Android Auto head units

[AlexC1981]

Hi All,

I am considering fitting an aftermarket head unit to my car. At the moment I mount my phone in a cradle and use it for sat-nav, music, podcasts etc through a Bluetooth connection. If I want to change podcasts it means pressing small icons on my phone whilst driving, which isn't ideal.

My query is mainly about the usability of android auto. I want a wireless one so my phone automatically connects. If I set the satnav, can I also have access to the radio pre-sets on the same screen or will I have to flick between screens to change the radio station?

My car does not have steering wheel controls, so I need a head unit with a non-fiddly volume button. At the moment the best contender seems to be the Kenwood DMX-8021DABS, but it will be a lot of money wasted if it proves to be more of a faff than my current setup.

[poppopbangbang]

I've got one of these in one of the cars, specifically because it had physical buttons for tracks and a proper volume control

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/in-car-receiver...

There's probably a newer version now but it works well, current version of android auto supports split screen across maps and spotify/deezer etc. Works a treat.

[AlexC1981]

Thanks, it's a shame they don't all have nice easy buttons, though I suppose most cars have steering wheel controls to do the same job.

Do those next track buttons go to the next radio preset if you are listening to FM or DAB?

[poppopbangbang]

AlexC1981 said:

Thanks, it's a shame they don't all have nice easy buttons, though I suppose most cars have steering wheel controls to do the same job.

Do those next track buttons go to the next radio preset if you are listening to FM or DAB?

Yes, but that one doesn't have DAB! There is a version of it that does though.

[AlexC1981]

That's great thanks. There's a really nice looking Sony with a sensible button layout coming out at the end of October. I think I'll wait until then and check the reviews.

[alfabeat]

I added one of these to a Fiesta Mk 6 (2007):

https://www.lionzdealz.com/product/android-headuni...



Mega simple to fit, fits perfectly and works very well. Also has proper buttons!

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

I have a Pioneer SPH 230 DAB Android Auto Head unit in my 2004 Impreza. Like you, I have no steering wheel controls.

Needs an aerial to pick up DAB, and in the end I goy it installed by an auto audio shop as I couldn't. However, I've got a reversing camera wired into it, and it does everything you need it to in answer to your questions. I paid about £200 second hand.

[Taff107]

My Kenwood DDX 5022 which I bought and put in my Impreza when I bought it in 2002 was looking a little 'tired' so thought I'd take a stab at a Eonon Q03 Pro android h/u for about £200.

Love it.

Great big clear 10" screen, good music quality, wireless Android Auto connection and unless it has been sat for a few days, near instant boot up. All I need to do is ensure my phone data hotspot is on and it connects with A/Auto. reversing camera and gps for satnav included

You'll need a Dab dongle for about £25 if you want Dab, but I don't bother with it

So long as you go for 3gb+ of RAM, lag shouldn't be an issue.

[smithyithy]

Bear in mind if it's Android Auto / Apple CarPlay then you don't necessarily need DAB as you can just use the station's app on your phone..

I have the Absolute Radio app for when I can't be bothered with Spotify and just switch between them via the Android Auto app screen..