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RenegadeXR · 03-02-2019, 06:05 PM

I haven't seen any posts discussing this, but about maybe 4-5 months ago, several Chinese manufacturers are making a USB dongle that allows CarPlay on Android tablets and head units running 4.0 and higher:

https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Don...gateway&sr=8-3

Demo:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IxkudKNvdvQ#t=260

I think this is going to be a game-changer. It opens a ton of possibilities. For example, if you didn't want to rip out the stock radio on your 5th gen, you could foreseeably just use a dash-mounted screen running Android and use it as a CarPlay unit for a total cost in the low $100's.

You could probably even get fancy and do something like Phone <=USB=> CarPlay adapter <=> Screen <=USB=> Center console USB port. This would theoretically retain totally stock radio functionality, including steering controls, displaying track information on the HUD, while offering the best sound quality that the stock speakers can offer. Or you can use Bluetooth between the Screen and stock radio, but the 5th gen has an old standard and it can sound crappy.

Obviously, this would not be for people who want the benefits of an upgraded head-unit including the possibility to install a better sound system, but it would offer amazing convenience.

Example of a possible setup. You could use thin USB cables with right angled connections to clean it up a bit.

Original image credit:
https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=449623

What do you think? I can see manufacturers picking up on this and offering some cool all-in-one solutions / packaged deals with everything you need to get up and running. Heck, in a couple years, we could start seeing standalone Wireless CarPlay displays, meaning less wires to hide and the possibility of using a much newer Bluetooth standard to bridge with your phone and effectively get better quality wireless audio in your car, again with no mods required.

03-02-2019, 06:05 PM	#1
RenegadeXR Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,850	New Cheap CarPlay Option I haven't seen any posts discussing this, but about maybe 4-5 months ago, several Chinese manufacturers are making a USB dongle that allows CarPlay on Android tablets and head units running 4.0 and higher: https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Don...gateway&sr=8-3 Demo: http://youtube.com/watch?v=IxkudKNvdvQ#t=260 I think this is going to be a game-changer. It opens a ton of possibilities. For example, if you didn't want to rip out the stock radio on your 5th gen, you could foreseeably just use a dash-mounted screen running Android and use it as a CarPlay unit for a total cost in the low $100's. You could probably even get fancy and do something like Phone <=USB=> CarPlay adapter <=> Screen <=USB=> Center console USB port. This would theoretically retain totally stock radio functionality, including steering controls, displaying track information on the HUD, while offering the best sound quality that the stock speakers can offer. Or you can use Bluetooth between the Screen and stock radio, but the 5th gen has an old standard and it can sound crappy. Obviously, this would not be for people who want the benefits of an upgraded head-unit including the possibility to install a better sound system, but it would offer amazing convenience. Example of a possible setup. You could use thin USB cables with right angled connections to clean it up a bit. Original image credit: https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=449623 What do you think? I can see manufacturers picking up on this and offering some cool all-in-one solutions / packaged deals with everything you need to get up and running. Heck, in a couple years, we could start seeing standalone Wireless CarPlay displays, meaning less wires to hide and the possibility of using a much newer Bluetooth standard to bridge with your phone and effectively get better quality wireless audio in your car, again with no mods required. __________________ Disclaimer: Unless specific sources are cited, all of the above is my subjective opinion. No warranties, expressed or implied, are granted. This is a car forum, after all. Last edited by RenegadeXR; 03-02-2019 at 06:15 PM.