So, I unboxed the unit, and I've shown how you can set it up in your vehicle. Now, let's use it.
And I'll admit, my familiarity with AndroidAuto has been nearly nil, so aside from talking about how this can be installed, I'm looking forward to how it can be used.
Essentially, the device is an extra display in your car which you then can use to have it stream specific apps onto it from your phone. It connects via Bluetooth to it, but it also means a direct wifi connection (or so I feel as I noticed when it connects that it disconnects any wifi -- noticed it when I was testing in the house).
Now, paramount to its use is the navigation of Google Maps. It's front and centre.. literally. As if you tap into another app (Youtube Music for example), that app will load on the right hand side, and you have the quick apps on the left.
I did like how CarpodGo has a tool for you to upload and play with new logos, so I can boot up the device with a Dodge logo. Nice.
They even have some beta firmware for you to try out, and I hadn't noticed any issue with it myself.
I won't focus too much on Android Auto - as I'm still a newbie in using it (and I don't like how they seem to have neutered Youtube Music without you having a subscription... but you can click around it) -- so this will be more about the device itself.
First up, really take your time setting it into a position you like. If it's too far back (like in this video), it's not going to be easy for you to reach at -- I might just rather interact with my phone on a mount (and it'll be able to do more, just on a smaller screen).
I do like how we have options on how it will connect. Will it connect to your phone, and then to your audio with an Aux cord? or via FM transmitter? Or will you just leave the audio connected from phone to car? You have options. You could even have it do its own as there are speakers on it. Not loud speakers, but they are there.
Back to setting it up; it's a real shame that it can't be rotated so I could hide cables a different way; but I guess it's because there's a light sensor on the top of the unit. Flip it around and the dash will cover it, so it'll think it's night. I'm sure there could have been an easier fix for that.
The display is good, decent for bright lights and I'm sure it's just as fine at dark nights without blinding you.
It is easily taken down via the magnetic mount on the back just pops off (it's pretty tough, so don't be afraid to be a little tough with it) so you can tuck it away -- but you'll have to disconnect the power and camera cord - so not quite so simple. Small price to pay if your vehicle doesn't have this feature and you want it.
And speaking of price... $250 isn't too bad.
For the size it's good and its purpose driven for just this role. It didn't take too much to set up, and even tho that initial screen can be a little awkward to navigate its own settings, once you have it paired up, as soon as you power it on, it goes to Android Auto and you almost never have to think about it again.
If you've got a vehicle without Android Auto, this is a great way to include it with minimal intrusion, simple installation (except for trying to figure out how to run and hide cables). Definitely worth the check out.
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