I utilise my USB memory stick to add MP4s to storage and play those back on Screen (when waiting), Also useful to test the surround sound capabilities of the in car speakers. Plenty of test videos available on TH-cam...
Thank you Nick O'Leary for all you great content. I use a E Class w213 2019 and I bought a similar device the only problem that I noticed is that they are using Apple CarPlay protocol, and not the Android Auto. I would prefer Android Auto because if you use navigation, it will show you the navigation on your clocks screen. In rest I am very happy with it.
I have had a 2020 a class for three years. I upload all my films especially old top gear on to a usb stick and plug them straight into the c usb connector behind the cup holders. Perfect movies every time. Just go to media and it fires up
Ah awesome! Sadly not all cars can actually playback video content. It depends on the specification but yeah if you can do that, ultimate movies while parked up! 😎
Ah it depends on the car Sadly Mercedes do not post if cars can playback video, so you’ll just have to try with a memory stick. It depends if they have a specific cpu. Most of the time if you Augmented Reality (an option on some cars) then you should be able to.
Hello Nick, it's always great to see your videos. I've been following you since the beginning. I have a Mercedes CLA 250e and in this period I was considering switching to an EV, so I've also considered Tesla, but in the end, I decided to stay with Mercedes EV! The comfort and the details are not comparable. Anyway, this Ottocast is really cool! Thanks for the hint 😊
That's amazing. I've been looking for a reliable third-party device with some quality built into it for a long time! May I ask, have you used it consistently since you made this video (8 months ago), and have you encountered any problems that would have changed your opinion regarding the device?
Yeah it’s pretty cool! Sadly not used it for months on end. But as with anything I review, I try to use it for as long as possible before giving my thoughts on it. I used this on and off (in between cars) for about a few weeks. Didn’t have any cutting out or anything like that. Just a slight audio delay when playing back video. It does allow so much more customisation than original car manufacturer multimedia systems!
The slight delay comes from the crappyness of the CarPlay - android auto protocol (its made for speed not for quality) so it works like that. At least you could watch some stuff.
The question one million is... if the device has Mirror mode, it is not necessary because... through HDMI you can use the wifi of your own phone. Yes🙄??
Great video Nick, I’ve just bought a Mercedes EQC and your channel has helped me no end 👍🏻. One question I hope you can answer, I have an iPhone and wondered whether you have to disconnect CarPlay to allow your hotspot connection for TH-cam etc or does everything stay connected? Also, as the interface appears to be Android, do you still get the Google play store app on one of the screens, allowing you to download more apps (like iptv Smarters for tv streaming), I’m hoping I can use wireless CarPlay whenever I get in the car and on those occasions where I want to watch movies or tv, I can switch to those apps without too much messing around. Thanks
You would have to disconnect CarPlay if you’re doing it wirelessly as CarPlay uses Wi-Fi. Wired probably should be okay. Yeah there is a Google Play Store too! 🤓 although I don’t know the full list of apps that are available
another great and informative video Nick, thank you, but i couldn’t help but notice Mercedes Benz have removed the touch pad in that car. a HUGE backward step i say…the touch pad is fantastic and i love it in my GLA 250 4matic.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! Mercedes have done this on all new facelifts recently, but as much as people say that, it really isn’t that much of a big deal. This is my own car, I bought it with knowing it wasn’t there. My hand did go to use it a couple of times for the first week but of course nothing there now but it’s fine, I just use the screen instead. Most other manufacturers usually only have a touchscreen anyway like my previous car so not really any different. I did use the touchpad when reviewing cars as my hand doesn’t get in the way of the screen but ah well 😅
@@npoleary thank you. I am in Australia and currently awaiting delivery of my new A200 sedan which is why the interior of yours looked familiar! I have been spending the last couple of months watching all of your related MB videos in preparation for its arrival. Your content has been really helpful, especially all of the videos about the MBUX system. The technology has come so far since I purchased my B200 in 2017! Thanks a million.
Ah awesome! Thanks for watching! Ooo very nice! 👍🏼 Any questions just message me on TH-cam or my email and I’ll do my best to help! Although there are almost 200 videos I’ve made so the answer might be on one of them! 😅 Plus I’m making more soon!
Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before. I’d you’re referring to Mercedes (I cover other brands on my channel too) the reason is because Mercedes MBUX (also known as NTG 6) is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything. So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen. NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars! Other cars it’ll be a similar story.
Could you please make a video showing us the Spotify and Apple Music apps that you now can get on the MBUX NTG7. I even think that with the new 2.4 update that there's a TH-cam app.
Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos! Well I sat in one once, there was a port for USB and I seem to recall there was a micro HDMI port or something? So movies on a memory stick or something I would have thought 🤓
Nice recommendation. Frankly speaking i am having issue to get a good car mount for my GLA 200 too seems hard to get a perfect one too. Maybe you have any recommendation for that too.
www.amazon.de/dp/B07L3Q7Y4F?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details This one! I bought 3 for various vehicles and all of them are properly holding my heavy Z fold 4 in the air. Both the magnets and the suction are strong and it has an adhesive on the rubber for extra support.
No sadly not, this is at the multimedia system level of a car. NTG 6 is available in two screen sizes so will always be cropped on CarPlay. NTG 7 just has one screen size so isn’t but sadly the adapter won’t change that.
@@npolearyso with the Picaso 2 it would show the interface in fullscreen on NTG6 screens? whereas others such as U2 air and U2 X are limited to native function/size for AA and carplay? is that correct?
Love this, thanks for sharing Nick! Out of interest, is this utilising the full 10.25” display, or does it still only use 7”? Assuming the latter but it looks pretty big in your video.
This is down to Mercedes wanting to reserve a third of the screen for a home icon, something I think of as inexcusable. CarPlay and Android Auto are far better in wide-screen format, giving the possibility of a more usable sized map alongside media controls. Had I known about this ridiculous Mercedes restriction, I would have bought a BMW X5 45e rather than the Mercedes GLE 350de, a car that also supports wireless connectivity natively, without the need for an adaptor that needs to be cabled to the car and cannot be hidden. I drive 25,000 miles a year, so car tech is high on my list of priorities. This takes nothing away from Nick's review, which as usual, is very clear and informative.
Thanks RussellBrown-qi1rp, you beat me to it! 🤓 Well the screen aspect ratio is because some multimedia systems in car manufacturers are available in different screen sizes. CarPlay does not compensate for that so the newer models of Mercedes have one screen which allows a full screen experience 👍🏼 It just depends on the specs of the screen sizes available, I wish it did scale up though. Using this Ottocast adapter will not change the original aspect ratio though so bear that in mind.
The screen aspect ratio in the W167 GLE is wide-screen, it is active, it is just used to display a home icon and temperature settings (for which there are real dedicated switches rather than requiring on screen icons). I should also mention that the old Mercedes Command system did allow the full screen to be used, so MBUX was a definite downgrade for me. MBUX was touted as some technological marvel, but when it comes to many basic features it fails to deliver. Personally, I don't care for car makers factory software, I just want unrestricted access to Apple CarPlay or Google Andriod Auto (I have used both). My daughter's 2017 VW Golf gives a far better experience than my 2020 Mercedes GLE.
Hi Nick. I would like to clear up a doubt. I purchased a Picasou 2 Pro 1 month ago with your discount. I have a CLA 2022 Van. Everything works, but I can't have fullscreen. In your video there is. There's a solution. I appreciate your help. Compliments
It depends on the car screen, some cars have a cropped experience. Mini and a few others are exactly the same. In Mercedes they have different multimedia systems and one of them (MBUX NTG 6 one with the touchpad) will be cropped because CarPlay and Android Auto is cropped anyway. Sadly whatever anyone does it won’t change what was configured at factory.
I don’t believe so, I don’t work for Mercedes or for any car manufacturer so it’s physically impossible for me to test all cars out there. I assume it would behave the same way through Apple CarPlay and Android normally. On MBUX NTG 6 (Generation 1 what Mercedes do call as well) it’s cropped for those two types so assume anything else you plug in would be cropped too)
Full screen CarPlay is just on facelift models in Mercedes I’ve covered it here too: th-cam.com/video/N9x56XWdjIo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=N1WAJwqykHVKGBvb (no 7 in the video) Here’s the snippet: Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before. The reason is because MBUX (also known as NTG 6) on Mercedes is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything. So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen. NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars!
greetings from singapore all great vlog nick have u reviewed the digi dash?i c a lot on other platforms not so much TH-cam an between otto and digi dash for my 2008 gt premium peugeot
Hi! 👋 No sadly not, I have heard of them but it’s closer to £300 here in the UK. Not sure what else they offer…plus not sure I would want to spend that much on one!
Wow! This just got me wondering with the HDMI input if you could bring an Apple TV or Roku stick along and plug it in to the HDMI would open up all sorts of streaming apps. Do you think that would work Nick?
It should do! It’s just HDMI, it’s a standard interface which should work across the board. The only thing is powering something in the car like that, I think the sticks are fine but not sure how an Apple TV would get power…
Thank you again I am finding these very interesting even though I have a bit of a hard time understanding it all hahahaha too old at 71 to grasp it all. I have a Carlin kit cpc200 -u2w plus. for my apple car play which seem to work quite good I can hear youtube with but no video. I drive a 2023 Genesis GV 60 EV and I do have a 110 outlet in the car . What would you recommend for me I would love to watch TH-cam videos also could I watch Amazon Prime / BritBox I don't mind paying a good price for something good as I do spend a lot of time in the car ie charging and waiting for the ferry from Vancouver island to the mainland. Thank you Shaun.
No worries! Ah looks like it’s similar! (Had to Google the Carlink kit to see what it was) So it looks like it’ll do the same ish thing, as long as a car has CarPlay, when you plug it in it’ll boot up an Android Interface where you can go onto the Play Store and download additional apps.
No sadly some car manufacturers have dual screens available for purchase. In Mercedes they had two sizes. One is 7” and the other is 10.25”. So when coding I believe they have to choose one to fit both, so they go with the 7” one which leads to a cropped experience on 10.25” screens. They’re not the only ones that have that issue though, my partner’s Mini was exactly the same on the previous model. Newer ones (the facelift) are only sold with one screen size as it’s larger and not cropped.
Thanks Nick for introducing this bravo product, may I know will Waze become full wide screen via using this device ? (coz currently using Mercedes built-in apple carplay , the Waze is narrow)
Ah thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! No sadly this device will not change the aspect ratio of a car. On some cars it can be because there are two screen sizes which is the reason why it’s like that on some MBUX models in Mercedes
Hi Nick. I am looking for the video you mention at the start of this video, but cannot find it. I am i terested in tne other Ottocast unit that is focussed on Apple Carplay, not this more complicated unit. Thanks for super content.
It depends on the year of production for full screen Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on Mercedes. If it’s the new facelift then yes it will be full screen. If it’s pre-facelift then sadly it will always be cropped because of the two screen sizes that were available when ordering. Devices like these sadly don’t change what is pre-coded in the car
Hi Nick Good Day ! Thanks for the great video again , sorry I have a dumb question For cars that have “Wire” CarPlay we can plug this unit into USB-C port to connect and it will become “Wireless” CarPlay and I got this part WHAT IF my car already have “Wireless” CarPlay ready ? And how do I connect this unit to my car to allow me enjoy the TH-cam Netflix app inside this unit ? Thank you so much 🎉
Thank you! No worries not a silly question, so cars with wireless CarPlay should be able to as well. My car is wireless CarPlay but still works with the wire too. So in mine for this, just need to make sure there’s no Bluetooth devices connected / paired to and connecting via a wire works
Hi, Nick thank you so much for wonderful videos that you make it helps me alt to better understand my Mercedes Benz EQC. I am one of your subscribers and liv in Norway my question is how I can get PICASOU 2 PRO in Norway? I wanna get TH-cam on my MBUX
Ah awesome thank you! Glad you enjoy them! Thanks for subscribing! 🙏 Possibly but you’ll have to check on the Ottocast website and see if they ship there, if not then maybe Amazon or something? 🤓
Hey Nick, Great video again! Did you try this on an A Class 18-21 ? Does this device fix the full screen issue with Apple CarPlay? I have an A250 from 2021 and would be interested in this device only to have the system in full screen. Regards
Glad you enjoyed the video! Sadly no I only have my own car. Only got the one! 😅 But it should work on any car with CarPlay. No to clarify this will not adjust aspect ratios set my a car manufacturer. This is because MBUX NTG 6 is available in two screen sizes 7” and 10.25”.
Thanks for the answer.. you know, I’m asking because third party “mechanics” do offer a service in which they install a box just like this, and then CarPlay works on full screen, even on my model. I’ve seen it before, and I know for a fact a person that can do that do me also. That’s why I asked that, because in my opinion he and others are using these kind of boxes and charging 500€ for the service. Let me know if you can give it a try on those late A Classes
Oh that’s interesting, who installs it though? Mercedes dealers in the UK don’t modify cars after they’re built, they literally not allowed and have to sell cars as they’re described. Any idea what it’s called?
Thanks a lot for the wonderful video Nick. I have a question. I have a EQS and there are 3 passenger monitors (one in front and 2 at rear). I want to connect these to a mi stick for the passengers to watch tv. However it needs an HDMI port on the monitors which is not available on my monitors. Is there a way to connect via blutooth or any other way? Thanks in advance.
Ah awesome thank you! Sadly I’ve not seen the screens in the back on an EQS, not sure it’s an option in the UK. I heard it might have been on the EQS SUV but haven’t had my hands on one yet. Sadly video wouldn’t be able to playback over Bluetooth. Bluetooth isn’t powerful enough for that. Normally if there are screens in cars they’ll have USB ports and / or HDMI. That’s usually the only way
Hey! Possibly! Really sorry I wouldn’t know if it has Apple CarPlay so you’ll have to check. It’ll be on the Home Screen, then tap Connect or something similar and see if it’s listed 🤓
I tested this one: www.ottocast.com/collections/universal-carplay/products/u2-x-pro But they do offer quite a few and may have one cheaper that fits your needs 🤓 The air one was surprisingly good!
@@npoleary maybe something on wheel balancing and how to diagnose an early wheel balancing and aligning issue. For some reason my new GLS63 driver side Tyres seem to get worn out faster. Also any videos on early diagnosis of differential issues. Lately lot of mercedes are being recalled to change the front differential. Including mine.
Ah thanks for the suggestion! hmmm sadly as I’ve never worked on cars in that way I wouldn’t know what to look for as that’ll be more Mercedes technicians or garage mechanics. Of course I guess the usual suspects with a straight steering wheel and if a car is pulling to the left or the right or something for the wheel alignment or any juddering from the wheel at certain speeds could lead to a wheel imbalance. Hope that helps! 🤓
Hi Nick. Thank you for your videos. Great job. I have a CLA 250e of 2023. How can I get all the wide screen with my phone (iOS) or with Otto Cast? Thank you for comments
Thank you! Glad you enjoy them! Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before. The reason is because MBUX (also known as NTG 6) on Mercedes is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything. So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen. NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars!
Just messaged you back on another comment: Oh no :( There is only a reset button in modern cars but you have to be in it, I haven’t ever seen a reset button remotely on any manufacture. Contact info is synced only when your phone is connected so there shouldn’t be a phonebook in the car. Have you reported it to the police?
thanks for the video . the company`s website is so confusing with more than 10 models and version . as a new user of this tech, i can`t decide which one to use. thanks again
Depends what you’re trying to do 🤓 If you’re after just making Apple CarPlay Wireless, I’ve made a video on it here: th-cam.com/video/lRhL-DXVL3g/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tuWc0nY2QLsMggM5 They’re a bit cheaper but the one featured in this video just has some more features.
Hi Nick!! Nice to communicate with you again! I am an owner of CLA Coupe of 2020 loaded with CarPlay. I saw another Ottocast product called ottoAI P3 CarPlay. Too intellectual!! Is something compatible with my car ? Can offer something more to entertainment or to add new functions?? Thanks in advance!!
Hey! Ah very nice! Sadly not seen that one, I tried out this one and I’ve made this video about it. I did also produce one a few weeks ago about wireless adapters (wired CarPlay to Wireless). In terms of compatibility, as I mentioned in the video I wouldn’t know which cars it will work in as there are so many makes and models out there. As long as you have CarPlay already, then it should work no problem.
Honestly, I think it's way more practical to just use an iPad. Bigger screen and can preload it with content if needed, plus you're not using your car's battery or gas, and hot spot can overheat your phone quickly.
Hello Nick i have a question a bit out of this topic. I have a Mercedes B class 180 from 2019. While travelling i went to pick up the luggage and when opening the trunk, i realized the level of the ceiling was very low and the door will crash it and will be all scratched. So what i did is to stop the door with my hand, and after tharlt heroic and stupid action, now the automatic system is not working properly and the door is not closing alone, when about to be closed, it gest opened again but a bit. Have you ever faced this and know how to solve it? Thanks a lot
So no that’s not what Ottocast adapters do. I gave a brief overview at the start of the video summarising my last video before heading into what this video was about. Ottocast offer adapters to convert wired Apple CarPlay systems to Wireless. So you don’t need to plug your phone in every time. This video you commented on was after popular request, people commented and asked if there was a way you could watch TH-cam videos in the car using the car screen. This is one of the ways as it’s not typically offered by car manufacturers. There isn’t a device as far as I’ve seen for cars that will mirror your phone like for like if that’s what you mean.
Thanks for interesting video. Recently I got a CarPlay2air adapter,to convert my wired CarPlay to wireless CarPlay. It worked BUT in doing so it automatically disconnected the Wifi I had set up in my car, using a SIM I installed in my car. I was therefore interested to see that the adapter you used actually has a SIM port to create Wifi in the car. I assume therefore there is no disconnection of the kind I experienced and that others in the car can connect their devices to that wifi signal. Would that be correct? Thanks.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! Well yes any form of Apple CarPlay operating wirelessly uses high speed Wi-Fi from the phone. So on any car if you’re using Apple CarPlay wireless it will disconnect any other WiFi network as you can’t use both at the same time. I guess the only thing that you could do is utilise a device I reviewed recently: th-cam.com/video/BAMKMsxAzto/w-d-xo.htmlsi=E2Z8KSoVJ7pgSHrS However I will add, as my phone has an e-sim I was not able to check out the SIM card elements of the device so can’t comment on what that function is like. There might be another review on TH-cam or people may have left some reviews of their experience with it. I guess without buying anything else, a wired CarPlay will maintain a wireless connection with the car if you’re using Internet for other things 🤓
Hi Nick, How is it going ? Quick question : Once connected with my iPhone, can I perform videos searching on TH-cam, on Netflix, etc. by typing directly on the iPhone, or do I have to search by typing on the car screen ? Thanks Kim
Hey Kim! Yeah good thanks! So it’s an Android operating system, so you’re physically controlling this device with the touchscreen on the car 👍🏼 Hope that helps
@@npoleary Hmmm, then not very handy/practical to "browse & search" on TH-cam for example, as you would type on your mobile phone... Thanks for your answer !
Unless a device could “Cast” or “AirPlay” to a car screen. I have seen something that Ottocast offer but it would require a power inverter and started to become a little complicated. I might cover it in the future though!
Hi Nick, I just purchaces MB C-CLASS 300 SEDAN but unfortunately without DISTRONIC. Is it possible to upgrade it? btw. I have all other sensor features! Regards
Hey rpm2you, Well normally I would say no you can’t as specs are specified at factory level on most manufacturers. So once it’s made, it is almost impossible and very expensive to add functions like that afterward. However, check with Mercedes though as I have heard some cars coming soon might be able to upgrade via the Mercedes me store. This is for the UK again it varies massively so best just to chat to Mercedes. For example: shop.mercedes-benz.com/en-gb/connect/pdp/active-distance-assist-distronic/553 I’d love to buy this for my car but sadly it’s not compatible.
Needs to be plugged in, price is quite high for what it is, and as everything is transmitted wirelessly it does have a slight audio delay (same as native wireless CarPlay anyway) But it does enable a tonne of features that you wouldn’t have had before so…
I bought Ottocast U2 air pro to use with my 2021 Mercedes A 180 but it doesn't work. I connect it via USB C, I pair it with Bluetooth but the light stays red and doesn't turn blue. Do you have a solution? Thanks in advance.
Sadly no they are plug and play devices, I did not see any red lights in my several weeks of testing before the video was produced. Have you reached out where you bought it from or Ottocast themselves?
Most of the time you should have CarPlay already if you have Android Auto. The thing from the Mercedes me store is called Smartphone Integration which has both: shop.mercedes-benz.com/en-gb/connect/pdp/smartphone-integration/602 This is for the UK but it may vary elsewhere round the world so get in touch with Mercedes if you get stuck 🙏🤓
What if I just want video in motion/netflix? I have a 25 G550…it already has wireless CarPlay, wireless charging, etc… Thanks, I am sure you answer this is one of your videos, but I haven’t been able to find it.
Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before. The reason is because MBUX (also known as NTG 6) on Mercedes is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything. So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen. NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars!
Can you please show du how to take the black cover off the Mercedes me app. We have a black cover over our Mercedes car in the Mercedes me app and we dont know how we can take it off. Could you help is?
I saw your message on the other videos too, don't worry I read and try to reply to all of them on my channel. Or you can email me too "contact@npo-media.co.uk". This is what I said on the other one: Oh once all of the Mercedes me services / digital extras are switched on, it disappears after a couple of days. That’s what it did for my car anyway when I bought it.
Sadly not seen a device cheaper than that. Although some new cars coming out in 2024 are starting to offer native TH-cam playback which is pretty good!
Hi Nick, I have a b180 2014 plate which doesn’t have a reversing camera but does have the infotainment screen. I don’t suppose you know if I can get a reverse camera installed to view on the screen and if so roughly how much it would cost?
Really sorry I don’t believe so although I’d suggest asking Mercedes directly. Most car manufacturers especially Mercedes aren’t allowed to retrofit items to cars as they can only sell them as they’re described. So to do that would be a 3rd party install but I’ve not had my hands on a car to try any out.
Hi Nick, I use wired android auto on my 2016 Eclass which gives me just 2/3 of the full screen. As this device uses the apple car play protocol with the car, this means my android auto will display full screen through the Ottocast as wired carplay will give fullscreen on my car? Also wondering what device starts up the fastest and is most stable as per your experience? Just looking for full screen android auto, either wired or wireless.
Hmmm not sure on if it will change the aspect ratio. Most of the time that’s because of the car manufacturer’s screen sizes etc. I tested some CarPlay ones recently on my channel and did speed tests etc but of course that’s CarPlay. As use Apple stuff I’m not completely clued up on Android but I am hoping to cover some more Android Auto topics soon!
@@npoleary thx Nick, that would be really usefull to android phone users. I have seen other apple carplay devices tested in Mercedes and you will get the apple carplay fullscreen from that device on your central display. It doesn't matter what phone you connect to the device, either apple carplay or android, the output of the device will use always the apple carplay protocol. The firmware of the device itself is running on Android software, but the output to the car is using the carplay protocol and thus fullscreen. You will make a lot of people happy if you could confirm that both ios and android phones will show in full screen when using this kind of carplay boxes.
so you know how carplay in the first gen of mbux has like a screen limitation so it doesn't use the full screen. will this utilize the full screen or is it limited still?
No sadly this won’t change the car to be full screen It’s because first generation MBUX is available in multiple screen sizes so it has to output to one size to fit both which is 7”
Ah it looks like they have offers on already. You can’t get extra discount on top sadly. When I made the video they didn’t have any discounts on but it looks like they have a flash sale or something at the moment 👍🏼
could you reply with a direct link to the product that would allow me to do this in my 2019 A Class please, I don't want to be purchasing the wrong product... Thank you :)
I’ve got links in the description of the video directly to the product 🤓 However Ottocast now do make a cheaper alternative with an HDMI adapter so you can plug a fire stick in which will probably work out more cost effective. Did a video recently about it 🤓
Yeah, it’ll just give the car an HDMI port through CarPlay so you need Apple CarPlay in the first place. Make sure you watch the video to see about the pros and cons!
Hey man I already have I’ve covered this months ago on my channel on the Mercedes section under tutorials th-cam.com/video/myp2zP--JTw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Yzvh8BWe-0GCPAFc
However I will add if it’s not auto updating, just make sure you’ve got it enabled on Mercedes and you have a valid subscription to the Navigation Package. If you don’t think something’s right though defo get in touch with Mercedes and they’ll have one of their technicians take a look.
Is this model or the Ottocast P3 CarPlay AI box able to have a true full screen on the 12-inch screen of a 2019 Mercedes CLA 250? Or will it still be a 6-inch full screen centered only?
If the car already has a cropped experience then sadly these adapters won’t make any difference. I know on Mercedes MBUX systems (the first version) they had two screen sizes (7” and 10.25”) and I believe it was coded to be 7” when it was made.
Hi nick I've just bought ottocast play video adapter can I change the aspect ratio to full screen using android auto in my mercades cla 220d amg 2023 plate ?
No sadly some car manufacturers have dual screens available for purchase. In Mercedes they had two sizes. One is 7” and the other is 10.25”. So when coding I believe they have to choose one to fit both, so they go with the 7” one which leads to a cropped experience on 10.25” screens. They’re not the only ones that have that issue though, my partner’s Mini was exactly the same on the previous model. Newer ones (the facelift) are only sold with one screen size as it’s larger and not cropped.
Ah I have a made a video on how to add CarPlay to any car. I believe it works with Android Auto too: th-cam.com/video/RTAbKVLlszk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=NPq60-aJFW3kmIna
More dandy ideas to add to the list. 1. “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could drive backwards at 90 mph and not get arrested?” 2. “Wouldn’t it be cool to drive down the sidewalk during rush hour and kill pedestrians with impunity?” 3. “Wouldn’t it be cool to have a cloak of invisibility and pigs could fly?” 4. “Wouldn’t it be cool if dumb ideas weren’t promoted as mainstream?” Now there’s a thought.
Hello….. I’ve just my my eqs with hyperscreen and purchased the ottocast…. Got the fire stick working on main screen but how do I get it working on the passenger screen please
Just replied to your other message on the other video: Apple CarPlay will only work where CarPlay is shown in the first place. So Mercedes don’t put CarPlay onto any other screen other than the main one. In fact as I cover multiple brands, thinking about it, they’re all the same. If they ever change that in the future then it’ll work but I highly doubt they would.
There’s a link in the description which adds the code automatically but I’ve also now just added the code underneath. I think Ottocast have some offers on and I believe the code will work on anything that isn’t already on offer (like most shops) 🤓 Glad you enjoyed it!
When you say Carplay compatible, my '68 A class has Wired Carplay built in but I've just paid Mercedes the crazy £300 per car charge to turn it on! Does this grant Car Play if I've not paid to activate Carplay even though the car does have Carplay?
Ah no so CarPlay needs to be on a car in the first place. If you’ve paid to add CarPlay to a car, yes you’ll now be able to use this device. But you won’t be able to use it if you hadn’t. So yes to clarify in this scenario that you mentioned you would need to buy both. This device cannot add CarPlay capabilities, it just adds a small Android operating system that lets you play video and do other things
I wish I made those products! That would be pretty cool! But it’s one of the only ways I’ve found without major modification to a car’s multimedia system
🚨DISCOUNT CODE up to 20% OFF🚨
CLICK HERE: bit.ly/OttocastNickOLeary
or
Use: 'TAWN56AKR8' at Checkout
I utilise my USB memory stick to add MP4s to storage and play those back on Screen (when waiting), Also useful to test the surround sound capabilities of the in car speakers. Plenty of test videos available on TH-cam...
Thank you Nick O'Leary for all you great content. I use a E Class w213 2019 and I bought a similar device the only problem that I noticed is that they are using Apple CarPlay protocol, and not the Android Auto. I would prefer Android Auto because if you use navigation, it will show you the navigation on your clocks screen. In rest I am very happy with it.
Awh thank you!
I’m sure there’s probably a technical reason why they use the CarPlay interface but yeah very true!
Now I need this! Never used my personal hot spot on my iPhone!! This blows my mind! Thank you! Now let me check the link ❤
Haha 🤓
It is pretty cool! There’s a tonne of features on devices like these!
I have had a 2020 a class for three years. I upload all my films especially old top gear on to a usb stick and plug them straight into the c usb connector behind the cup holders. Perfect movies every time. Just go to media and it fires up
Ah awesome! Sadly not all cars can actually playback video content. It depends on the specification but yeah if you can do that, ultimate movies while parked up! 😎
@@npoleary This was my question. Will it work with NTG 6 or just NTG 7.
What video playback? Or the adapter in the video?
@@npoleary video
Ah it depends on the car
Sadly Mercedes do not post if cars can playback video, so you’ll just have to try with a memory stick. It depends if they have a specific cpu. Most of the time if you Augmented Reality (an option on some cars) then you should be able to.
Hello Nick, it's always great to see your videos. I've been following you since the beginning. I have a Mercedes CLA 250e and in this period I was considering switching to an EV, so I've also considered Tesla, but in the end, I decided to stay with Mercedes EV! The comfort and the details are not comparable. Anyway, this Ottocast is really cool! Thanks for the hint 😊
Ah thank you! 🤓🙏 ah very nice!
Thanks for prompt reply. Is that a good price or they have increased prices.
I’m sure it was more at the time, really sorry I can’t remember from last year the exact price that it was on offer for when I recorded it.
That's amazing. I've been looking for a reliable third-party device with some quality built into it for a long time!
May I ask, have you used it consistently since you made this video (8 months ago), and have you encountered any problems that would have changed your opinion regarding the device?
Yeah it’s pretty cool!
Sadly not used it for months on end. But as with anything I review, I try to use it for as long as possible before giving my thoughts on it.
I used this on and off (in between cars) for about a few weeks. Didn’t have any cutting out or anything like that. Just a slight audio delay when playing back video.
It does allow so much more customisation than original car manufacturer multimedia systems!
love these kind of reviews for 3rd party devices !
Yeah some of them are pretty cool! I hope to cover dashcams in the future too! 👀
The slight delay comes from the crappyness of the CarPlay - android auto protocol (its made for speed not for quality) so it works like that. At least you could watch some stuff.
Awesome content as usual and highly appreciated, but would you recommend apps that can do the same such as carplay, cartube, etc.. Thanks!
Sadly not used those before and some of the features that it offers I don’t agree with so would not use it myself
Great stuff Nick, I wish this was available when I spent many hours in carparks waiting for kids doing their activities!!!!!!!!!
Haha yeah that’s a good use case for it! 🤓
The question one million is... if the device has Mirror mode, it is not necessary because... through HDMI you can use the wifi of your own phone. Yes🙄??
I got into my first crash watching youtube while driving
Well yes I wouldn’t recommend that for obvious reasons…😅
Can we confirm if this does work while in motion?
i would just like to hear the video while driving and watch it at traffic signals
I’ll check it for you today 🤓
I’ll reply back to this thread for you 👊🏼
Yes when I connected up the OTTOCAST, it worked. Of course go careful!
Is this better than the Digi Dash 3.0? I just ordered mine and then came across this video so now I’m conflicted on which one I should buy lol.
Not heard of Digi Dash until now so not sure sorry :(
I’d imagine they’re probably similar, just had a quick search online
Great video Nick, I’ve just bought a Mercedes EQC and your channel has helped me no end 👍🏻. One question I hope you can answer, I have an iPhone and wondered whether you have to disconnect CarPlay to allow your hotspot connection for TH-cam etc or does everything stay connected? Also, as the interface appears to be Android, do you still get the Google play store app on one of the screens, allowing you to download more apps (like iptv Smarters for tv streaming), I’m hoping I can use wireless CarPlay whenever I get in the car and on those occasions where I want to watch movies or tv, I can switch to those apps without too much messing around. Thanks
You would have to disconnect CarPlay if you’re doing it wirelessly as CarPlay uses Wi-Fi. Wired probably should be okay. Yeah there is a Google Play Store too! 🤓 although I don’t know the full list of apps that are available
another great and informative video Nick, thank you, but i couldn’t help but notice Mercedes Benz have removed the touch pad in that car. a HUGE backward step i say…the touch pad is fantastic and i love it in my GLA 250 4matic.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Mercedes have done this on all new facelifts recently, but as much as people say that, it really isn’t that much of a big deal.
This is my own car, I bought it with knowing it wasn’t there. My hand did go to use it a couple of times for the first week but of course nothing there now but it’s fine, I just use the screen instead. Most other manufacturers usually only have a touchscreen anyway like my previous car so not really any different. I did use the touchpad when reviewing cars as my hand doesn’t get in the way of the screen but ah well 😅
Great video thanks Nick! Just curious, what type of car are you in here?@@npoleary
Thank you! Ah that’s my own car
It’s a Mercedes A 180, I reviewed it a few videos ago on my channel 🤓
@@npoleary thank you. I am in Australia and currently awaiting delivery of my new A200 sedan which is why the interior of yours looked familiar! I have been spending the last couple of months watching all of your related MB videos in preparation for its arrival. Your content has been really helpful, especially all of the videos about the MBUX system. The technology has come so far since I purchased my B200 in 2017! Thanks a million.
Ah awesome! Thanks for watching! Ooo very nice! 👍🏼
Any questions just message me on TH-cam or my email and I’ll do my best to help! Although there are almost 200 videos I’ve made so the answer might be on one of them! 😅
Plus I’m making more soon!
Is there anyway to get full screen apple carplay?
Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before.
I’d you’re referring to Mercedes (I cover other brands on my channel too) the reason is because Mercedes MBUX (also known as NTG 6) is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything.
So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen.
NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars! Other cars it’ll be a similar story.
Could you please make a video showing us the Spotify and Apple Music apps that you now can get on the MBUX NTG7. I even think that with the new 2.4 update that there's a TH-cam app.
Yeah defo! I’ll add it to the list! 👊🏼😎
@@npoleary cheers! 😀
Fantastic channel thanks! Would love to see a video on how to get videos on the back screens of the S580e. Not a super easy thing to do.
Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos!
Well I sat in one once, there was a port for USB and I seem to recall there was a micro HDMI port or something? So movies on a memory stick or something I would have thought 🤓
Nice recommendation. Frankly speaking i am having issue to get a good car mount for my GLA 200 too seems hard to get a perfect one too. Maybe you have any recommendation for that too.
Thank you! Sadly not used a Windscreen suction mount for quite a while so not sure what ones are out there now.
www.amazon.de/dp/B07L3Q7Y4F?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
This one! I bought 3 for various vehicles and all of them are properly holding my heavy Z fold 4 in the air. Both the magnets and the suction are strong and it has an adhesive on the rubber for extra support.
Nice video thanks for my mercedes
Hi Nick, good video as usual.
Will this enable full screen CarPlay on NTG-6 (older A-Class)?
No sadly not, this is at the multimedia system level of a car. NTG 6 is available in two screen sizes so will always be cropped on CarPlay. NTG 7 just has one screen size so isn’t but sadly the adapter won’t change that.
@@npolearyso with the Picaso 2 it would show the interface in fullscreen on NTG6 screens? whereas others such as U2 air and U2 X are limited to native function/size for AA and carplay? is that correct?
@dj69brisbane no sadly that’s the multimedia system in the car, it will always be cropped at 7” as that’s what is coded at factory.
Hello Mr O. Spot on 👍🏻
Thank you! 🙏
Great review Nick, what is the start up time for the unit only and when you connect carplay or android auto wirelessly via a mobile phone?
Very similar to the start up times in my review of the CarPlay adapters. I didn’t time it but it didn’t take long.
Why would want to know rhe sraer up time it will be seconds line carplay...strange question
Love this, thanks for sharing Nick! Out of interest, is this utilising the full 10.25” display, or does it still only use 7”? Assuming the latter but it looks pretty big in your video.
This is down to Mercedes wanting to reserve a third of the screen for a home icon, something I think of as inexcusable. CarPlay and Android Auto are far better in wide-screen format, giving the possibility of a more usable sized map alongside media controls. Had I known about this ridiculous Mercedes restriction, I would have bought a BMW X5 45e rather than the Mercedes GLE 350de, a car that also supports wireless connectivity natively, without the need for an adaptor that needs to be cabled to the car and cannot be hidden. I drive 25,000 miles a year, so car tech is high on my list of priorities.
This takes nothing away from Nick's review, which as usual, is very clear and informative.
Thanks RussellBrown-qi1rp, you beat me to it! 🤓
Well the screen aspect ratio is because some multimedia systems in car manufacturers are available in different screen sizes. CarPlay does not compensate for that so the newer models of Mercedes have one screen which allows a full screen experience 👍🏼
It just depends on the specs of the screen sizes available, I wish it did scale up though.
Using this Ottocast adapter will not change the original aspect ratio though so bear that in mind.
The screen aspect ratio in the W167 GLE is wide-screen, it is active, it is just used to display a home icon and temperature settings (for which there are real dedicated switches rather than requiring on screen icons). I should also mention that the old Mercedes Command system did allow the full screen to be used, so MBUX was a definite downgrade for me. MBUX was touted as some technological marvel, but when it comes to many basic features it fails to deliver. Personally, I don't care for car makers factory software, I just want unrestricted access to Apple CarPlay or Google Andriod Auto (I have used both). My daughter's 2017 VW Golf gives a far better experience than my 2020 Mercedes GLE.
Can i ask what is this ntg version that you tested this ottocast on? Is it ntg 6 or command?
I filmed it in my own car
MBUX NTG 7 😎
Hi Nick. I would like to clear up a doubt. I purchased a Picasou 2 Pro 1 month ago with your discount. I have a CLA 2022 Van. Everything works, but I can't have fullscreen. In your video there is. There's a solution. I appreciate your help. Compliments
It depends on the car screen, some cars have a cropped experience. Mini and a few others are exactly the same.
In Mercedes they have different multimedia systems and one of them (MBUX NTG 6 one with the touchpad) will be cropped because CarPlay and Android Auto is cropped anyway.
Sadly whatever anyone does it won’t change what was configured at factory.
Thank for your attention. In my case, I won't be able to have a full screen?
I don’t believe so, I don’t work for Mercedes or for any car manufacturer so it’s physically impossible for me to test all cars out there.
I assume it would behave the same way through Apple CarPlay and Android normally. On MBUX NTG 6 (Generation 1 what Mercedes do call as well) it’s cropped for those two types so assume anything else you plug in would be cropped too)
Thank you very much for your help. I should have tried it before buying the device.Thank you
Hi Nick, is the Apple CarPlay full screen or is it minimised just like in the pre face lift cla? Thank you
Full screen CarPlay is just on facelift models in Mercedes
I’ve covered it here too: th-cam.com/video/N9x56XWdjIo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=N1WAJwqykHVKGBvb
(no 7 in the video)
Here’s the snippet:
Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before.
The reason is because MBUX (also known as NTG 6) on Mercedes is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything.
So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen.
NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars!
Awesome vid Nick! I just ordered one for my new 2023 E450 Cabi. I love all your vids! 🥰
Ah awesome! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
greetings from singapore all great vlog nick have u reviewed the digi dash?i c a lot on other platforms not so much TH-cam an between otto and digi dash for my 2008 gt premium peugeot
Hi! 👋
No sadly not, I have heard of them but it’s closer to £300 here in the UK. Not sure what else they offer…plus not sure I would want to spend that much on one!
Wow! This just got me wondering with the HDMI input if you could bring an Apple TV or Roku stick along and plug it in to the HDMI would open up all sorts of streaming apps. Do you think that would work Nick?
It should do! It’s just HDMI, it’s a standard interface which should work across the board. The only thing is powering something in the car like that, I think the sticks are fine but not sure how an Apple TV would get power…
Wished you had something in the middle console to use as a mouse on the screen 😢
Thank you again I am finding these very interesting even though I have a bit of a hard time understanding it all hahahaha too old at 71 to grasp it all. I have a Carlin kit cpc200 -u2w plus. for my apple car play which seem to work quite good I can hear youtube with but no video. I drive a 2023 Genesis GV 60 EV and I do have a 110 outlet in the car . What would you recommend for me I would love to watch TH-cam videos also could I watch Amazon Prime / BritBox I don't mind paying a good price for something good as I do spend a lot of time in the car ie charging and waiting for the ferry from Vancouver island to the mainland. Thank you Shaun.
No worries! Ah looks like it’s similar! (Had to Google the Carlink kit to see what it was)
So it looks like it’ll do the same ish thing, as long as a car has CarPlay, when you plug it in it’ll boot up an Android Interface where you can go onto the Play Store and download additional apps.
Nick can you confirm this will work in full screen a mercades cla 220d 2023 plate
No sadly some car manufacturers have dual screens available for purchase. In Mercedes they had two sizes. One is 7” and the other is 10.25”. So when coding I believe they have to choose one to fit both, so they go with the 7” one which leads to a cropped experience on 10.25” screens.
They’re not the only ones that have that issue though, my partner’s Mini was exactly the same on the previous model.
Newer ones (the facelift) are only sold with one screen size as it’s larger and not cropped.
Thanks Nick for introducing this bravo product, may I know will Waze become full wide screen via using this device ? (coz currently using Mercedes built-in apple carplay , the Waze is narrow)
Ah thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! No sadly this device will not change the aspect ratio of a car.
On some cars it can be because there are two screen sizes which is the reason why it’s like that on some MBUX models in Mercedes
Hi Nick. I am looking for the video you mention at the start of this video, but cannot find it. I am i terested in tne other Ottocast unit that is focussed on Apple Carplay, not this more complicated unit.
Thanks for super content.
Ah thank you!
It was only a few videos ago: WIRELESS Apple CarPlay in YOUR car!
th-cam.com/video/lRhL-DXVL3g/w-d-xo.html
Hey Nick, i can se that you are sitting in the new A class? is this info for the W177 as well.? i am thinking about the full screen view.?
It depends on the year of production for full screen Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on Mercedes. If it’s the new facelift then yes it will be full screen. If it’s pre-facelift then sadly it will always be cropped because of the two screen sizes that were available when ordering. Devices like these sadly don’t change what is pre-coded in the car
Hi Nick
Good Day ! Thanks for the great video again , sorry I have a dumb question
For cars that have “Wire” CarPlay we can plug this unit into USB-C port to connect and it will become “Wireless” CarPlay and I got this part
WHAT IF my car already have “Wireless” CarPlay ready ? And how do I connect this unit to my car to allow me enjoy the TH-cam Netflix app inside this unit ?
Thank you so much 🎉
Thank you! No worries not a silly question, so cars with wireless CarPlay should be able to as well. My car is wireless CarPlay but still works with the wire too.
So in mine for this, just need to make sure there’s no Bluetooth devices connected / paired to and connecting via a wire works
Very nice and interesting video. Thank you so much.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks a lot for your time.
no worries! 🙏
Hi, Nick thank you so much for wonderful videos that you make it helps me alt to better understand my Mercedes Benz EQC. I am one of your subscribers and liv in Norway my question is how I can get PICASOU 2 PRO in Norway? I wanna get TH-cam on my MBUX
Ah awesome thank you! Glad you enjoy them!
Thanks for subscribing! 🙏
Possibly but you’ll have to check on the Ottocast website and see if they ship there, if not then maybe Amazon or something? 🤓
Hey Nick,
Great video again! Did you try this on an A Class 18-21 ? Does this device fix the full screen issue with Apple CarPlay? I have an A250 from 2021 and would be interested in this device only to have the system in full screen.
Regards
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Sadly no I only have my own car. Only got the one! 😅
But it should work on any car with CarPlay. No to clarify this will not adjust aspect ratios set my a car manufacturer. This is because MBUX NTG 6 is available in two screen sizes 7” and 10.25”.
Thanks for the answer..
you know, I’m asking because third party “mechanics” do offer a service in which they install a box just like this, and then CarPlay works on full screen, even on my model. I’ve seen it before, and I know for a fact a person that can do that do me also. That’s why I asked that, because in my opinion he and others are using these kind of boxes and charging 500€ for the service. Let me know if you can give it a try on those late A Classes
Oh that’s interesting, who installs it though? Mercedes dealers in the UK don’t modify cars after they’re built, they literally not allowed and have to sell cars as they’re described.
Any idea what it’s called?
Which box is the best if I just want to watch Netflix on my car? My car has wireless Apple car play already and I have an iPhone too….
This was the only one that I’ve tested, there may be others but sadly not got my hands on any others yet
Thanks a lot for the wonderful video Nick. I have a question. I have a EQS and there are 3 passenger monitors (one in front and 2 at rear). I want to connect these to a mi stick for the passengers to watch tv. However it needs an HDMI port on the monitors which is not available on my monitors. Is there a way to connect via blutooth or any other way? Thanks in advance.
Ah awesome thank you! Sadly I’ve not seen the screens in the back on an EQS, not sure it’s an option in the UK. I heard it might have been on the EQS SUV but haven’t had my hands on one yet.
Sadly video wouldn’t be able to playback over Bluetooth. Bluetooth isn’t powerful enough for that. Normally if there are screens in cars they’ll have USB ports and / or HDMI. That’s usually the only way
Can we have a video on the new ZYNC app & the new Vivaldi feature on the new MBUX systems 🔥
I’d love to! If I get my hands on one, I’ll be sure to cover it!
Morning Nick. Do you think it could work on my MB W213 2018? Currently using wired Android auto. Thanks, take care man.
Hey!
Possibly! Really sorry I wouldn’t know if it has Apple CarPlay so you’ll have to check. It’ll be on the Home Screen, then tap Connect or something similar and see if it’s listed 🤓
hi Nick. Which one is this? Just been to the site and there are 2 or three pro2's Chris
I tested this one: www.ottocast.com/collections/universal-carplay/products/u2-x-pro
But they do offer quite a few and may have one cheaper that fits your needs 🤓
The air one was surprisingly good!
Amazing content as usual.
Awh thank you! Suggestions for future videos always welcome 🤗
Plus there’s a new video coming out tomorrow 👀
@@npoleary maybe something on wheel balancing and how to diagnose an early wheel balancing and aligning issue. For some reason my new GLS63 driver side Tyres seem to get worn out faster.
Also any videos on early diagnosis of differential issues. Lately lot of mercedes are being recalled to change the front differential. Including mine.
Ah thanks for the suggestion! hmmm sadly as I’ve never worked on cars in that way I wouldn’t know what to look for as that’ll be more Mercedes technicians or garage mechanics. Of course I guess the usual suspects with a straight steering wheel and if a car is pulling to the left or the right or something for the wheel alignment or any juddering from the wheel at certain speeds could lead to a wheel imbalance.
Hope that helps! 🤓
Hi Nick.
Thank you for your videos. Great job.
I have a CLA 250e of 2023.
How can I get all the wide screen with my phone (iOS) or with Otto Cast?
Thank you for comments
Thank you! Glad you enjoy them!
Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before.
The reason is because MBUX (also known as NTG 6) on Mercedes is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything.
So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen.
NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars!
Thank you Nick for your quick reply.. BR
No worries!
Can you tell us how to delete wirelessly all of personal info and contacts from the car system if the car is stolen ???
Just messaged you back on another comment:
Oh no :(
There is only a reset button in modern cars but you have to be in it, I haven’t ever seen a reset button remotely on any manufacture. Contact info is synced only when your phone is connected so there shouldn’t be a phonebook in the car.
Have you reported it to the police?
The main purpose of this is to watch while driving some people actually know how to drive destractive because we don’t glue our eyes to the screen💀
thanks for the video .
the company`s website is so confusing with more than 10 models and version .
as a new user of this tech, i can`t decide which one to use.
thanks again
Depends what you’re trying to do 🤓
If you’re after just making Apple CarPlay Wireless, I’ve made a video on it here: th-cam.com/video/lRhL-DXVL3g/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tuWc0nY2QLsMggM5
They’re a bit cheaper but the one featured in this video just has some more features.
How about Amazon prime movies? Can you watch them without using on fire stick? Another words can unload the app
Not sure about Fire Sticks, pretty sure they’re just built for TV’s
Hi Nick!! Nice to communicate with you again! I am an owner of CLA Coupe of 2020 loaded with CarPlay. I saw another Ottocast product called ottoAI P3 CarPlay. Too intellectual!! Is something compatible with my car ? Can offer something more to entertainment or to add new functions?? Thanks in advance!!
Hey!
Ah very nice!
Sadly not seen that one, I tried out this one and I’ve made this video about it. I did also produce one a few weeks ago about wireless adapters (wired CarPlay to Wireless).
In terms of compatibility, as I mentioned in the video I wouldn’t know which cars it will work in as there are so many makes and models out there. As long as you have CarPlay already, then it should work no problem.
I have the exact same year and model Vechile as you was wondering if u can charge you’re phone while still using the device at the same time ?
You can do, there’s an extra port on it for charging 🤓
Honestly, I think it's way more practical to just use an iPad. Bigger screen and can preload it with content if needed, plus you're not using your car's battery or gas, and hot spot can overheat your phone quickly.
Yeah! iPads are cool! Plus some of them have a bigger screen (on the pro lineup anyway! 👀)
But how would you connect it to your infotainment screen?
Hello Nick i have a question a bit out of this topic. I have a Mercedes B class 180 from 2019. While travelling i went to pick up the luggage and when opening the trunk, i realized the level of the ceiling was very low and the door will crash it and will be all scratched. So what i did is to stop the door with my hand, and after tharlt heroic and stupid action, now the automatic system is not working properly and the door is not closing alone, when about to be closed, it gest opened again but a bit. Have you ever faced this and know how to solve it?
Thanks a lot
No I haven’t seen this before, when you press the button to close it should close all the way. Best to speak to Mercedes on that one!
Can your passenger watch while you drive?
I believe so! Sadly I didn’t test that out as I didn’t think it would be the safest thing to show on video
Hi Nick I have just connected ottocast u2 wireless adapter to my Mercedes gla. Should I be able to see everything that is on my iPhone now?
So no that’s not what Ottocast adapters do. I gave a brief overview at the start of the video summarising my last video before heading into what this video was about.
Ottocast offer adapters to convert wired Apple CarPlay systems to Wireless. So you don’t need to plug your phone in every time.
This video you commented on was after popular request, people commented and asked if there was a way you could watch TH-cam videos in the car using the car screen. This is one of the ways as it’s not typically offered by car manufacturers.
There isn’t a device as far as I’ve seen for cars that will mirror your phone like for like if that’s what you mean.
hi Nick can i add apps on the device so i can use in the car...
There is a play store I noticed on there when I had it linked to my car. The play store had extra apps you can download 👍🏼
Thanks for interesting video. Recently I got a CarPlay2air adapter,to convert my wired CarPlay to wireless CarPlay. It worked BUT in doing so it automatically disconnected the Wifi I had set up in my car, using a SIM I installed in my car. I was therefore interested to see that the adapter you used actually has a SIM port to create Wifi in the car. I assume therefore there is no disconnection of the kind I experienced and that others in the car can connect their devices to that wifi signal. Would that be correct? Thanks.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Well yes any form of Apple CarPlay operating wirelessly uses high speed Wi-Fi from the phone.
So on any car if you’re using Apple CarPlay wireless it will disconnect any other WiFi network as you can’t use both at the same time. I guess the only thing that you could do is utilise a device I reviewed recently:
th-cam.com/video/BAMKMsxAzto/w-d-xo.htmlsi=E2Z8KSoVJ7pgSHrS
However I will add, as my phone has an e-sim I was not able to check out the SIM card elements of the device so can’t comment on what that function is like. There might be another review on TH-cam or people may have left some reviews of their experience with it.
I guess without buying anything else, a wired CarPlay will maintain a wireless connection with the car if you’re using Internet for other things 🤓
Many thanks, Nick
No worries 🤓
Can i buy this for an a class A160 w177 2019?
Hi Nick,
How is it going ? Quick question :
Once connected with my iPhone, can I perform videos searching on TH-cam, on Netflix, etc. by typing directly on the iPhone, or do I have to search by typing on the car screen ?
Thanks
Kim
Hey Kim! Yeah good thanks!
So it’s an Android operating system, so you’re physically controlling this device with the touchscreen on the car 👍🏼
Hope that helps
@@npoleary Hmmm, then not very handy/practical to "browse & search" on TH-cam for example, as you would type on your mobile phone...
Thanks for your answer !
No worries! 😎
Would you know a way to watch TH-cam (or Netflix) on MBUX (2022) while controlling (browsing/searching) with the mobile phone ?
Unless a device could “Cast” or “AirPlay” to a car screen.
I have seen something that Ottocast offer but it would require a power inverter and started to become a little complicated. I might cover it in the future though!
Hi Nick, I just purchaces MB C-CLASS 300 SEDAN but unfortunately without DISTRONIC. Is it possible to upgrade it?
btw. I have all other sensor features!
Regards
Hey rpm2you,
Well normally I would say no you can’t as specs are specified at factory level on most manufacturers. So once it’s made, it is almost impossible and very expensive to add functions like that afterward.
However, check with Mercedes though as I have heard some cars coming soon might be able to upgrade via the Mercedes me store. This is for the UK again it varies massively so best just to chat to Mercedes.
For example:
shop.mercedes-benz.com/en-gb/connect/pdp/active-distance-assist-distronic/553
I’d love to buy this for my car but sadly it’s not compatible.
What are the cons about this device ?
Needs to be plugged in, price is quite high for what it is, and as everything is transmitted wirelessly it does have a slight audio delay (same as native wireless CarPlay anyway)
But it does enable a tonne of features that you wouldn’t have had before so…
Where do you plug it into the car?
USB-C ports 🤓
If only Apple car play had this.
Yeah exactly! 🙏
Have u tryed the quadlock one ?
Not yet 🤓
Soon though, I have one, just not tried it out yet 🙏
Thanks Nick!!
No worries! 🤓🙏
I bought Ottocast U2 air pro to use with my 2021 Mercedes A 180 but it doesn't work. I connect it via USB C, I pair it with Bluetooth but the light stays red and doesn't turn blue. Do you have a solution? Thanks in advance.
Sadly no they are plug and play devices, I did not see any red lights in my several weeks of testing before the video was produced.
Have you reached out where you bought it from or Ottocast themselves?
hi Nick, has the car in the picture NTG 6?
No that one is MBUX NTG 7 (or generation two)
will this give me full screen on my mbux system instead like a 6 inch carplay screen?
No sadly this won’t alter the car’s aspect ratio, this is down to the car manufacturer and the screen sizes available when the car was made
Thanks Nick
Thank you! 👊🏼
I have a Mercedes that supports Android Auto (2019 model) do I need to purchase the Car play from the Mercedes store first?
Most of the time you should have CarPlay already if you have Android Auto. The thing from the Mercedes me store is called Smartphone Integration which has both:
shop.mercedes-benz.com/en-gb/connect/pdp/smartphone-integration/602
This is for the UK but it may vary elsewhere round the world so get in touch with Mercedes if you get stuck 🙏🤓
What if I just want video in motion/netflix?
I have a 25 G550…it already has wireless CarPlay, wireless charging, etc…
Thanks, I am sure you answer this is one of your videos, but I haven’t been able to find it.
My GLA has no ApplePlay as standard, but If I buy the "Smartphone Integration" package from Mercedes, can this solution work?
You can do! This product requires you to have CarPlay in the first place, so if you have Apple CarPlay on the car then it should work! 🤓
Thanks, then I will get Appleplay 😊
Hello Nick, I have a 2021 GLB 250 with the 10.2" mbux screens, Is there a way to make Apple car play full screen? Thanks
Sadly not all cars can do full screen CarPlay. There are other manufacturers who have come across the same before.
The reason is because MBUX (also known as NTG 6) on Mercedes is available in two screen sizes, 7” & 10.25”. When designing and coding I’m led to believe that you can only choose one (to maintain compatibility) for everything.
So to make sure it works on all models, Mercedes of course had to go with the 7” version, which is perfect for 7” owners but of course leads to a cropped experience if you have a 10.25” screen.
NTG 7 found in some new cars have higher faster processors and have one screen size leading to a full screen experience on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hope that explains potentially why it’s like that on some cars!
Thanks!@@npoleary
Can you please show du how to take the black cover off the Mercedes me app. We have a black cover over our Mercedes car in the Mercedes me app and we dont know how we can take it off. Could you help is?
I saw your message on the other videos too, don't worry I read and try to reply to all of them on my channel. Or you can email me too "contact@npo-media.co.uk".
This is what I said on the other one: Oh once all of the Mercedes me services / digital extras are switched on, it disappears after a couple of days. That’s what it did for my car anyway when I bought it.
Does it do screen mirroring and can you download more apps on it like amazon prime or apple tv?
No sadly no screen mirroring although that would be cool!
There is a Google Play Store on there so you should be able to!
@@npoleary I believe you could do it attaching a google chromecast or amazon firestick to the hdmi port? but this is just a theory
Do I have to have hotspot in my car ? Or can I connect it to my phones hotspot ?
I was hot spotting off my phone for this but I guess you could do the car as well!
So I gotta pay 200 dollars to watch TH-cam in my 2020 vehicle that already comes w CarPlay I just wanna watch TH-cam is there a cheaper alternative???
Sadly not seen a device cheaper than that. Although some new cars coming out in 2024 are starting to offer native TH-cam playback which is pretty good!
Hi Nick, I have a b180 2014 plate which doesn’t have a reversing camera but does have the infotainment screen. I don’t suppose you know if I can get a reverse camera installed to view on the screen and if so roughly how much it would cost?
Really sorry I don’t believe so although I’d suggest asking Mercedes directly. Most car manufacturers especially Mercedes aren’t allowed to retrofit items to cars as they can only sell them as they’re described.
So to do that would be a 3rd party install but I’ve not had my hands on a car to try any out.
@@npoleary ok cool I will ask, cheers for replying appreciate it 👍
Hi Nick, I use wired android auto on my 2016 Eclass which gives me just 2/3 of the full screen. As this device uses the apple car play protocol with the car, this means my android auto will display full screen through the Ottocast as wired carplay will give fullscreen on my car? Also wondering what device starts up the fastest and is most stable as per your experience? Just looking for full screen android auto, either wired or wireless.
Hmmm not sure on if it will change the aspect ratio. Most of the time that’s because of the car manufacturer’s screen sizes etc.
I tested some CarPlay ones recently on my channel and did speed tests etc but of course that’s CarPlay.
As use Apple stuff I’m not completely clued up on Android but I am hoping to cover some more Android Auto topics soon!
@@npoleary thx Nick, that would be really usefull to android phone users. I have seen other apple carplay devices tested in Mercedes and you will get the apple carplay fullscreen from that device on your central display. It doesn't matter what phone you connect to the device, either apple carplay or android, the output of the device will use always the apple carplay protocol. The firmware of the device itself is running on Android software, but the output to the car is using the carplay protocol and thus fullscreen. You will make a lot of people happy if you could confirm that both ios and android phones will show in full screen when using this kind of carplay boxes.
Great vid
Which model are you using in the video?
My own car
Mercedes A 180 AMG Line 🤓
Does this work with a aftermarket apple car play?
Could do! As long as it’s wired CarPlay it should work 🤓
so you know how carplay in the first gen of mbux has like a screen limitation so it doesn't use the full screen. will this utilize the full screen or is it limited still?
No sadly this won’t change the car to be full screen
It’s because first generation MBUX is available in multiple screen sizes so it has to output to one size to fit both which is 7”
Hi Nick do you have any more discount codes as on their website it’s around £220, many thanks
Just the ones they provided me at the time I recorded the video:
bit.ly/OttocastNickOLeary
or
Use: 'TAWN56AKR8' at Checkout
Thanks Nick, already tried but it did not work.
Ah it looks like they have offers on already. You can’t get extra discount on top sadly. When I made the video they didn’t have any discounts on but it looks like they have a flash sale or something at the moment 👍🏼
If ive got unlimited data on my phone,is that good enough or does it have to be connected through a hotspot etc?
If you’ve got it plugged in and aren’t using CarPlay wirelessly then you could do that.
But it depends on your network provider 🤓
How can i use my toyota sienna 2023 screen to watch u tube ?
Thanks
This device may work, you’ll have to check with them to ensure compatibility. If it has Apple CarPlay then it should work though! 😎
could you reply with a direct link to the product that would allow me to do this in my 2019 A Class please, I don't want to be purchasing the wrong product... Thank you :)
I’ve got links in the description of the video directly to the product 🤓
However Ottocast now do make a cheaper alternative with an HDMI adapter so you can plug a fire stick in which will probably work out more cost effective.
Did a video recently about it 🤓
@@npoleary is the alternative called “Car TV Mate Pro- HDMI Multimedia & Wireless CarPlay Adapter” for £58?
Yeah, it’ll just give the car an HDMI port through CarPlay so you need Apple CarPlay in the first place. Make sure you watch the video to see about the pros and cons!
Please make a video how to update the GPS Maps, I'm Still on 7.0, is not auto updating OTA, they are on V16 already!!! I have NTG7
Hey man I already have I’ve covered this months ago on my channel on the Mercedes section under tutorials
th-cam.com/video/myp2zP--JTw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Yzvh8BWe-0GCPAFc
However I will add if it’s not auto updating, just make sure you’ve got it enabled on Mercedes and you have a valid subscription to the Navigation Package. If you don’t think something’s right though defo get in touch with Mercedes and they’ll have one of their technicians take a look.
Def a problem then yes. @@npoleary
Is this model or the Ottocast P3 CarPlay AI box able to have a true full screen on the 12-inch screen of a 2019 Mercedes CLA 250? Or will it still be a 6-inch full screen centered only?
If the car already has a cropped experience then sadly these adapters won’t make any difference. I know on Mercedes MBUX systems (the first version) they had two screen sizes (7” and 10.25”) and I believe it was coded to be 7” when it was made.
@@npoleary Thanks for the prompt response as always, Nick
Hi nick I've just bought ottocast play video adapter can I change the aspect ratio to full screen using android auto in my mercades cla 220d amg 2023 plate ?
No sadly some car manufacturers have dual screens available for purchase. In Mercedes they had two sizes. One is 7” and the other is 10.25”. So when coding I believe they have to choose one to fit both, so they go with the 7” one which leads to a cropped experience on 10.25” screens.
They’re not the only ones that have that issue though, my partner’s Mini was exactly the same on the previous model.
Newer ones (the facelift) are only sold with one screen size as it’s larger and not cropped.
i have a Jetour x70 plus and i need Android auto, the car stock radio does not have Apple Car Play
Ah I have a made a video on how to add CarPlay to any car. I believe it works with Android Auto too: th-cam.com/video/RTAbKVLlszk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=NPq60-aJFW3kmIna
thanks, helpful
More dandy ideas to add to the list. 1. “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could drive backwards at 90 mph and not get arrested?” 2. “Wouldn’t it be cool to drive down the sidewalk during rush hour and kill pedestrians with impunity?” 3. “Wouldn’t it be cool to have a cloak of invisibility and pigs could fly?” 4. “Wouldn’t it be cool if dumb ideas weren’t promoted as mainstream?” Now there’s a thought.
Hello….. I’ve just my my eqs with hyperscreen and purchased the ottocast…. Got the fire stick working on main screen but how do I get it working on the passenger screen please
Just replied to your other message on the other video:
Apple CarPlay will only work where CarPlay is shown in the first place. So Mercedes don’t put CarPlay onto any other screen other than the main one. In fact as I cover multiple brands, thinking about it, they’re all the same.
If they ever change that in the future then it’ll work but I highly doubt they would.
What is the price it is saying $279.00 ? What discount code does it want?
There’s a link in the description which adds the code automatically but I’ve also now just added the code underneath.
I think Ottocast have some offers on and I believe the code will work on anything that isn’t already on offer (like most shops) 🤓
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank You so much!@@npoleary
Will this work on the new 2024 LT trax?
Possibly! As long as it has wired CarPlay or Android Auto capability then it should work 🤓
When you say Carplay compatible, my '68 A class has Wired Carplay built in but I've just paid Mercedes the crazy £300 per car charge to turn it on! Does this grant Car Play if I've not paid to activate Carplay even though the car does have Carplay?
If so this is an instant buy!
Ah no so CarPlay needs to be on a car in the first place. If you’ve paid to add CarPlay to a car, yes you’ll now be able to use this device. But you won’t be able to use it if you hadn’t.
So yes to clarify in this scenario that you mentioned you would need to buy both.
This device cannot add CarPlay capabilities, it just adds a small Android operating system that lets you play video and do other things
Video should be titled buy my products and I’ll show you how to use it
I wish I made those products! That would be pretty cool!
But it’s one of the only ways I’ve found without major modification to a car’s multimedia system
can I use it on bmw X5 2023 ?
Possibly! If the car has Apple CarPlay already then it should work 🤓