speeds, power consumption and load on the battery. If your AHU is connected to the CAN bus, then this system becomes an integral part of the vehicular platform and should not be tempered unless recommended by OEM. This is because the timings on the CAN bus transmission and reception are well calculated and matched in the Physical Layer for the OEM AHU and if any offset in timings in the aftermarket AHU can lead to misinformation or a bus lock-up resulting to malfunction of other modules like Body Control Modules (BCM) etc. A vehicle electrical infotainment system is a cluster of functional modules like BCM, ECU, ABS+EBD, Airbags connected in a network, so any foreign body like a new untested AHU may or may not gel with the existing modules.

Last but not the least, sticking to the OEM Audio Head Unit is having a peaceful approach because OEMs are accountable and responsible for their deliverables and user is not.

Disclaimer: Any un-approved modifications on the vehicle can completely void or limit the warranty and compromise safety. Please ensure the legal concerns before any modifications.

Parameters to consider an Aftermarket AHU:

• If OEM does not provide an Audio System.

• If the OEM AHU does not have exceptional audio quality that audiophiles look for.

• If you have a pre-info on the vehicular platform and can take a risk of a new foreign element (Audio system here).

• If you can solve any issue without a Road Assistance when stranded in the middle of your trip if any issue occurs due to newly added AHU.

• If your vehicle warranty is not voided or warranty is over ensuring it wont hamper the primary functions of the vehicle.

• If physical buttons are present. Touch-screen systems are dangerous, you need to take off your eyes to operate on it.

• If you have faith in the installers. Needs a professional installer who uses pin to pin proper coupler OEM adapters, ensure that no wires are cut.
• If you are an enthusiast and want to do some R & D.

Pros of Android Audio system:

• Adds a fun factor for navigation.
• It can be used as a Carputer (Car computer), Internet Browsing on the go or any computation task you can do.
• Some have in-build 4G-LTE SIM enabled where you can insert a SIM card for flawless internet connectivity and downloading of maps for navigation.
• Feature rich, you can add any application from the Android Play store.
• Good for expedition and for those who like to have all information on one screen.
• Certain GPS based apps are helpful in detecting the actual speed of the vehicle.
• Not all but some Android AHUs have better Audio DACs, almost all Audio CODECs like MP3, MP4, AAC, FLAC (lossless) and a bunch of Video CODECs (for co-passengers, not for driver).
• WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity and AUX-In for external Audio Input.
• Look and feel of the dashboard is enhanced. Believe me, you get a premium feel too.
• Integrate Read-View Camera to the AHU enhances safety.
• Since Android is a heavy operating system, Android Go is used as a lightweight OS.
• Works best with Steering Wheel Remote buttons and can be programmed according to your needs.
• Android AHUs come with inbuilt Flash-ROM storage helps to store your entertainment on the go.
• Additional USB ports helps to connect mobile phones for data transfer or to charge only, connect USB sticks or any supported devices.
• Some systems come with CAN bus decoder specified for vehicle and can be connected to the vehicle to have the Car Info like engine RPM, Tyre Pressure, In cabin & Outside Atmospheric Temperature etc.
• Android & iPhones can be connected using Bluetooth, both works flawlessly.

Cons of Android Audio system:

• Most of the Android Systems come with touch interface and no physical knobs or buttons (except few), operations like changing tracks, browsing folders for audio track, one needs to take away your eyes from the sight of the road and look at the screen to operate on touch screen which is dangerous. I found this as a concern myself.
• Alternatively, a steering wheel remote minimizes this issue to a certain extent.
• Need to pull off the road and stop to operate and enter the map inputs for navigation if only a driver is the occupant.
• Android is a heavy OS; it takes time to boot if designed to go into shutdown mode when vehicle ignition key is removed.
• Frequent changes and asking a need of updates of existing apps from the Android Play-store consumes time and needs a data connectivity.
• Android versions ages at a fast pace when compared to the OEMs or other aftermarket AHUs like Alpine, Pioneer, Blaupunkt which use proprietary OS.
• Android AHUs with Hardware are still in development phase and there is a plenty of room for making this stable.
• Android uses Linux kernel, a systems-programmers can easily peep in, good for developers but it raises security concerns.
• Android OS needs more memory and an optimal of 2GB for Android Go is required. At times, low entrant systems may hang in multitasking or respond with delays. Occasionally, it requires a hard reset.
• Unlike Android phones, iPhone users will have limited feature sets when connected to Android AHU.
• Current Android AHUs does not have that level of security. This is because if you are using an Android Play store, you need to add your Google account credentials to download and update apps. Anyone sitting inside the car can have access to your emails and other personal data. It happened to be a concern to me when I leave my vehicle for service or hand over at Valet Parking.

However, you can install certain locking apps, but still there are loopholes and cannot be compared with the OEM type of security.

Alternatively, create another Google account only for this purpose as a Workaround ensuring no emails are setup.

Some android systems are designed to go into standby mode only, not into completely shut down mode when ignition key is removed. So, if you park the vehicle for a longer time say for a week or a two, the battery gets drained. My findings on this with a video are discussed in detail in this review.

How Safe is Android AHU:

The Hardware is designed in the similar way as that of other AHUs, but some are slim, light weight with no compromise on audio quality. There are certain imports done from North Eastern countries, which are promisingly offering at a pretty lower price that lures a buyer. I have tried from entry level to high end Android AHUs. Some Android AHUs are having cheap material, if you observe keenly, the mounting screw grooves with threads get ruptured when you start fastening on the vehicle’s front facia. One of my system’s in Scorpio loosened off when I was driving on rough roads. The plastic cabinet to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) are of inferior quality and the touch screen can be scratched very easily.

Some 9” systems screens had Gorilla glass and were good, touch was found to be good too. The current ones which I fitted on Swift ZXi & Scorpio are having well build and are still serving the purpose, no complaints yet. The one that gave me complaints are no more in the vehicle. I have made few review videos based on my experience; video links are posted for your visuals.

Power perspective:

From the power perspective, I found that the standby current that flows through the Android AHU when ignition key is removed and the vehicle is parked is 10 mA which I found to be negligible for a fully charged battery. The one I tested is the AHU that goes into Standby state and not completely OFF state, this system comes to ON state instantly when Ignition Key is switched ON to Accessories Mode. The AHU that goes into complete shutdown are mostly high-end Android AHUs that sink 1mA of current, but they re-boot every time when ignition key is switched ON. If you have checked the 1-DIN Audio systems, they used to sink 1 – 5 mA in olden days, there are 1-DIN still in use.

As I mentioned earlier, the Android Software & Hardware has room for improvement, there are certain bugs, one such was found by me is a battery draining bug. In my android system installed in Mahindra Scorpio S4, I had my Radio application running and as I removed Ignition Key after I parked and locked the vehicle. The battery was found to be drained post 2 days and the engine was unable to crank, I had to use my jump starter. After some trials I found that the Radio chip was ON and it was not allowing the internal circuitry of the Android System to go into Standby mode. How I found the Radio chip was not turned OFF by the Android System is, first I turned-OFF the Radio from the User Interface and still I heard a feeble Radio channel’s sound from the Sub-Woofer although there was no sound from both component speakers. Secondly, the standby current consumption rose up approximately to be at 400 mA after ignition key was removed and the system’s screen was completely OFF. I re-confirmed the same after I turned ON the Back Lights of the Keys, namely - Power, Home, Back & Volume Keys where they remained lit even after I removed the Ignition Key. This proved that the Radio chip was not allowing the Android motherboard hardware to go into standby state.

Another experiment I did was I replaced the above-mentioned head unit with an upgraded hardware and software. After a thorough check, I parked the Mahindra Scorpio for a month. In a week I used to check and start the engine for few minutes for oil circulation of the diesel engine. I behaved well. Approximately after a month, the Scorpio did not start and I had to jump start it. The battery is new and with the same battery, Scorpio starts effortlessly even after 3 months of long storage with a branded JVC or Alpine Audio Head Unit installed. I removed the android system for the debug and found out that the system in standby mode consumes a current of 10mA from the battery, which means a power of 120 to140mW is consumed when the vehicle was parked. Below is the video that explains the issue in detail and a workaround to solve this battery draining issue.

Android Audio Systems found unsafe for vehicles, here is the workaround video

Verdict:

If you would like to use an Android system for your vehicle, you need to select the AHU from reputed manufacturers like Blaupunkt (Key Largo series), Pioneer, Nippon and Maisun. However, these systems are stable and costs much. If still you want to use a lower cost budget system, be prepared for risks and it is suggested to keep a fully charged Jump starter in your vehicle in case of any untrodden battery drain events happen. The Maisun Android Audio system is found to be a phenomenal among all as the Audio reproduction quality is at Hi-Fidelity and excels in all even in power saving when vehicle is turned OFF completely. I personally own a Maisun in my Suzuki Swift ZXi, you can watch the video in the last link below.

The one thing I did not like about Android Car Audio systems is the apps updates that it needs frequently, which is time consuming and connect to WiFi every time for faster updates and installs. If you already have an OEM touch screen with Navigation that is the best and always will be my first preference considering the safety, quality and here the OEM is responsible to bring that to you. The systems that I tried below in the videos are where there was no touch screen nor a navigation unit, hence it is my passion to bring what I did on my vehicles

Video links of the Android systems that I reviewed:

How safe is the Android Audio System for your vehicle

Android Audio System Rebuild after Touch Panel Failure

Entry level Android Audio System 7” | Scratch test

Entry Level Android Audio System - Unboxed with Mahindra Scorpio Panel

Cons and workaround for low cost android audio system for Mahindra Scorpio

Android Audio System for Mahindra Scorpio

Higher End Android Audio System Unboxing - Green Heavy Series from Hypersonic

Premium Android Car Audio System for Suzuki Swift from Maisun

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

This unit has picture-in-picture as well. So you can listen and watch a song while your maps are up.

BHPian triedeverything recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So mine is a 9 year old XUV 500. One thing I've hated about most manufacturers is the backward compatibility of new features. I watched with envy as newer models came out with better head units. And I'm stuck with this puny head unit because of 'dependencies'

Enter the Canbus. This is a small piece of hardware that they install between the head unit and every other connection. This seems to ensure that functionality isn't lost.

My head unit was stock for so many years. The GPS conked out and stopped working at least 5 years ago. Since their stock maps were pathetic and I always had Google Maps on my mobile, I didn't miss much.

The car's done 93K km so far. No issues note mentioning. And the wait for the 700 is now almost 2 years!

So what do we do in the meantime?

How about looking up upgrades to the head unit and so my search started. I came across one vendor who seemed to have good reviews. I was always worried about lost functionality - since climate control, etc are all displayed on the screen. Plus I didn't want to lose the steering controls.

A few years back I had changed the speakers (Mahindra provides pathetic speakers for a premium car) and also added an Amp and a Sub with an inbuilt Amp. I faced the dreaded disturbance in sound and lived with it for a couple of years by keeping gain to the minimum.

The idiot who installed it didn't really know how to do the job. And a few weeks back, the amp blew.

That was the sign I was waiting for: to get it rewired and pimped up.

This particular vendor that I went to next - did a great job with the upgrade. (After the initial irritation at long wait times) I spent almost an entire day undoing the damage and wiping the slate clean. In the process of connecting my rear cam to the new head unit, the rear tail light has developed a huge crack.

I've not lost much functionality. From what I figured, it's only Tyre Tronics. And I still need to figure out where to access the fuel average. Otherwise, steering controls, climate control, everything else is seen and controlled on screen and in satisfying working condition.

This unit has picture-in-picture as well. So you can listen and watch a song while your maps are up. It has a slot for a sim - so it can have its own connection to the internet. If that's too much of a hassle, you can pair it with the hotspot and use the device like any other android touch screen. Download apps from the android store, etc.

Total damage - about Rs 37k.

Does not include the new amp. And the high-low converter (which I think can sort the dreaded hiss that many older XUVs have reported)

Cons so far:

• Unit goes off for a short while (not as much as the OE unit turning off) while restarting the car.
• No user manual. So it's mostly learn by trial and error.
• Very high install time, but that's a one off.
• Wasn't a thorough job - had to go back again to get the camera connected.
• They don't test everything before letting you go
• Don't expect undivided attention

Here's a short video.

Just been a week since install. So that's as much experience as I have with the unit. Need to go on a long drive to test it. Not sure about sharing vendor details here, so ping me and I'll be happy to share the phone number, etc. This dealer has a tie-up with vendors in other states as well. I've asked for Mumbai. Also know another vendor who has several YouTube videos for those in Hyderabad. But this particular vendor is in Bangalore.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I'm planning to buy the Creta SX Executive as my Hyundai i20 Elite replacement. This model doesn't come with an infotainment system.

BHPian aruncr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi team,

Currently, I own a Hyundai i20 Elite. Driving it for the last 6 years. The vehicle is in immaculate condition except for the tyres that I have imported recently. Since the Yokohamas had worn out at 45,000 km, I preferred Chinese and imported.

Four Triangular tyres from Indonesia - 60/195/R15. However, the front tyre started wobbling and the centre portion began to wear out and affect the rack and pinion.

This isn't the reason for selling the car. The IDV is falling and the insurance coverage level as well.

I have test driven XUV 700, Thar, Seltos, Astor, Creta and Harrier. However, landed up on Creta SX - Executive.

This model doesn't come up with an infotainment system. The customer needs to add it as an accessory. Hyundai (or My showroom) approved models are from Sony, Pioneer, Blaupunkt and Motevo.

I'd prefer Motevo as it comes with an extra-large 10.25" LCD screen with all current-generation features. The quoted price is Rs. 45990 without speakers.

The vehicle comes with in-built 4 speakers/2 tweeters and steering mounted audio controls. I will be installing my JBL 4 CH Amp of 200W with a subwoofer that I am already using.

Can someone throw some light on Motevo 10.25" infotainment system or any suggestions for an alternate brand (all details) with the same screen size?

• How reliable this is?
• Clarity of sound?
• Clarity of video and reverse camera?
• Overall experience?

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

Definitely not a fly-by-night brand. I see many posts on Motevo and, in fact, Honda endorsed them too.

Here's what BHPian RaSing had to say about the matter:

Not sure about the brand Motevo, but please be informed that there are a lot of Android Screens available in the accessories market in the range of Rs 7000 to 23000, including brands like Nippon. I feel the showroom is just charging the double. Please have a look at this thread before going ahead. I personally feel you can save a lot of money by doing a bit of research on the net and in the market. Also, a lot of brands are now available on Go Mechanic site.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:

Extremely overpriced. The same product is available at a third of the price in the market. Scout around. There are plenty of such Android-based head units in the market, unbranded as well as branded. All are made in China.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Being Android based, the infotainment system will get new functionalities.

The infotainment system in the Trend, Thunder, Titanium and Titanium+ variants of the Ford EcoSport will now run on Android 4.2.2 operating system.

The Android OS replaces the old WINCE operating system. Ford claims that the new operating system has significantly improved the performance of the head-unit.

Being Android based, the infotainment unit will now support Wi-Fi features like Over the Air (OTA) updates, enabling customers to upgrade the system software on their own. It will also provide live traffic updates for Offline MMI maps.

The infotainment system will now have conference call functionality. Users will be able to speak with up to 3 individuals at a time.

The VIN cut off for the aforementioned variants is LE46288, which suggests that cars manufactured in August 2020 onwards will get this upgrade.

Thanks to Akshat Awasti for sending this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP page!

Alliance partners Renault, Nissan & Mitsubishi have collaborated with Google to offer Android-based infotainment systems on their models from 2021.

As part of the technology partnership, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi will use Google's Android operating system in their infotainment systems, with built-in features like Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation and access to the Google Play Store. Users will be able to use the infotainment system to answer calls and send texts, control media, search information over the internet and manage vehicle functions using Google Assistant.

Each brand will have a unique interface and specific features and will offer integrated cloud-based systems as well. Alliance Intelligent Cloud will provide next-gen infotainment systems with secure connectivity and will facilitate over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics. The system will be compatible with devices running on other operating systems as well.

Volvo Cars has announced that its next-gen Sensus infotainment system will be based on Google's Android operating system. It will also have integrated Google services including Google Assistant, Google Play Store and Google Maps. Volvo intends to launch the new infotainment system in a couple of years from now.

Volvo Cars is currently working with Google to develop apps and services for its cars. Google Play Store will also be accessible via the new infotainment system, which will enable users to download additional apps. Much like an Android based smartphone, the infotainment system will receive regular software updates. 

Google Assistant will allow users to control in-car functions like air-conditioning, operate apps, send messages and play music via voice commands, while Google Maps will provide the map and traffic data in real time. It will update the driver about upcoming traffic conditions and proactively suggest alternative routes.

Volvo has announced a partnership with Google to develop an Android-based infotainment system for its upcoming range of cars. This infotainment system will completely be based on the Android operating system. As a result, it will not require to be connected to a smartphone for using various apps and services offered by the Google OS, unlike the current Android Auto functionality.

The said infotainment system will have an array of apps and services, developed by Volvo, Google or even a third-party company. This will help in offering the Android experience to car owners, without the need to connect a smartphone. Volvo claims that it will start using the new infotainment system in its new models within the next two years.

The new infotainment system will also offer Apple CarPlay connectivity. Further details about the partnership are expected to be announced at Google's I/O conference.