i found something interesting ... - Page 39 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

bnorman · 12-05-2013, 12:51 PM

It is only a first impression. There are many settings that can be tweaked which may alleviate some of the negatives. Its a decent value for what it is capable of compared to $200 for a Metra or Scosche kit plus another $500-1200 for a navigation unit. Yes it comes with a more manageable warranty, but so far I haven't seen a need for that route. The opportunity for expansion is great versus a locked down name brand.

karnov · 12-05-2013, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jalberdi99

FNG · 12-05-2013, 02:33 PM

Having major lock-up issues with the one I've been helping install on a BA equipped RS. Regular pressing of the tiny reset button to get the unit working again causes us to keep a paperclip or tiny screw driver handy.

The guy from China told us NOT to install any apps to avoid problems.... kinda defeats the purpose of this head unit. Also getting "noise" through the system... I can only assume it's from the no-solder RCA's that were used when modifying the wiring harness. (I'll be pulling it all out this weekend to re-do everything and try to resolve some of the issues.)

What version of android is everyone using? 2.3.something??

jeffa · 12-05-2013, 04:47 PM

I have been watching this thread from the beginning, and now I want to put my 2 cents worth here.

I have been in the mobile electronics industry for many years, and have played with/evaluated/been to the factories in China to investigate the current Android based product. What I can say is that every unit that I tested had lockup issues, as well as glitches that I as a consumer would never accept. Not to mention, these units did not have real great audio playback qualities.

Here are my observations on this current unit:

1. I think that more interest has been generated in the unit because of the "factory looking" faceplate. The problem is is what is behind the faceplate has issues that I don't think justify my buying it no matter how factory it looks. And if it is a "factory fit" face, why so much work and trimming to install it? At least the Scosche and Metra kits fit without any modifications to the kit or the dash.

2. Every Android unit I have played with had lockup issues, because this platform was never designed to be used in a car audio application. A car audio unit places more strain on the operating system because of how it functions...not like a phone or tablet running Android. It appears that this one is no different.

3. To me, if the audio is no better than the factory radio, and you are having operating issues with the unit, this is a non starter for me. The object of replacing the factory radio is to get something with more features and MUCH better sound.Don't see that here.

4. There is a reason that aftermarket units from the "big guys" run a version of WIN CE mobile....more stability and interfaces well in the car audio application. 99% of the time you will never experience a lockup in a win CE based unit. Not to mention win CE is faster in response than Android systems in a car unit. That's OK that it is a closed system... my Alpine head unit will give me AM/FM/HD/iPod/Bluetooth/streaming Bluetooth with metadata display/sat radio/iPod interface/CD/DVD/Navigation/USB digital playback/video playback through USB and iPod or hard drive/Pandora radio, and a killer audio section with time alignment/EQ/crossovers/and correction of compressed music. What more do I need....IMHO nothing. You can't get HD radio or sat radio with this Android unit...why? No license.

5. Warranty.....wait until you have an issue with this unit. No local dealers, no way to swap a unit under warranty at your local dealer. You will have to ship the unit back to China and it will be weeks to get it repaired/replaced. And it will cost you through the nose for shipping...at least $200 to get it there, and if you're lucky the factory may send it back to you free freight (but I doubt it.) The first time the unit goes bad, you will be out up to $400 i shipping....good luck.

I could go on but I think you get the picture. Not to rip on any of you who have bought this unit, just trying to add some other facts to the discussion.

And as usual, YMMV......

Camaro Dude · 12-05-2013, 09:15 PM

^^^^I concur with the above statement.^^^^

Jalberdi99 · 12-05-2013, 11:19 PM

It reads like he knows what his talking about. Interesting

rray · 12-06-2013, 12:27 AM

+3... Been down the Android head unit road too, but ended up pulling it after several months, and several glitches including a bricking that I had to wait for firmware from China and perform complex ADB flashing to recover from.

So far, this unit is the best feature wise, but audio quality wise, they need to offer USB DAC support instead of the typical low cost preamp section.

I chose the DIY industrial windows based system for great sound, great features, and easy recovery if it crashes.

patternpilot · 12-06-2013, 01:12 AM

I've been watching this from the beginning. Not looking like it is ready for the market yet. May never be. Some of the issues can be tolerated, but lockups cannot. Last thing you need to have to deal with while driving is trying to get a non responsive unit working. Nice looking unit though.

SinisSick · 12-06-2013, 01:33 AM

I'm gonna bow out of this one myself. Hopefully they get the kinks out later down the road. Good looking unit though.

StealthZL1 · 12-06-2013, 03:27 AM

I knew that unit from China was sketchy. There's a reason why that thing wasn't readily available in the USA.

Twilborne · 12-07-2013, 08:34 AM

It does not look like their are that many issues to me. They seem minor to me. Every time you remove the stock unit and replace it with an aftermarket you are going to have some issues, even with the Scosche kit or the Metra kit.

scuba264 · 12-07-2013, 10:10 AM

Yeah I really want to hear some longer term feedback. I'm really interested in this. I don't think its fair to say that Android can't handle running a headunit, people are using android devices as full fledged home theater setups, it runs phones and tablets all day long.

The biggest problems for me are the two main reasons I'd want it: 1) SiriusXM is the main thing I play and 2) I'm hoping to replace my stock HU with one with a more full equalizer so I could maybe get rid of the EQ I use in my trunk. Seems both of those are issues with this.

StealthZL1 · 12-07-2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twilborne

It does not look like their are that many issues to me. They seem minor to me. Every time you remove the stock unit and replace it with an aftermarket you are going to have some issues, even with the Scosche kit or the Metra kit.

I had zero issues with my Scosche kit.

Jerry S · 12-07-2013, 11:48 AM

Been running my Scosche dash kit with a Kenwood HD990 for a while now and have not had one problem. My only complaint is that the Onstar Camosm module is out of stock. Not having Onstar is no a big deal for me I just wanted it all to work. The bugs in the China radio would bug me all the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twilborne

It does not look like their are that many issues to me. They seem minor to me. Every time you remove the stock unit and replace it with an aftermarket you are going to have some issues, even with the Scosche kit or the Metra kit.

12-05-2013, 02:33 PM	#535
FNG Tampa Bay Camaros Drives: Rally Yellow 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: FL Posts: 658 View My Garage	Having major lock-up issues with the one I've been helping install on a BA equipped RS. Regular pressing of the tiny reset button to get the unit working again causes us to keep a paperclip or tiny screw driver handy. The guy from China told us NOT to install any apps to avoid problems.... kinda defeats the purpose of this head unit. Also getting "noise" through the system... I can only assume it's from the no-solder RCA's that were used when modifying the wiring harness. (I'll be pulling it all out this weekend to re-do everything and try to resolve some of the issues.) What version of android is everyone using? 2.3.something?? __________________ My '12 ZL1 \| old build \| Tampa Bay Camaros

12-05-2013, 11:19 PM	#538
Jalberdi99 Drives: 2014 Summit White 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: @ ur moms house in VA Posts: 1,405	It reads like he knows what his talking about. Interesting __________________

12-06-2013, 12:27 AM	#539
rray Drives: 2013 GAZ 2SS/RS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 418	+3... Been down the Android head unit road too, but ended up pulling it after several months, and several glitches including a bricking that I had to wait for firmware from China and perform complex ADB flashing to recover from. So far, this unit is the best feature wise, but audio quality wise, they need to offer USB DAC support instead of the typical low cost preamp section. I chose the DIY industrial windows based system for great sound, great features, and easy recovery if it crashes. __________________ If you see it, get it, for tomorrow it may be gone!

12-06-2013, 01:12 AM	#540
patternpilot Drives: 2012 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tri-Cities WA. Posts: 934 View My Garage	I've been watching this from the beginning. Not looking like it is ready for the market yet. May never be. Some of the issues can be tolerated, but lockups cannot. Last thing you need to have to deal with while driving is trying to get a non responsive unit working. Nice looking unit though. __________________ There's more to life than gas mileage LS3, Whipple, Custom Comp Cam, springs, pushrods, timing set, CAI intake, Apex cold air scoop, Doug Thorley TRI-Y headers, Billet Custom Products baffled Valve covers, Mighty Mouse Catch can, ADM FPCM, ZL1 fuel pump, MSD boost-a-pump, Hex Vent hood vents, ProSport gauges(fuel pressure, AFR, Boost), Corsa, 100 cell Cats. Jannetty remote tuned, Pfadt trailing arms, all parts user installed. No Dyno yet. Manual trans. 3.45 gears.

12-07-2013, 10:10 AM	#544
scuba264 Drives: Manual 2011 CGM LS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Steeler Country Posts: 570 View My Garage	Yeah I really want to hear some longer term feedback. I'm really interested in this. I don't think its fair to say that Android can't handle running a headunit, people are using android devices as full fledged home theater setups, it runs phones and tablets all day long. The biggest problems for me are the two main reasons I'd want it: 1) SiriusXM is the main thing I play and 2) I'm hoping to replace my stock HU with one with a more full equalizer so I could maybe get rid of the EQ I use in my trunk. Seems both of those are issues with this. __________________ My Garage \| Audio Build

12-05-2013, 12:51 PM	#533
bnorman Drives: 2015 1SS Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Jax, Fl Posts: 189	It is only a first impression. There are many settings that can be tweaked which may alleviate some of the negatives. Its a decent value for what it is capable of compared to $200 for a Metra or Scosche kit plus another $500-1200 for a navigation unit. Yes it comes with a more manageable warranty, but so far I haven't seen a need for that route. The opportunity for expansion is great versus a locked down name brand.

12-05-2013, 04:47 PM	#536
jeffa Drives: 2014 2LT/RS Ashen Gray Metallic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 585	I have been watching this thread from the beginning, and now I want to put my 2 cents worth here. I have been in the mobile electronics industry for many years, and have played with/evaluated/been to the factories in China to investigate the current Android based product. What I can say is that every unit that I tested had lockup issues, as well as glitches that I as a consumer would never accept. Not to mention, these units did not have real great audio playback qualities. Here are my observations on this current unit: 1. I think that more interest has been generated in the unit because of the "factory looking" faceplate. The problem is is what is behind the faceplate has issues that I don't think justify my buying it no matter how factory it looks. And if it is a "factory fit" face, why so much work and trimming to install it? At least the Scosche and Metra kits fit without any modifications to the kit or the dash. 2. Every Android unit I have played with had lockup issues, because this platform was never designed to be used in a car audio application. A car audio unit places more strain on the operating system because of how it functions...not like a phone or tablet running Android. It appears that this one is no different. 3. To me, if the audio is no better than the factory radio, and you are having operating issues with the unit, this is a non starter for me. The object of replacing the factory radio is to get something with more features and MUCH better sound.Don't see that here. 4. There is a reason that aftermarket units from the "big guys" run a version of WIN CE mobile....more stability and interfaces well in the car audio application. 99% of the time you will never experience a lockup in a win CE based unit. Not to mention win CE is faster in response than Android systems in a car unit. That's OK that it is a closed system... my Alpine head unit will give me AM/FM/HD/iPod/Bluetooth/streaming Bluetooth with metadata display/sat radio/iPod interface/CD/DVD/Navigation/USB digital playback/video playback through USB and iPod or hard drive/Pandora radio, and a killer audio section with time alignment/EQ/crossovers/and correction of compressed music. What more do I need....IMHO nothing. You can't get HD radio or sat radio with this Android unit...why? No license. 5. Warranty.....wait until you have an issue with this unit. No local dealers, no way to swap a unit under warranty at your local dealer. You will have to ship the unit back to China and it will be weeks to get it repaired/replaced. And it will cost you through the nose for shipping...at least $200 to get it there, and if you're lucky the factory may send it back to you free freight (but I doubt it.) The first time the unit goes bad, you will be out up to $400 i shipping....good luck. I could go on but I think you get the picture. Not to rip on any of you who have bought this unit, just trying to add some other facts to the discussion. And as usual, YMMV......

12-05-2013, 09:15 PM	#537
Camaro Dude Drives: ‘13 1LE Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Earth Posts: 3,904	^^^^I concur with the above statement.^^^^

12-06-2013, 01:33 AM	#541
SinisSick Account Suspended Drives: 2010 ss Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: NorCal Posts: 629	I'm gonna bow out of this one myself. Hopefully they get the kinks out later down the road. Good looking unit though.

12-06-2013, 03:27 AM	#542
StealthZL1 Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 321 View My Garage	I knew that unit from China was sketchy. There's a reason why that thing wasn't readily available in the USA.

12-07-2013, 08:34 AM	#543
Twilborne Drives: 2013 Blue Ray Blue 2LT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Orange Park, Fl. Posts: 376 View My Garage	It does not look like their are that many issues to me. They seem minor to me. Every time you remove the stock unit and replace it with an aftermarket you are going to have some issues, even with the Scosche kit or the Metra kit.