Hey and thank you for Making this video. One tip for future videos, Please have only one on screen overlay with your channel name. On the left there is a CarPlay logo with you channel name. On the right there is the channels website And on the bottom right is another CarPlay type logo. It’s just very busy and cluttered, needlessly. I think you can have the logo and channel name in one spot off to the corner and that would be fine. Thanks and keep making videos like these! They are very helpful.
Thanks Max for the feedback. I was actually in the process of making a change on my next video to one top right The bottom right is stamped on by TH-cam
Great video!! Due to your video, I bought this unit! Love it!! Couple questions. 1) how do I rearrange the application icons? 2) what SIM card companies work well with this unit in USA? Keep up the great work!
Congrats on your purchase. Usually tapping and holding on the icon for a second or two and then dragging it across the screen should move them about. Same for widgets. Tapping and holding on a part of the background around the icons should display the widget picker. As for SIMs in the US I can’t really say as I’m in the U.K. usually any phone sim with a data plan works just fine.
Does your usb port have some kinda power off delay? If you point the power LEDs so you can see them from outside the car through the window, then leave and lock the car up. Look through the window at the LEDs and see if they go after 1-5mins. You might just have a delay on the ports power that the older unit just shut off but newer one might remain for longer.
@@CarPlayLife thanks yes that was it. Want to hear something odd. I got this unit from Amazon and Carlikit said they don’t make this unit. Are you aware of this? They said they only make the older bigger unit.
@@StayConnectedEV oh really? That’s a bit confusing. There are a lot of sellers out there behaving they are the official seller, I’ve been told that even I’ve been linking to an unofficial seller but honestly i don’t know if that’s right or they are trying to steel away business over to them. So I don’t know who to believe these days. You’d think the .com and sellers they refer to that domain are the legitimate sellers. 🤷🏻♂️ who knows. As long as the product does what it does and you don’t have to lean on their customer support, it’s less important. But if they are official and saying this v2 is not made by them, but that’s very odd. 🤔
@@CarPlayLife yes it’s crazy right!!!! It works much better than the bigger unit though like you said. I bought this based on your recommendation. Plus it was $50 cheaper and does same with faster processing. Another wonder was can we load a skin on this interface? I hate the Android interface on this box like you do.
@@StayConnectedEV I’m not sure about interface. However I did plug a tf card into one dongle once that had an update file on it and the box asked me if I wanted to update. So these might be compatible with other android OS updates but I didn’t want to risk trying it and bricking the whole device. I light in the future just to see what happens. This was the UI without the nasty floating button.
Mine worked for 30 days exactly without flaw. Day 31, it no longer powers on. I have not updated it. I have tried different power wires. Device has not been dropped or manipulated in any way. Thoughts…ideas???
Which device is the best one you’ve tested in terms of performance. I’m planning to use with iPhone. But I mostly want to use for video playback. So TH-cam. Netflix. Maybe Disney plus and then just my own movies added to the storage. I am depending on your device since you have a lot more Knowledge I can trust. Thanks
You want something with a lot of grunt for video, these QC450 chip AI Boxes are ok, but over time they might struggle with certain streaming apps. To future proof you a little, I would go with a QC665/QC6125 AI Box like this one th-cam.com/video/UgQrpMZ-eow/w-d-xo.html
@@CarPlayLife I really appreciate your reply sir. Oh and lastly is the octocore in this one better then the mmb box that has 4 cores? I’m checking out the link now 👍
@@CarPlayLife thank you. This threw me because I was thinking “well they are both new products. But one is quadcare with android 11. But there’s octocore with android 9. So what’s going on here. Is the quad core stronger despite being quad core “. That was my thinking. But I’m glad you cleared it up.
Hi, thanks for the videos, I am planning to get an AI box and was wondering which to choose between carlinkit mini and the applepie max, they seem to have the similar features and pricing, but was wondering which one behaves better and is more stable / smoother for daily use? Thanks :)
Thanks a lot for your videos, really appreciate your full preview of functionality and features! I have one question: Is it possible to prevent the Carplay to automatically show up in the foreground when starting up the car? I just want it to be connected ans ready upon starting the car, but still want to be in my car's infotainment menus until I click on Carplay to show the Android interface. Many thanks
Thanks for watching. I don't think that's possible. Because of how these dongles work, it would be more a setting on your car system, not to fire up carplay when a device is connected. These dongles act like connected iPhones, so if the system knows it is connected it will attempt to go into that carplay mode on your system. Have a look around in the menus to see if there is a media boot or carplay auto button setting that you can disable.
@@CarPlayLife ok thanks a lot. Worst case I can always just click Home to get to the main infotainment screen, so no biggie :) I was hesitating which of the models to buy, this latest CarlinKit or the M.I.C branded model you reviewed previously which is faster. But it seems that the CarlinKit with android 9 is more stable with less bugs (no audio issues, less UI issues etc) so I went for the CarlinKit for now. May upgrade in the future. I hope I did the right choice, what do you think? Im not going to play Andeoid games on it anyway :)
@@SweViver not a bad choice but I would have gone with MIC or wait a few months for newer dongles based on the QC665 chipset. It may not feel like much, but that small boost in performance really goes a long way from tapping twice on unresponsive buttons due to processing lag or waiting time on rendering app UI. The Qc665 should be the entry-level baseline for these AI boxes. The UI is better also IMO. The stereo audio on the MIC is now fixed/improved. So with that the MIC or similar would be my go to. I hope the Carlinkit works out for you though.
@@CarPlayLife thanks for your input and thoughs, you have a point there! I may give this one to my girlfriend since she wants the functionality as well when she gets her new car next month, and then I will buy the MIC for myself and my car :) Keep up your great videos! Cheers
@@SweViver sounds like a plan 👍🏻 I am sure there are some other QC665 options out there, but there will certainly be other competition from brands over the coming months with this chipset in.
Ive been trying to run some Nintendo roms on this device with emulators like Lemuroid, but I get no sound at all. All other apps like Netflix, TH-cam, Waze, ABRP has sound and even streaming PC games through Moonlight has sound, but not emulators. Any idea? Thanks
Does playing something with sound and switch back to the emulator kick in the audio? I’ve had this a few times and doing that would fix the audio but it’s not a 100% solution/workaround.
@@CarPlayLife you were right, mate! Having TH-cam Music just running in the background with stopped music, now the emulators do get audio and every is fine :) At least its an easy workaround! Thank you soo much for this! By the way, updated to the latest FW version which seems to work good in general.
Awesome! Glad to hear that sorted out the issue. I find with android the audio can sometimes gets routed through a certain running app or system process and doesn’t get disconnected from it to work on something else. This method seems to force the change. It’s weird but it works.
@@CarPlayLife indeed. Its definitely a solution I can live with :) Big thanks again and looking forward to new videos from you testing upcoming Android devices (still thinking about giving this one to my gf and buy a new one with faster Snapdragon for myself). Cheers :)
Yes it’s possible. But if you don’t need video streaming or other apps maybe buy a cheaper 2in1 dongle instead th-cam.com/play/PLysOHeJ5BkMg33wdDBIfm8EZ-soKiT2CD.html
Hi. I can’t say for compatibility with the BMW that’s something you might want to ask them directly. But you need to plug this into your CarPlay USB port. It should have one, even if wireless is a feature of your system. But from Amazon so you get easy returns should it not work for you.
Hi I can connect my iPhone to my original car wireless CarPlay function and everything works well. However when I connect my iPhone to this Tbox via Autokit, it can be connected successfully but internet connection is not working. Any suggestion to solve this issue?
If you are running Wireless CarPlay and you want internet for android OS apps, you can't have both of these running at the same time. To get around this you need to insert a data SIM into the slot on the dongle so the dongle has its own internet source for Android OS apps and that then frees up the wifi hotspot connection for wireless CarPlay/AAuto
Thanks for the review, I just picked this up on Amazon (US). They have a $60USD coupon right now! I have a question before it arrives, my vehicle has a built in Wi-Fi hotspot, can I use this instead of my phones hotspot? Might be a dumb question, but just making sure it doesn’t need to be connected to the phones Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or if it can be separate.
AI boxes will allow you to run your Android device on the CarPlay only system with the addition of using apps like TH-cam and Netflix. But if you just want android auto on a CarPlay only system then you could look at 2in1 adapters like the CarlinKit 4.0 or ottocast u2-x or x pro
Can't thanks more enough. Got my ottocast u2-x today in post. As soon as connected to car chevrolet captiva and mobile to ottocast using Bluetooth.. my car is now android compatible.. its a game changer..
So when I said to upgrade to a better menu. I meant there are better UI menus without the floating dot that they could have gone with. Like my favourite UI system on the Ottocast U2-Lite and GT0464 Dongle from MIC. Oddly I had an update for these dongles on the TF card I had inserted and a popup appears to update it with the UI from the other dongles. So in the next few weeks I might try and see if that update file actually works on these dongles 😂
The very best of all Ai Boxes? no , it's not that. It's up there as one of the better mid to entry level boxes around. There are a few faster boxes out there that really should be the baseline of what the spec of these boxes should be. Check my review of the MIC AI box with the QC665 chip in, this is where Ai Boxes need to start from IMO.
Hey! Awesome review thank you. I’m not sure if the question has been answered but I couldn’t find the response. Please can you advise whether screen mirroring works and/or how to get it to work. Thanks
Works very well. Only problem I am having is in carplay iphone has a echo hard to hear conversation. SIM card inserted in unit phone has same echo problem. Do you have any solutions. Thanks
Some dongles shave a loop back mode. Usually this is in CarPlay app settings though so I’d only imagine that would do that if using CarPlay wirelessly through the dongle via the android CarPlay app. If making a call through the dongle it might be a setting elsewhere that’s similar.
I just got mine off Amazon (US)and I'm happy with what I can do with it. This is my 1st box so forgive my ignorance, but I noticed a difference in sound quality from wired through the phone (S22 Ultra) to using wireless through the box. Even if using the box by itself with music on TF card. Is this inherent to using these boxes? Is there a fix or maybe a better box for audio quality?
@@CarPlayLife I guess it would be either. Wireless from phone to AI box I assume is using bluetooth, but if I'm playing music on a TF card inserted into the AI box (using any audio App on the box- I use power amp or Onkyo HF), isn't that only using the wired connection from the AI box to the OEM radio?) Bluetooth directly to my OEM headunit from my S22 Ultra (no AI box connected) also sounds better. I would best describe the difference in sound quality as a loss in treble output from about 10k and up. The bass seems rolled off and a touch muddier sounding. My sound system has been upgraded with several amps, speakers, sub, and DSP so it is probably easier to tell difference than when using a stock factory sound system.
Excellent job, on your reviews. I have a general question about managing multiple sims. Is there a way to share the SIM number on my phone with the SIM on the dongle? I want to be able to receive calls and texts from my main phone number without having to give out 2 numbers. Or can I use the dongle to access the internet and receive calls through my head unit from my phone's SIM?
Thanks Bruce. I don’t think you can duplicate a physical SIM and have them both running simultaneously. You only need data for the dongle so numbers aren’t important for the SIM in the dongle so best way for this situation is get a cheap monthly data SIM for the dongle so you can still get calls on your phone.
@@CarPlayLife Thanks Anthony, I will give it a go. Btw recently bought the Carlink, I tried to buy the MIC but could not find one where I live in Canada. Appreciate your work here. Cheers
Sounds like compatibility with your system. Did you check if this dongle works with it before buying? Maybe reach out to the support team for further help.
hello, do you have it an apk for netflix that function 100% on this device....i install from apk manager but when i tryed to login with my mail and password the app show me incorrect password....
What I would do is check on google play what the latest version is on the store. Then go to APK mirror .com and search for that same version and try to side load that using the file manager and the apk on a SD card or navigate the site on the device and download and run from it directly on the box.
Great video, I've noticed when using Android Auto and pressing Google Assistant it becomes very slow and can even crash Android Auto requiring me to connect to it again? Is there anything I can do to improve this?
Thanks a lot for your videos, I have this product in my car it works amazing but I have one issue with the phone call sometimes the sounds cutoff and there’s a delay and lag in car play I changed the cable but the problem didn’t solve
I assume you don’t get the calling issue on wired CarPlay? The delay or lag is kinda normal on these dongles due to how WiFi works and it’s general speed of transmitting audio
Thank you for the video. I bought this product and I need help about the settings of how I want to use it. 1. When I plug in the device it opens its android interface. I do not want this ie when I plug in or when I start my car stereo I do not want it open instead I want it remains as standby until I press CarPlay icon on my car stereo device. Second, when I press car play icon I want it pass to and open CarPlay screen directly not open android applications screen. If you help me about above subjects I will be very happy sir.
When using wired CarPlay does it also auto boot up or does it wait for manual interaction? If it also auto boots then this is a trait of your system not the dongle and likely can’t be changed unless there is an option in the system settings. The second option might be doable but you’ll need to adjust some settings to make zlink auto boot up. This is found in the dongles system settings for default apps and you can also try the factory settings menu code 126
I bought this directly from China( JD online shop). It comes without play store built in, turns out it's a domestic version. Suggestion to anyone who is trying to get this AI box, make sure you're buying a international version. Or you'll need to update the firmware yourself.
@@CarPlayLifeThank You for these Android OS Carplay dongles series, really helpful 👍👌 In India we have 2 options available from local sellers A. Apple Pie Mini (Android 9 4+64) B. Carlinkit CPC200-Tbox (Android 9 4+64, name is different here) which one do you suggest I go for my Newly purchased Hyundai Sedan? Do I chose based on after-sales support is that critical? Android 9 is good enough buy now or wait for Android 10 Carplay boxes to be available here? Thanks in advance, keep up the good work 🙏
Hello! I am getting voice syncing issues and when a message comes in, the notification audio is very broken up and has a static sound. Any ideas how to get to the settings to fix this? On the simpler dongle, I loaded the web interface to adjust backend settings. On this, it doesn’t seem to work.
Usually all this is in the settings area of the android UI and there is a section called Car try looking in there or factory settings area using code 126
@@CarPlayLife thank you. I looked through and did not see any settings that would help. I tried getting into the factory settings using 126 but it did not work. I have the Carlin kit v3 AI box, does that make a difference?
Hi, they got two type on sale 4core 3gb+32gb vs 8core 4gb+64gb, which one should i go with if my concern is youtube,netflix,waze and maybe disney+ , please assist
Hi, I bought this one. My produc is CPC200-AI BOX-V2. I receive a message on the screen when I plugin the dungle. The message is “unable to open hotspot. Confirm it manually”. When I confirm it manually then in the settings it opens hotspot settings page and when I switch the hotspot button open, it runs my CarPlay. I do not want this message occur on the screen and open hotspot settings page each time so how can I solve this issue? if you help me I will be very happy? I asked this problem to the firm from which I bought the product but they did not give me any answer.
It’s depends what you want to do on the dongle. You can’t have both wireless CarPlay and have an internet connect for the box for android apps simultaneously, unless you use a SIM card in the dongle for android app internet use.
Like CarPlay Life said, it will not interfere with your cars other functions. It’s CarPlay, but using android which is weird, but works very well. I love the Carlinkit v3 AI box. It’s been a game changer.
Amazing how it is impossible to find any reviews on T-BOX Mini (the actual Mini version) with quadcore QCM2290 @ 2ghz and 3 gb RAM. Wonder if the slightly higher clock gives a smoother performance.
It can connect to your phone's personal hotspot to stream video to a video app on the Android OS layer, but not at the same time as using Wireless CarPlay or Wireless Android Auto.
What is it that you want from the dongle? Seeing as you have android already there isn’t much extra this will give you unless you’re looking for wireless CP or AA
@@CarPlayLife well for starters this head unit sucks like it got 1Gb ram and 10Gb storage, youtube chrome and other stuff lags so I just need a better andriod unit and this dongle is cheaper than buying a whole new headunit.
Oh ok. Well the issue will be that it’s likely this won’t work with android and for it to it will need to work alongside the CarPlay app that is running on your headunit already. With that it will add some extra lag between the two. So personally I don’t think it would be a good experience but if you want to try it get it from Amazon so you have easy returns if the experience isn’t that good.
@@CarPlayLife I talked with carlinkit support and they said it would work fine if i can use car play on my headunit but if for some reason it didn't work I can return the item within 60days. Thanks for the help 🙂
@@CarPlayLife wired CarPlay work perfect! And i tried MMB Android 11 works like wired. But no SIM CARD SLOT. Do u know any BOX with Android 11 and sim card slot
If you mean in CarPlay or android auto that I removed. That was the UI interfering with the Autokit app. Must have been a bug as it was fixable and it doesn’t always happen like this.
@@CarPlayLife I wan to use another launcher don't need this right navigation it is making screen smaer. I like floating button. Do you know this right side navigation is a apk I can remove
@@tv-l1378 Sorry I don't think it is. It is likely part of the system/launcher they are using. I've not tried to override any of these AI Boxes with a different launch. They all have a sidebar in their UI that is removed once you go into certain apps, like youtube, netflix, prime, and video playback, games and carplay/AAuto also for example. So it isn't always persistently visible.
Not a good buy. I purchased a T box and it never connects to CarPlay. I end up restarting the vehicle couple of times to connect. Also it gets disconnected frequently. Manufacturer is giving software updates which is not exactly helping. Steering wheel controls on Toyota Fortuner is also not compatible with this.
I don’t think they try their dongles in all car regions. For example some stereos in Toyotas in China might be different to the same model in the US. 🤷🏻♂️
Hey thanks for the vid. Looking for advice. I just got a carlinkit v3 like the one in your vid (Canada here). Pretty much have e erhthing working so far, except wireless android auto with my Samsung s10. I click on the tbox icon, it says waiting, I then pair my phone and it doesn't do anything on the screen other than just says "waiting". Any tips? Edit CarPlay connect with iPhone through tbox, but not my s10 and AA.??
Wireless Android Auto can be a little tricky to initially pair. Usually when I get this I restart my android device and make sure I remove all BT profiles and WiFi profiles to the dongle and start fresh. Usually that works for me.
@@CarPlayLife no luck still. Wireless car play works fine, had to enable wireless AA in phone AA settings, now connects on truck screen, but then closes and goes to main homrscreen of carlinkit box. On my phone it just says after its connected, "use car screen AA". Very weird. I've tried everything I can think of... And I'm an IT GUY LOL.
@@jhayrestacio1696 it’s so new I don’t know of any updates as yet. They don’t really have a central update area for their dongles. You usually reach out to them if something has issues and they might have an update available. This is then sometimes shared on forums etc.
what is the best all around one for double Bluetooth I want to connect my torque pro to it since you can't get it on android auto anymore and I don't want slow loading times can you give me 2 options one expensive and then the next runner up
Anybody figure out how to do Bluetooth text messaging? They have the Messages app but seems to expect the device to use a SIM card. They have the BT Phone. Also is there a way to make Google Assistant to make calls using "BT Phone" instead of "Phone"? Thanks!
@@CarPlayLife yes... I was using connecting my mobile phone in USB car, but yesterday I updated to Android 12 and it stopped working, I know that AA is not in Android 12, but I only want to know if I buy this device all we be solved (sorry for my English 🥺)
@@miguelangelhuachinherrera5012 well in this video you see me connecting to it via my Google pixel 5 running Android 12. Your Mazda system will still need CarPlay on it for this dongle to connect to it.
Add the update to an inserted SD card. After a min it should detect the file and ask to update it. I don’t know where to get the file from. Best to ask support for it.
Has anyone been able to mirror there screen.. I have a few apps I can mirror with my android phone and use my phone unlimited data instead of limited hotspot.
alguien sabe como configurarlo en otro dispositivo que no sea la radio del auto? como por ejemplo en un computador, conectarlo configurarlo y luego llevarlo al auto.
Hey and thank you for
Making this video.
One tip for future videos,
Please have only one on screen overlay with your channel name.
On the left there is a CarPlay logo with you channel name.
On the right there is the channels website
And on the bottom right is another CarPlay type logo. It’s just very busy and cluttered, needlessly. I think you can have the logo and channel name in one spot off to the corner and that would be fine. Thanks and keep making videos like these! They are very helpful.
Thanks Max for the feedback. I was actually in the process of making a change on my next video to one top right
The bottom right is stamped on by TH-cam
Great video!! Due to your video, I bought this unit! Love it!! Couple questions. 1) how do I rearrange the application icons? 2) what SIM card companies work well with this unit in USA? Keep up the great work!
Congrats on your purchase. Usually tapping and holding on the icon for a second or two and then dragging it across the screen should move them about. Same for widgets. Tapping and holding on a part of the background around the icons should display the widget picker.
As for SIMs in the US I can’t really say as I’m in the U.K. usually any phone sim with a data plan works just fine.
This unit doesn’t power off when I turn off my ignition. The older bigger version did. Help
Does your usb port have some kinda power off delay? If you point the power LEDs so you can see them from outside the car through the window, then leave and lock the car up. Look through the window at the LEDs and see if they go after 1-5mins. You might just have a delay on the ports power that the older unit just shut off but newer one might remain for longer.
@@CarPlayLife thanks yes that was it. Want to hear something odd. I got this unit from Amazon and Carlikit said they don’t make this unit. Are you aware of this? They said they only make the older bigger unit.
@@StayConnectedEV oh really? That’s a bit confusing. There are a lot of sellers out there behaving they are the official seller, I’ve been told that even I’ve been linking to an unofficial seller but honestly i don’t know if that’s right or they are trying to steel away business over to them. So I don’t know who to believe these days. You’d think the .com and sellers they refer to that domain are the legitimate sellers. 🤷🏻♂️ who knows. As long as the product does what it does and you don’t have to lean on their customer support, it’s less important. But if they are official and saying this v2 is not made by them, but that’s very odd. 🤔
@@CarPlayLife yes it’s crazy right!!!! It works much better than the bigger unit though like you said. I bought this based on your recommendation. Plus it was $50 cheaper and does same with faster processing. Another wonder was can we load a skin on this interface? I hate the Android interface on this box like you do.
@@StayConnectedEV I’m not sure about interface. However I did plug a tf card into one dongle once that had an update file on it and the box asked me if I wanted to update. So these might be compatible with other android OS updates but I didn’t want to risk trying it and bricking the whole device. I light in the future just to see what happens. This was the UI without the nasty floating button.
Mine worked for 30 days exactly without flaw. Day 31, it no longer powers on. I have not updated it. I have tried different power wires. Device has not been dropped or manipulated in any way. Thoughts…ideas???
So there are no lights on the dongle at all? Are you abel to try it on a different carplay vehicle/system to rule yours or its connection out?
Which device is the best one you’ve tested in terms of performance. I’m planning to use with iPhone. But I mostly want to use for video playback. So TH-cam. Netflix. Maybe Disney plus and then just my own movies added to the storage.
I am depending on your device since you have a lot more
Knowledge I can trust. Thanks
You want something with a lot of grunt for video, these QC450 chip AI Boxes are ok, but over time they might struggle with certain streaming apps. To future proof you a little, I would go with a QC665/QC6125 AI Box like this one th-cam.com/video/UgQrpMZ-eow/w-d-xo.html
@@CarPlayLife I really appreciate your reply sir.
Oh and lastly is the octocore in this one better then the mmb box that has 4 cores?
I’m checking out the link now 👍
@@KING0SISQO the 8-core will be better than the 4-core of the MMB 11
@@CarPlayLife thank you. This threw me because I was thinking “well they are both new products. But one is quadcare with android 11. But there’s octocore with android 9. So what’s going on here. Is the quad core stronger despite being quad core “. That was my thinking. But I’m glad you cleared it up.
Will you be reviewing the CarlinKit T-Box PLUS Android 11 Dongle? Thanx.
Yes that’s on its way. I’m expecting it to be much the same as this th-cam.com/video/vmQJGMAeqO0/w-d-xo.html
Hi, thanks for the videos, I am planning to get an AI box and was wondering which to choose between carlinkit mini and the applepie max, they seem to have the similar features and pricing, but was wondering which one behaves better and is more stable / smoother for daily use? Thanks :)
Is say the ApplePie Max is better out of these two options, but not by much. So if the mini is much cheaper it might be a better buy
Sounds good, thanks for your reply 😊
Thanks a lot for your videos, really appreciate your full preview of functionality and features! I have one question:
Is it possible to prevent the Carplay to automatically show up in the foreground when starting up the car?
I just want it to be connected ans ready upon starting the car, but still want to be in my car's infotainment menus until I click on Carplay to show the Android interface.
Many thanks
Thanks for watching.
I don't think that's possible. Because of how these dongles work, it would be more a setting on your car system, not to fire up carplay when a device is connected. These dongles act like connected iPhones, so if the system knows it is connected it will attempt to go into that carplay mode on your system. Have a look around in the menus to see if there is a media boot or carplay auto button setting that you can disable.
@@CarPlayLife ok thanks a lot. Worst case I can always just click Home to get to the main infotainment screen, so no biggie :)
I was hesitating which of the models to buy, this latest CarlinKit or the M.I.C branded model you reviewed previously which is faster. But it seems that the CarlinKit with android 9 is more stable with less bugs (no audio issues, less UI issues etc) so I went for the CarlinKit for now. May upgrade in the future. I hope I did the right choice, what do you think? Im not going to play Andeoid games on it anyway :)
@@SweViver not a bad choice but I would have gone with MIC or wait a few months for newer dongles based on the QC665 chipset. It may not feel like much, but that small boost in performance really goes a long way from tapping twice on unresponsive buttons due to processing lag or waiting time on rendering app UI. The Qc665 should be the entry-level baseline for these AI boxes. The UI is better also IMO. The stereo audio on the MIC is now fixed/improved. So with that the MIC or similar would be my go to. I hope the Carlinkit works out for you though.
@@CarPlayLife thanks for your input and thoughs, you have a point there! I may give this one to my girlfriend since she wants the functionality as well when she gets her new car next month, and then I will buy the MIC for myself and my car :) Keep up your great videos! Cheers
@@SweViver sounds like a plan 👍🏻 I am sure there are some other QC665 options out there, but there will certainly be other competition from brands over the coming months with this chipset in.
Ive been trying to run some Nintendo roms on this device with emulators like Lemuroid, but I get no sound at all. All other apps like Netflix, TH-cam, Waze, ABRP has sound and even streaming PC games through Moonlight has sound, but not emulators. Any idea?
Thanks
Does playing something with sound and switch back to the emulator kick in the audio? I’ve had this a few times and doing that would fix the audio but it’s not a 100% solution/workaround.
@@CarPlayLife hmm interesting, I will try this and let you know. Big thanks for getting back to me!
@@CarPlayLife you were right, mate! Having TH-cam Music just running in the background with stopped music, now the emulators do get audio and every is fine :) At least its an easy workaround! Thank you soo much for this! By the way, updated to the latest FW version which seems to work good in general.
Awesome! Glad to hear that sorted out the issue. I find with android the audio can sometimes gets routed through a certain running app or system process and doesn’t get disconnected from it to work on something else. This method seems to force the change. It’s weird but it works.
@@CarPlayLife indeed. Its definitely a solution I can live with :) Big thanks again and looking forward to new videos from you testing upcoming Android devices (still thinking about giving this one to my gf and buy a new one with faster Snapdragon for myself). Cheers :)
Does video (TH-cam, netflix) any lag between picture and voice presentation
?
I have a 2019 lexus es350, the factory infotainment only comes with carplay compatibility Can I use this to use Android auto instead?
Yes it’s possible. But if you don’t need video streaming or other apps maybe buy a cheaper 2in1 dongle instead th-cam.com/play/PLysOHeJ5BkMg33wdDBIfm8EZ-soKiT2CD.html
Nice review! I have bmw x3 2022 which have oem wireless carplay but non wired. This box work for me? If not an advice
Thanks
Hi. I can’t say for compatibility with the BMW that’s something you might want to ask them directly. But you need to plug this into your CarPlay USB port. It should have one, even if wireless is a feature of your system. But from Amazon so you get easy returns should it not work for you.
Hi
I can connect my iPhone to my original car wireless CarPlay function and everything works well. However when I connect my iPhone to this Tbox via Autokit, it can be connected successfully but internet connection is not working. Any suggestion to solve this issue?
If you are running Wireless CarPlay and you want internet for android OS apps, you can't have both of these running at the same time. To get around this you need to insert a data SIM into the slot on the dongle so the dongle has its own internet source for Android OS apps and that then frees up the wifi hotspot connection for wireless CarPlay/AAuto
Thanks for the review, I just picked this up on Amazon (US). They have a $60USD coupon right now! I have a question before it arrives, my vehicle has a built in Wi-Fi hotspot, can I use this instead of my phones hotspot? Might be a dumb question, but just making sure it doesn’t need to be connected to the phones Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or if it can be separate.
You should be able to connect to your car’s built-in wifi hotspot to serve android apps the internet.
May be a dumb question.. if my car only has apple carplay and i am android user.. does this device or any other product help me?
AI boxes will allow you to run your Android device on the CarPlay only system with the addition of using apps like TH-cam and Netflix. But if you just want android auto on a CarPlay only system then you could look at 2in1 adapters like the CarlinKit 4.0 or ottocast u2-x or x pro
@@CarPlayLife thanks for replying. This will definitely going to solve my problem. Planning to get ottocast u2-x as it looks promising
Awesome!
Can't thanks more enough. Got my ottocast u2-x today in post. As soon as connected to car chevrolet captiva and mobile to ottocast using Bluetooth.. my car is now android compatible.. its a game changer..
You mention updating to get rid of the dot navigation. Can you do a video showing how to do that??
So when I said to upgrade to a better menu. I meant there are better UI menus without the floating dot that they could have gone with. Like my favourite UI system on the Ottocast U2-Lite and GT0464 Dongle from MIC.
Oddly I had an update for these dongles on the TF card I had inserted and a popup appears to update it with the UI from the other dongles. So in the next few weeks I might try and see if that update file actually works on these dongles 😂
Thanks, do you think this is the very best box ?
The very best of all Ai Boxes? no , it's not that. It's up there as one of the better mid to entry level boxes around. There are a few faster boxes out there that really should be the baseline of what the spec of these boxes should be. Check my review of the MIC AI box with the QC665 chip in, this is where Ai Boxes need to start from IMO.
@@CarPlayLife many thanks you’re the best thanks for reviewing this
Hey! Awesome review thank you. I’m not sure if the question has been answered but I couldn’t find the response. Please can you advise whether screen mirroring works and/or how to get it to work. Thanks
Great video. Is there anyway to lock the screen on the box?
As it is android 9 yes you can. As a passcode lock on bootup
@@CarPlayLife Any idea on how to do this? I have no code options in the security section of my box
Works very well. Only problem I am having is in carplay iphone has a echo hard to hear conversation. SIM card inserted in unit phone has same echo problem. Do you have any solutions. Thanks
Some dongles shave a loop back mode. Usually this is in CarPlay app settings though so I’d only imagine that would do that if using CarPlay wirelessly through the dongle via the android CarPlay app. If making a call through the dongle it might be a setting elsewhere that’s similar.
Where/how du you install Android you are talking about in 13:30?
So you can install android auto app from the Google play store or if it’s not there you can download the apk from apk mirror .com
@@CarPlayLife i can download the app from the play store, but not make call from the steering wheel
I just got mine off Amazon (US)and I'm happy with what I can do with it. This is my 1st box so forgive my ignorance, but I noticed a difference in sound quality from wired through the phone (S22 Ultra) to using wireless through the box. Even if using the box by itself with music on TF card. Is this inherent to using these boxes? Is there a fix or maybe a better box for audio quality?
Are you comparing wireless Android Auto to Bluetooth audio streaming, or a cable connection?
@@CarPlayLife I guess it would be either. Wireless from phone to AI box I assume is using bluetooth, but if I'm playing music on a TF card inserted into the AI box (using any audio App on the box- I use power amp or Onkyo HF), isn't that only using the wired connection from the AI box to the OEM radio?)
Bluetooth directly to my OEM headunit from my S22 Ultra (no AI box connected) also sounds better.
I would best describe the difference in sound quality as a loss in treble output from about 10k and up. The bass seems rolled off and a touch muddier sounding. My sound system has been upgraded with several amps, speakers, sub, and DSP so it is probably easier to tell difference than when using a stock factory sound system.
Excellent job, on your reviews. I have a general question about managing multiple sims. Is there a way to share the SIM number on my phone with the SIM on the dongle? I want to be able to receive calls and texts from my main phone number without having to give out 2 numbers.
Or can I use the dongle to access the internet and receive calls through my head unit from my phone's SIM?
Thanks Bruce. I don’t think you can duplicate a physical SIM and have them both running simultaneously. You only need data for the dongle so numbers aren’t important for the SIM in the dongle so best way for this situation is get a cheap monthly data SIM for the dongle so you can still get calls on your phone.
@@CarPlayLife Thanks Anthony, I will give it a go. Btw recently bought the Carlink, I tried to buy the MIC but could not find one where I live in Canada. Appreciate your work here. Cheers
@@brucehobbs9140 they are as rare as chocolate teapots at the moment. Hope the CarLinkit works well for you. Cheers!
Hello, I bought the same one for my Mazda cx5 2019, when I connect it it does not recognize it and in the end I get an error message
Sounds like compatibility with your system. Did you check if this dongle works with it before buying? Maybe reach out to the support team for further help.
hello, do you have it an apk for netflix that function 100% on this device....i install from apk manager but when i tryed to login with my mail and password the app show me incorrect password....
What I would do is check on google play what the latest version is on the store. Then go to APK mirror .com and search for that same version and try to side load that using the file manager and the apk on a SD card or navigate the site on the device and download and run from it directly on the box.
Great video, I've noticed when using Android Auto and pressing Google Assistant it becomes very slow and can even crash Android Auto requiring me to connect to it again? Is there anything I can do to improve this?
Not that I know of other than seeing if they have an update for the dongle.
Thanks a lot for your videos, I have this product in my car it works amazing but I have one issue with the phone call sometimes the sounds cutoff and there’s a delay and lag in car play
I changed the cable but the problem didn’t solve
My phone is iPhone 13 pro max
I assume you don’t get the calling issue on wired CarPlay? The delay or lag is kinda normal on these dongles due to how WiFi works and it’s general speed of transmitting audio
Thank you for the video. I bought this product and I need help about the settings of how I want to use it.
1. When I plug in the device it opens its android interface. I do not want this ie when I plug in or when I start my car stereo I do not want it open instead I want it remains as standby until I press CarPlay icon on my car stereo device.
Second, when I press car play icon I want it pass to and open CarPlay screen directly not open android applications screen.
If you help me about above subjects I will be very happy sir.
When using wired CarPlay does it also auto boot up or does it wait for manual interaction? If it also auto boots then this is a trait of your system not the dongle and likely can’t be changed unless there is an option in the system settings.
The second option might be doable but you’ll need to adjust some settings to make zlink auto boot up. This is found in the dongles system settings for default apps and you can also try the factory settings menu code 126
@@CarPlayLife 👍❤️
hi, I have one tbox android 9 , can I update it to new version ?? and how ?
Sorry I don’t think you can
I bought this directly from China( JD online shop). It comes without play store built in, turns out it's a domestic version. Suggestion to anyone who is trying to get this AI box, make sure you're buying a international version. Or you'll need to update the firmware yourself.
Good tip. Thanks 😊
@@CarPlayLifeThank You for these Android OS Carplay dongles series, really helpful 👍👌
In India we have 2 options available from local sellers
A. Apple Pie Mini (Android 9 4+64)
B. Carlinkit CPC200-Tbox (Android 9 4+64, name is different here)
which one do you suggest I go for my Newly purchased Hyundai Sedan?
Do I chose based on after-sales support is that critical?
Android 9 is good enough buy now or wait for Android 10 Carplay boxes to be available here?
Thanks in advance, keep up the good work 🙏
Hello! I am getting voice syncing issues and when a message comes in, the notification audio is very broken up and has a static sound. Any ideas how to get to the settings to fix this? On the simpler dongle, I loaded the web interface to adjust backend settings. On this, it doesn’t seem to work.
Usually all this is in the settings area of the android UI and there is a section called Car try looking in there or factory settings area using code 126
@@CarPlayLife thank you. I looked through and did not see any settings that would help. I tried getting into the factory settings using 126 but it did not work. I have the Carlin kit v3 AI box, does that make a difference?
Excelente vídeo...obrigado pelas informações...!!!
Thank you 😊
Hi, they got two type on sale 4core 3gb+32gb vs 8core 4gb+64gb, which one should i go with if my concern is youtube,netflix,waze and maybe disney+ , please assist
Always spec higher. 4GB RAM is what I would go for.
@@CarPlayLife Thanks alot man
Make a speed comparative with QCM2290, SDM 450 and QCM 6125
Do you know which dongle as the 2290?
Hi, I bought this one. My produc is CPC200-AI BOX-V2. I receive a message on the screen when I plugin the dungle. The message is “unable to open hotspot. Confirm it manually”. When I confirm it manually then in the settings it opens hotspot settings page and when I switch the hotspot button open, it runs my CarPlay. I do not want this message occur on the screen and open hotspot settings page each time so how can I solve this issue? if you help me I will be very happy? I asked this problem to the firm from which I bought the product but they did not give me any answer.
It’s depends what you want to do on the dongle. You can’t have both wireless CarPlay and have an internet connect for the box for android apps simultaneously, unless you use a SIM card in the dongle for android app internet use.
@@CarPlayLife Thank you very much sir.
@@CarPlayLife Thank you very much sir.
Hi, thnx for the video. I got demo mode text in the middle of the screen and i couldnt figure out how to remove it. How can i do that?
If anything that should be in the settings menus. Or try factory settings code 126
Does it support 2 finger pinch gisture for zooming in google maps ?
Touch input will vary on the display it is being used on in the car and if that supports multitouch.
Nice review! Is there any way i can update the android system on this t box?
I don't know about locations to download an update. Why do you need to update it?
How does it work with the car's normal function like when we put the car in reverse, does it switch the screen to display the camera?
It will behave just the same as if you are running wired CarPlay. If it switches when you go into reverse from CarPlay it will do the same.
Like CarPlay Life said, it will not interfere with your cars other functions. It’s CarPlay, but using android which is weird, but works very well. I love the Carlinkit v3 AI box. It’s been a game changer.
Amazing how it is impossible to find any reviews on T-BOX Mini (the actual Mini version) with quadcore QCM2290 @ 2ghz and 3 gb RAM. Wonder if the slightly higher clock gives a smoother performance.
I actually got sent this the other day for review. So watch this space
I would imagine so especially with the extra gig of ram, just ordered the same before the aliexpress sale ended
Will this work with out wifi? Does it connect to the internet on my phone so I can put movies on, during a road trip?
It can connect to your phone's personal hotspot to stream video to a video app on the Android OS layer, but not at the same time as using Wireless CarPlay or Wireless Android Auto.
Hi, thanks for the review, I have one of those Chinese android head unit that's running android 10.1, will this work on that head unit?
What is it that you want from the dongle? Seeing as you have android already there isn’t much extra this will give you unless you’re looking for wireless CP or AA
@@CarPlayLife well for starters this head unit sucks like it got 1Gb ram and 10Gb storage, youtube chrome and other stuff lags so I just need a better andriod unit and this dongle is cheaper than buying a whole new headunit.
Oh ok. Well the issue will be that it’s likely this won’t work with android and for it to it will need to work alongside the CarPlay app that is running on your headunit already. With that it will add some extra lag between the two. So personally I don’t think it would be a good experience but if you want to try it get it from Amazon so you have easy returns if the experience isn’t that good.
@@CarPlayLife I talked with carlinkit support and they said it would work fine if i can use car play on my headunit but if for some reason it didn't work I can return the item within 60days. Thanks for the help 🙂
Hi
Only when i call over carplay, it s use only one SPEAKER why ?
Does this happen over wired CarPlay? If not then I was guess there is a compatibility issue.
@@CarPlayLife wired CarPlay work perfect! And i tried MMB Android 11 works like wired. But no SIM CARD SLOT. Do u know any BOX with Android 11 and sim card slot
Can I hide the right side navigation buttons?
If you mean in CarPlay or android auto that I removed. That was the UI interfering with the Autokit app. Must have been a bug as it was fixable and it doesn’t always happen like this.
@@CarPlayLife I wan to use another launcher don't need this right navigation it is making screen smaer.
I like floating button. Do you know this right side navigation is a apk I can remove
@@tv-l1378 Sorry I don't think it is. It is likely part of the system/launcher they are using. I've not tried to override any of these AI Boxes with a different launch. They all have a sidebar in their UI that is removed once you go into certain apps, like youtube, netflix, prime, and video playback, games and carplay/AAuto also for example. So it isn't always persistently visible.
Not a good buy. I purchased a T box and it never connects to CarPlay. I end up restarting the vehicle couple of times to connect. Also it gets disconnected frequently. Manufacturer is giving software updates which is not exactly helping. Steering wheel controls on Toyota Fortuner is also not compatible with this.
Maybe dive into the WiFi hotspot settings and change it from 5GHz to 2.4Ghz and see if that helps.
@@CarPlayLife have been trying multiple things with the support team, unfortunately they couldn’t fix it yet.
Yea it does seem like it’s just not that compatible with your car’s system
@@CarPlayLife But toyota is listed as compatible vehicle in there website.
I don’t think they try their dongles in all car regions. For example some stereos in Toyotas in China might be different to the same model in the US. 🤷🏻♂️
may I know the display you show at 16:40?
This is the coral vision CarPlay display. My review here th-cam.com/video/wIJhNygov0o/w-d-xo.html
Is it compatible with an existing Android unit?
This is for CarPlay system only
Is there any dongle similar to this that can work with an Android unit?
Hey thanks for the vid. Looking for advice. I just got a carlinkit v3 like the one in your vid (Canada here). Pretty much have e erhthing working so far, except wireless android auto with my Samsung s10. I click on the tbox icon, it says waiting, I then pair my phone and it doesn't do anything on the screen other than just says "waiting". Any tips?
Edit CarPlay connect with iPhone through tbox, but not my s10 and AA.??
Wireless Android Auto can be a little tricky to initially pair. Usually when I get this I restart my android device and make sure I remove all BT profiles and WiFi profiles to the dongle and start fresh. Usually that works for me.
@@CarPlayLife thanks brother. That wss my next step today, reset the box to factory etc. Updates to follow.
@@CarPlayLife no luck still. Wireless car play works fine, had to enable wireless AA in phone AA settings, now connects on truck screen, but then closes and goes to main homrscreen of carlinkit box. On my phone it just says after its connected, "use car screen AA". Very weird. I've tried everything I can think of... And I'm an IT GUY LOL.
That's said, what do people (and I) really need wireless android auto for when the whole system is now android.?hahah
Sounds very frustrating. It does sound like it doesn’t like your system and only an update for your system could fix this.
Does it work with pioneer screens
Hi, i just bought this Ai Box. my concern is the TH-cam, netflix and other online streaming are audio delay. how can i fis this? please help. Thanks!
There is no audio delay if you use the android os apps. If you stream from your phone you will experience audio lag.
@@CarPlayLife im using android apps but the audio is delay
@@jhayrestacio1696 sorry I’ve not had this issue with android apps specifically. Maybe try their support team for more advise
@@CarPlayLife Thanks for the reply. last one, is there any update of the FW for this device? Thanks
@@jhayrestacio1696 it’s so new I don’t know of any updates as yet. They don’t really have a central update area for their dongles. You usually reach out to them if something has issues and they might have an update available. This is then sometimes shared on forums etc.
any reason to get this over the MIC665?
No reason. This is just a new case over the old TBox of theirs. No change underneath.
is the mini with android 11 or 9 better
11 will be better just for future proofing you with app compatibility
what is the best all around one for double Bluetooth I want to connect my torque pro to it since you can't get it on android auto anymore and I don't want slow loading times can you give me 2 options one expensive and then the next runner up
Anybody figure out how to do Bluetooth text messaging? They have the Messages app but seems to expect the device to use a SIM card. They have the BT Phone. Also is there a way to make Google Assistant to make calls using "BT Phone" instead of "Phone"? Thanks!
So... It will works with My mazda 3 2019.???.. Even I have Android 12??
If you have a wired CarPlay system to plug it into
@@CarPlayLife yes... I was using connecting my mobile phone in USB car, but yesterday I updated to Android 12 and it stopped working, I know that AA is not in Android 12, but I only want to know if I buy this device all we be solved (sorry for my English 🥺)
@@miguelangelhuachinherrera5012 well in this video you see me connecting to it via my Google pixel 5 running Android 12. Your Mazda system will still need CarPlay on it for this dongle to connect to it.
@@CarPlayLife perfect!!.. thanks My friend 👍🏽👍🏽
@@miguelangelhuachinherrera5012 you’re welcome ☺️
I bay this today is coming today you think is work ok ?
It should do. Depends on its compatibility with your CarPlay system.
How do you update device
Add the update to an inserted SD card. After a min it should detect the file and ask to update it.
I don’t know where to get the file from. Best to ask support for it.
@@CarPlayLife thank you
Has anyone been able to mirror there screen.. I have a few apps I can mirror with my android phone and use my phone unlimited data instead of limited hotspot.
alguien sabe como configurarlo en otro dispositivo que no sea la radio del auto? como por ejemplo en un computador, conectarlo configurarlo y luego llevarlo al auto.
No lo puede, tiene que tener carplay. Para eso tienes que agarrar uno con mini HDMI port.
Tôi không lắp được sim
Try rotating it, if it goes in and starts to position itself at an angle, then it is being inserted the wrong way around. Flip it over and try again.
My cpc200 tbox mini gg maps is slow as fuck
This is in the low end of specs. So I’m not surprised, if using mobile data in a low signal area gmaps can suffer too.
@@CarPlayLife not surprise for 80dollar product
Can this box displays 2 monitor at the same time? (One from the head unit and another external Usb c/hdmi monitor)?
Not this one as it doesn’t have HDMI out.