Android Auto

OldBloke · March 09, 2016, 02:12:24 PM

Does anyone here have experience of the Android Auto after-market head units?

I'm looking to replace my existing double-din unit and would be interested to hear people's views.

Snokio · March 09, 2016, 11:53:58 PM

There is an android app that replicates android auto, I will dig it out at some point, check out pioneer units

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BrotherTobious · March 10, 2016, 08:35:04 AM

Alpine stuff as also come on nicely I am looking one with dab too

OldBloke · March 10, 2016, 09:21:40 AM

I'm currently looking at the Pioneer units - the choice seems quite limited at the moment.

This one is currently grabbing my attention.

BrotherTobious · March 10, 2016, 09:26:43 AM

ohhh looks very pretty lots of specs as well

Tutonic · March 10, 2016, 10:18:11 AM

Quote from: OldBloke;411360I'm currently looking at the Pioneer units - the choice seems quite limited at the moment.

This one is currently grabbing my attention.

My interest is peaked. No idea how I'd fit that in my Civic, would probably require some serious work...

smilodon · March 10, 2016, 12:09:23 PM

Kenwood and JVC also make units that are Android Auto compatible.

Snokio · March 10, 2016, 10:58:03 PM

This is the one I was looking at along with F70DAB, i think the F77DAB is the better option check Amazon as it seems a good deal. I think having the built in satnav is a good backup and having the higher quality screen will make it more responsive and accurate (my previous Pioneer was not that great).

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Tutonic · March 16, 2016, 09:27:32 PM

So I took the plunge - having the F77DAB fitted on Monday (local car audio specialists, I took a look at replacing the dash in my Civic to get a 2DIN in and it looked horrific). I'll let you know what I think....

Tutonic · March 23, 2016, 01:39:55 PM

So, several days usage after the excellent install job by CBS Automotive......

Android Auto is very good, everything works as you would expect. Plug the phone in via a USB cable, and it will automatically launch on the Pioneer screen (I think you can control this behaviour in the Pioneer settings).

Navigation is good, mainly because it taps into Google's location database and voice commands ("Navigate to petrol station" for example). Audio hooks up to all the usual suspect (Spotify, Play Music, Audible etc) and continues playing across all the Android & Pioneer screens.

Phone is very good, voice commands handled in the usual way by Google. I especially like the way it handles SMS; touch the message notification and it will read out the contents (with good accuracy, so far). You can say 'reply' and speak a reply for it to send, again the accuracy on this was pretty good.

So thumbs up for the Android Auto functionality, the Pioneer unit itself.....

Screen - Very good. I had bright sunshine directly on it yesterday and it was still clear. Capacitive touchscreen is very responsive. Pinch to zoom etc all working flawlessly.

Audio - DAB radio quality is excellent, provided there is signal (I've been through a couple of blackspots). You can program in 18 stations, and browse the list of available ones. The graphic equalizer makes a big difference, I have some very ordinary stock speakers in my Civic and it automatically makes them sound better. The Pioneer interface can control apps on your phone (Spotify etc) over bluetooth/USB should you prefer it to Android Auto. As with Auto, audio from whatever source you're using will continue playing (and can be controlled) from any screen.

Nav - The Pioneer satnav is pretty good. Loads of options, a POI database and the voice instructions are pretty clear. Google beats it for voice commands and POI database in my opinion, but there's not much in it. It's an excellent option to have if you don't want to use a phone. I haven't done any long motorway trips with it yet, so can't comment on how good the traffic/accident alerts are but I had a quick look and it seems very good.

Phone - standard bluetooth offering. You can browse your phones contact lists and call history, allocate favourites etc. As with the nav, Google's voice commands give it a slight edge here but the interface is pretty good.

I'm sure I'll find some more things to comment as I use it more, but it's a very impressive unit. The only minor flaws I can think of are the 10-15 second startup time from cold, and it's a bit of a fingerprint magnet - I've already had to give it a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth.

I'll snap some photos later when I have two phones.

Snokio · March 23, 2016, 05:21:55 PM

Thanks for the review, out of interest does it have screen mirroring with the phone and is it WhatsApp compatible (I. E. With the messages).

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Tutonic · March 23, 2016, 06:00:26 PM

Quotedoes it have screen mirroring

I think so, haven't tried it - Android Auto provides all the phone functionality I need.

Quote[/COLOR]is it WhatsApp compatible

I've just checked, and WhatsApp is the first app listed in the Play Store as 'Android Auto compatible'. I don't use it personally, so I don't know how good the functionality is.[/COLOR]

OldBloke · April 04, 2016, 09:36:53 AM

I recently discovered that the F88DAB exists. I'm having it fitted on Friday.

smilodon · April 04, 2016, 10:30:24 AM

I sometimes use my Nexus 7 as a Sat Nav connected to my phone. I've downloaded the offline maps and it works very nicely and plays my music straight into my car stereo too.

Not anywhere near as sophisticated as a dedicated System but it I only paid for the USB cable and tablet holder (Â£15.00) Might be an idea for anyone on a budget.