DB11 Carplay/Android modules question
Discussion
What is the difference, if any, between these 2 modules, besides the price?
https://naviks.com/i-24076812-2017-2020-aston-mart...
and
https://thecarplayer.com/collections/carplay-aston...
I was going to get the NAViKS module because it specifically mentions using the back button instead of installing a new dedicated switch. Now I see this unit from Carplayer that also mentions using the back button, but it's significantly less expensive.
Anyone know what the difference is?
https://naviks.com/i-24076812-2017-2020-aston-mart...
and
https://thecarplayer.com/collections/carplay-aston...
I was going to get the NAViKS module because it specifically mentions using the back button instead of installing a new dedicated switch. Now I see this unit from Carplayer that also mentions using the back button, but it's significantly less expensive.
Anyone know what the difference is?
‘Tis a good question. I can’t see any difference. I have carplay in my 11 (ID Core) but it was fitted by the stealer, and uses the back button to flip between CP and OE, so I suspect it is very much the same again. The dealer did say that fitting it is a PITA and time consuming, how true that is I dont know, and as my dealer struggles with most things it may not be such an issue for others.
A follow up if anyone is interested.
I heard back from both TheCarPlayer.com and NAViKS. It turns out the two modules are not the same. NAViKS gave me several compelling reasons why their module was unique and superior, and thus slightly more expensive.
At this moment I am inclined to go with the NAViKS module.
I heard back from both TheCarPlayer.com and NAViKS. It turns out the two modules are not the same. NAViKS gave me several compelling reasons why their module was unique and superior, and thus slightly more expensive.
At this moment I am inclined to go with the NAViKS module.
carealtor said:
A follow up if anyone is interested.
I heard back from both TheCarPlayer.com and NAViKS. It turns out the two modules are not the same. NAViKS gave me several compelling reasons why their module was unique and superior, and thus slightly more expensive.
At this moment I am inclined to go with the NAViKS module.
I had in my DBS Supperleggera but wasn't that impressed. What was the benefit of the NAViKS?I heard back from both TheCarPlayer.com and NAViKS. It turns out the two modules are not the same. NAViKS gave me several compelling reasons why their module was unique and superior, and thus slightly more expensive.
At this moment I am inclined to go with the NAViKS module.
xnetco said:
What was the benefit of the NAViKS?
Sorry, I didn't notice your question until just now.The response from NAViKS:
"Our unit is unique we program the AUX Input in the car and allow direct audio streaming with no lag, no other company offers this functions please watch our video on the DB11 where we explain this. Its more expensive because you get the AUX/ video in motion adapter and our install doesn't require connecting any audio auxiliary adapters to the USB port(less wiring) and if you decided to use the HDMI function for video you will have no lag. Our unit also can send audio video Bluetooth for a more seamless integration. We also offer tech support 6 days a week via telephone. Facetime and WhatsApp.
Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank You"
For anyone considering the NAViKS system, my installer is half way through and it turns out that the wrong cable was supplied with the kit which I purchased in the US from NAViKS.
The interior of the car is in pieces and now we have to wait for a cable extension to arrive, hopefully tomorrow, to actually make the install possible. Stay tuned…
The interior of the car is in pieces and now we have to wait for a cable extension to arrive, hopefully tomorrow, to actually make the install possible. Stay tuned…
Reporting back now my NAViKS CarPlay module is installed. The good news is that it functions well and it’s easy to flip back and forth between CarPlay and the standard infotainment system. Waze works well (can’t live without it here in the US) and the other apps I typically use like music and podcasts work fine too.
Some minor issues: it’s harder to navigate CarPlay using the joystick than I expected. Will take some getting used to. The audio quality from wireless CarPlay seems poor, but I’m hoping this is more about EQ settings. Will need to dive into that. Annoyingly, because the car shows things like interior temperature etc within its infotainment system rather than with a separate screen or button, you can’t see things like temp, and other a/c settings without backing out of CarPlay.
The most important thing as I mentioned above is that the installation is a complete nightmare. The instructions are useless, a necessary cable was not supplied, and it takes forever to get hold of the people at NAViKS even though they claim 6 days a week customer service. For those in the UK with access to companies that do these installs day in and day out, I would just go with one of those and be done with it. Hope this helps.
Some minor issues: it’s harder to navigate CarPlay using the joystick than I expected. Will take some getting used to. The audio quality from wireless CarPlay seems poor, but I’m hoping this is more about EQ settings. Will need to dive into that. Annoyingly, because the car shows things like interior temperature etc within its infotainment system rather than with a separate screen or button, you can’t see things like temp, and other a/c settings without backing out of CarPlay.
The most important thing as I mentioned above is that the installation is a complete nightmare. The instructions are useless, a necessary cable was not supplied, and it takes forever to get hold of the people at NAViKS even though they claim 6 days a week customer service. For those in the UK with access to companies that do these installs day in and day out, I would just go with one of those and be done with it. Hope this helps.
Audio through all the CarPlay modules is poorer than playing through the normal car media interface since the CarPlay connects via aux. The audio from the CarPlay therefore misses the DSP of the car. This is especially noticeable if you have the B+O unit.
Hence why I still connect the phone to the car media interface via the USB. This causes problems as you don’t get CarPlay audio from the apps, but quality is far better.
Hence why I still connect the phone to the car media interface via the USB. This causes problems as you don’t get CarPlay audio from the apps, but quality is far better.
Edited by V8LM on Saturday 6th January 19:57
V8LM said:
Audio through all the CarPlay modules is poorer than playing through the normal car media interface since the CarPlay connects via aux. The audio from the CarPlay therefore misses the DSP of the car. This is especially noticeable if you have the B+O unit.
Hence why I still connect the phone to the car media interface via the USB. This causes problems as you don’t get CarPlay audio from the apps, but quality is far better.
Thats interesting , I've never heard that mentioned before.. Hence why I still connect the phone to the car media interface via the USB. This causes problems as you don’t get CarPlay audio from the apps, but quality is far better.
Edited by V8LM on Saturday 6th January 19:57
Just so I understand this.. so you use CarPlay for things like Google maps integration, but don't use it for audio. Is that right?
Does Google maps still give you turn notifications through the audio system?
This question of the sound output from the carplay unit isn’t a one size fits all answer in my experience. On my previous car (DB9.2) the carplay unit was installed by AI using the aux. All sound went via that into the main Aston media interface. On my current car (DB11) the carplay unit sends sound to the Aston via the car’s BT connection. On both cars the sound output has been very good, the former using premium audio, the latter using B&O.
bents99 said:
The most important thing as I mentioned above is that the installation is a complete nightmare. The instructions are useless, a necessary cable was not supplied, and it takes forever to get hold of the people at NAViKS even though they claim 6 days a week customer service. For those in the UK with access to companies that do these installs day in and day out, I would just go with one of those and be done with it. Hope this helps.
I haven't attempted the install yet, but based on this comment I have asked a slew of questions to NAViKs support ahead of time. Yeah, the supplied wiring instructions are awful. They were never updated after they updated the wiring harness. Very confusing wiring instructions.Had the AM unit installed on mine about 2 yrs ago. Wireless Android Auto works well (connects quicker than new VAG stuff). Sound quality isn't that good, especially on YouTube Music (even on max quality); however it is much better on Spotify and Tidal. Main issue on mine is the mic for telephone calls doesn't seem to activate when on Android Auto, works fine if I disconnect and go back to the standard Merc system.
CatalystV12V said:
V8LM said:
Audio through all the CarPlay modules is poorer than playing through the normal car media interface since the CarPlay connects via aux. The audio from the CarPlay therefore misses the DSP of the car. This is especially noticeable if you have the B+O unit.
Hence why I still connect the phone to the car media interface via the USB. This causes problems as you don’t get CarPlay audio from the apps, but quality is far better.
Thats interesting , I've never heard that mentioned before.. Hence why I still connect the phone to the car media interface via the USB. This causes problems as you don’t get CarPlay audio from the apps, but quality is far better.
Edited by V8LM on Saturday 6th January 19:57
Just so I understand this.. so you use CarPlay for things like Google maps integration, but don't use it for audio. Is that right?
Does Google maps still give you turn notifications through the audio system?
The advantage of this is the audio is much, much better.
The disadvantage is that there is no audio from the CarPlay. So no, no audio from Google/Waze/etc.
It also can become a problem as the phone connects either Bluetooth audio to the CarPlay OR media USB to the car. If the phone connects audio to the CarPlay, one has to disconnect and reconnect the USB to get it back.
Edited by V8LM on Tuesday 16th January 22:11
Just circling back around to this now that I have done the installation.
As said, the instructions are nearly useless. I asked many questions about the wiring before I even started the installation and came to the conclusion that the wiring instructions are outdated for the current state of their wiring harness. It's actually simpler to wire than their included instructions. It's really just insert their harness between the existing head unit and the car's harness, move the optical cables from the old connector to the new connector, and install the y-adaptor for the video screen. I see no need to use the included small harness unless you need/want the wired USB connection (which I do). There is also a WiFi antenna to connect and find a place for.
I'm currently using the wired USB connection method. I cannot get a consistent stable WiFi connection with my phone. BUT, my phone is old enough (Android 10) that I believe this is probably the problem. I may give it another go at some point or just wait till I replace my phone.
I had a LOT of issues getting this up and running, but in hindsight, most/all were my doing (unrealistic expectations) and not actually problems with the NAViKS. With currently using the wired USB connections, and following a very rigid series of events for startup, I am now getting consistently good results.
As said, the instructions are nearly useless. I asked many questions about the wiring before I even started the installation and came to the conclusion that the wiring instructions are outdated for the current state of their wiring harness. It's actually simpler to wire than their included instructions. It's really just insert their harness between the existing head unit and the car's harness, move the optical cables from the old connector to the new connector, and install the y-adaptor for the video screen. I see no need to use the included small harness unless you need/want the wired USB connection (which I do). There is also a WiFi antenna to connect and find a place for.
I'm currently using the wired USB connection method. I cannot get a consistent stable WiFi connection with my phone. BUT, my phone is old enough (Android 10) that I believe this is probably the problem. I may give it another go at some point or just wait till I replace my phone.
I had a LOT of issues getting this up and running, but in hindsight, most/all were my doing (unrealistic expectations) and not actually problems with the NAViKS. With currently using the wired USB connections, and following a very rigid series of events for startup, I am now getting consistently good results.
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