Head Units: Android Auto / CarPlay ?

"Lekker" (z34nismo) 06/30/2016 at 12:30 • Filed to: None

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I’m in the process of redoing my entire sound system in the impreza, and since I’ve been out of the Head Unit market for years I’m not sure where to start.

I know new models of double-din units now have smart capabilities, namely Android auto and carPlay. I have both platforms of devices so whatever I choose needs to be able to use both. Does anyone have any experience with any of these new units? A lot seem to just be cheap, others seam full of features but lack quality... etc etc.

So tell me oppo, who has a “smart” head unit, what is it and how do you like it?

Picture of the new (to me) impreza for your time!

citizennick > Lekker 06/30/2016 at 12:40

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CarPlay is great, though I honestly don’t use it much since I already got navigation and stream my music over Bluetooth. I have used the maps and music functions on there and never had any issues.

The texting feature is ok, I just don’t bother with it while driving because my car can never comprehend what I’m saying.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Lekker 06/30/2016 at 12:58

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Definitely have some relevant input for you here. Just went through the same process for my wife’s XV Crosstrek (so essentially the same car) a few months ago. The stock unit was crap, so we wanted a replacement…she has an iphone, I have an android – so we wanted both as well. Did some research and ended up with the Pioneer AVH-4100NEX. It is kind of towards the bottom of the line up but it is one of the few that have both platforms, and its awesome. Some of the higher end ones have better screens but this one is still plenty responsive and we have absolutely zero complaints about it. Also has a detachable face, which is nice – many don’t have that option.

Switching between the two platforms is super simple. I love Android Auto…and the wife loves Apple Car Play, so we’re both happy. Can confirm that Apple Car Play actually lets you do quite a bit more via voice thanks to Siri….google is a lot less versatile in that regard. But I like the interface better and it works just great for what its meant to do. Not sure if you have a backup camera – it was a pain to integrate. Not due to any fault of Pioneer, but goddamn Subaru. As with many manufacturers, they have their own cheapo connectors in the back – so you need some kind of harness to get the stock backup camera to connect to the unit. Such a harness doesn’t exist. So you either go with a whole new aftermarket camera, or find someone nifty enough to make a custom harness for you. There is a dude on the Subaru forums who does this – but he is super backlogged and is quite slow (understandably since its not his day job and just something he does for fun on the side). Thankfully my audio installer guy was willing to experiment himself and did a custom harness for me.

We are super happy with the unit, highly recommended. And you can find it at very good discounts online if you shop around. I got ours on jet.com – they have some big discounts for your first purchase too, which helps if you’re new to the site. Shoot if you have any more questions about the unit in particular. Of course keep in mind that we bought ours end of last year, so there might be newer options out there – but can’t really think of any features this unit doesn’t have that you could want.

Eduardo L. Perez > Lekker 06/30/2016 at 13:27

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Woah woah have i got the fix for you! JBL (parent company Harman??) is launching a new head unit this august for the cost of only a few trips to the stealership. They're open for preorders so be advised. http://www.jbl.com/connected-car/…

Lekker > citizennick 06/30/2016 at 13:57

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yeah my main interest is going to be bluetooth but I want to be able to use the built in map app for both of my phones, I’ve just never even seen one of these new units in person.

What do you have?

Lekker > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/30/2016 at 14:04

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Thanks so much for your lengthy input. I was actually reading up on that particular HU when I wrote the post, so this is super relevant. I went on Amazon and noticed the many negative reviews, but as ever we can’t fully trust them.

I read some of the issues were the display/unit not starting up until a while occasionally, lack of features and responsiveness in terms of the touch screen and just poor quality. Which surprises me coming from a Pioneer unit, I’ve had their products many times and never had any issues. And at that price point (around 590), it doesn’t seem like it is missing much at all in comparison to the $1k+ ones.

I don’t have the backup camera in the Subbie, so I’d have to buy an aftermarket one. Which from what you tell me, is going to be easier anyway.

Lekker > Eduardo L. Perez 06/30/2016 at 14:06

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You know whats funny, this whole thing started because a co-worker was telling me how upset he was a HU was delayed yet again, then we started talking about it and turns out that’s the particular one haha.

The only downside is honestly the wait time, I plan to do some long roadtrips in a month or two tops, and I want the system done by then... and with how they’re acting by delaying it so many times, Idk how I’d feel about waiting. Do you have any info on the release date?

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Lekker 06/30/2016 at 14:14

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You’re welcome! I paid $478 for mine in October, so definitely shop around - you should be able to find it cheaper than $590 (but that could’ve been holiday sales too).

Maybe once I’ve noticed the screen not come on when I started the car, but out of hundreds of starts I think that’s pretty forgivable...electronics do go wonky every now and then. The other units at least when I was shopping did have “nicer” screens - but both platforms was more important to us, and that limited us to this - and the screen is perfectly fine. It could be better, yes - but not bad by any stretch of the imagination. As for lack of features - not sure what else other units might come with that this doesn’t have? Has all the standards - HD radio, bluetooth (including pandora, etc), Carplay/Android Auto, USB, CD/DVD, Aux...not entirely sure what more people expect ouf of a head unit these days?

Safest bet would be to maybe hit up best buy or something like that and check them out in person to see what fits your needs and if you find that the complaints out there are warranted.

citizennick > Lekker 06/30/2016 at 19:16

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16 Camaro. And I've only see the CarPlay. I know when Android Auto was released for the car the owners complained about it being low-res. Idk if they were trying to upscale it for the 8-inch display or?