Best products from r/CarPlay

I've done the same thing, more or less, and mostly agree it works well - but there are significant drawbacks too. Since at least one person seems possibly interested...

My setup is in a 2004 Acura RSX. That predates car radios commonly having aux inputs, and I was not into changing it out due to theft risk, so I run audio through an RCA input cd-changer adapter I grabbed off eBay. It doesn't require any power, it just plugs into the back of the head unit.

My current tablet is "The New iPad" - aka the third generation, first Retina screen - with Verizon 4G. Long ago I switched to a T-Mobile "200MB/month freebie" SIM that meets most of my needs. Just for instance, it worked for Waze the full way on a ~600 mile road trip. Obviously that's not enough to run Pandora for 100 hours. YMMV!

I also have (heheh, for now anyway but that's another story) a Karma hotspot, which - if they can keep my service intact, and there's a Sprint tower nearby - gives pretty decent performance. Unfortunately on my road trip that didn't happen, and I ended up without internet for a long leg of my night drive back home. My Virgin Mobile (3G) iPhone 4s had no problems though, and luckily I'd downloaded the maps I needed via hotel WiFi. But Maps.me isn't my first choice nav app.

The glare on the screen is sometimes problematic, but it's easy to move it to a different angle, because I mounted it using this arm - my review is the top one for verified purchase and includes a couple pics. My opinion hasn't changed much. It's nifty, but probably not worth that asking price and maybe not even the price I paid which I think was $19. The vibration on rough roads is significant. In the small interior space it interferes some with passengers. The foam padding comes unstuck in the 180°F+ car interior. Etc.

My rear-seat 12v accessory port supplies power via a right-angle 30-pin dock cable. (didn't have it yet in the picture) This prevents interference with the shifter. The car's an auto, but I don't want to yank the cable out shifting into reverse when I parallel park. Audio also has a right-angle plug, for the same reason.

It takes me about 5 seconds to un-cable everything, close the cover, and slide it between my center console and the passenger seat. That makes it practically invisible from outside the car, though I'm sure the gooseneck gives some indication.

Overall, I think it gives a lot of the advantages of CarPlay and avoids some of the drawbacks. Particularly... I can use ANY app, even if it's not CarPlay enabled, which will behave the same way everywhere ; on my couch, in a hotel room, on the side of the road, and while driving. My sense of self preservation is enough to prevent me from doing anything overly dumb - I don't need "nanny mode" to keep me safe. Of course I lose out on some of the super-fancy features like auto-reading TXT messages. So ... YMMV.

Right now the biggest hinderance to my happiness is not being on iOS 10 - my ancient hardware is stuck with 9. But everything works well enough that I probably won't upgrade until more important apps stop supporting the old APIs.

I don't think there is any other way to get audio into the unit. The best option might be keeping a Bluetooth transmitter in the car. Something like this. There are a ton of Chinese rebrand variants on Amazon, but that one seems to be the most popular. You will need to arrange power to micro-USB port as well. Maybe mount it somewhere and use a 3.5mm extension cable.

Another option is to save your pennies and wait to see how the Alpine iLX-107 turns out.


I haven't recorded a memo or anything to see how the mic quality is, but noone I've called has commented either way. It seems to work well enough--"Hey Siri" works even with music going at a comfortable volume.

I got this from Amazon to connect with my unit. U can try it but honestly idk why ur having such a hard time. Maybe the problem is with the unit itself. It works like it should for me. Not to say that it's great, it could def be better. I have a lot of gripes personally, but it's def worlds better than what I had.

This is a great thread! I'm ordering parts and preparing for my own install into a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek and I've been concerned with the issues people are reporting with steering wheel controls. It sounds like bypassing the ASWC unit and going directly into the head unit and programming the buttons there did the trick for you though? Does MODE button work to change modes? Does the VOICE button work for activating Siri? Would you mind sharing which parts you used to build your custom cable?

The harness I purchased actually includes the SWC wires compared to most harnesses that don't, so maybe this puts me in a good spot for being able to make this work correctly? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D9K3L44/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I had 5 different mics, and I tested them all in different locations., (and techincally different mic gains) ... the one I ended up picking was mono Olympus mic (it "sounded the best to me"). I also had the stereo one but didn't think it sounded better. Best location for me was on the steering wheel center stock facing my head.

https://www.amazon.com/OLYMPUS-unidirectional-mono-microphone-ME52W/dp/B000LXH43M

Spigen magnet vent dock. Super convenient. Cheap. Love it.

Car Phone Holder, Spigen Kuel [Air Vent] [Magnetic] [Universal 360º] Car Mount for iPhone X / 8 / 8 Plus, Goolgle Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy Note 8 / S8 / S8 Plus and All smartphones - Q11 Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0109JIQ0W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TGaHAbY2Q55VH

I would say the installation will probably be around $100-$150

Here’s a link to Geek Squad. Their installation is about $65 plus parts. I would think with a mount kit and the steering wheel control integration you would probably be at around $100-$120

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/car-deck-installation-hardware-not-included/3582102.p?skuId=3582102

I bought my Pioneer AppRadio 4 off Amazon. (SPH-DA120) it is CarPlay enabled. I really like it but would recommend you also get a matte screen protector for it as well or else the fingerprints get pretty bad. (I had to wipe mine off daily with my OCD)

Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120 6.2-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen Smartphone Receiver Display. Here is a listing for one at $330. There may be cheaper options out there now if you do some shopping around. I’m not sure.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8B7CFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jRH4AbQBZ71HF

So I’m guessing stereo + parts + install would be around $450 roughly.

The link in that post seems to be redirecting to one that only supports android head units.

This Amazon US link seems to be the one that supports factory wired carplay head units.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X7M98CS

I just have an iphone AV cable there, so that if I occasionally want to use a 3rd party app, I can. I recommend either the official AV adapter (you might need some cables to go with it), or the cable that I'm using.

I've toyed with google maps and some TV shows (while parked)

Yes. You need three things:

An Apple TV 4k, iPad, or HomePod

One of these:
MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener Chamberlain MYQ-G0301 - Wireless & Wi-Fi enabled Garage Hub with Smartphone Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H7Z5L8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FMbsDbWY8DV71

And either need to run homebridge 24x7 somewhere in your house on a computer, or get this:

LiftMaster MYQ 819LMB MyQ Home Bridge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RQVSY7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HObsDb3PB0G0S

With the Subaru, yes, just bypass the AWSC/PAC. My own install has been in place for weeks, and I have full functionality: Volume, Next/Prev, Mode, Voice, BT Pickup/Hangup all work. I've been happy with it because once programmed in the head unit, it just works. I've made mode be the attenuate button, since I use that more.

Just be aware that this only works with steering wheel controls that use resistor networks. Sony's got a compatibility list for various models, so it's worth checking it.

With that harness, my suggestion is to get something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Cerrxian-Terminal-Headphone-Converter-Adapter/dp/B06W2KB8ZV/

Strip the wire ends on the harness, and screw in. SW1 to tip, SW2 to ring, ground to sleeve. Then run your own 3.5mm stereo cable of choice between that and the head unit. Done. Less than 10$ worth of parts.

My install uses the same setup, difference is that I've tapped into the AWSC wires already installed for the previous head unit. I've disconnected the AWSC, but now I can switch between the two connections just by plugging the right stuff in.

This is what you probably wanted:

Carlinkit Wireless carplay dongle Original Screen carplay activator Adapter for Audi Volvo Benz Porsche with carplay Support Steering Wheel Button/Wired to Wireless carplay Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8NQJX1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_vOFYDbAXGDRK1

How about this 10.1” media player form amazon? It supports airplay and from a video on YouTube looks like the touch on the screen also works with the phone.

Not CarPlay but airplay screen mirroring.


Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/DDAUTO-DDA10D-Portable-Multimedia-Bluetooth/dp/B0711TZRS8


YouTube video

https://youtu.be/qvr6aFgl_pA

I believe Android is a reference to the operating system of the actual unit. The unit runs software that allows Apple CarPlay connection. Some products require an additional dongle to run CarPlay. There are many available android units that support CarPlay that range from $150 to $1000, and many are marked "unavailable" after selling for just a year with newer versions available. I am not familiar with the intricacies of Android 4.0 to 8.1, and the ones below require a dongle. Since there isn't a uniform guide to this, I'm asking this sub recemendations.

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https://www.amazon.com/Android-Stereo-Receiver-Interface-Unversial/dp/B07D8H8NVF/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=android+headunit+carplay&qid=1549664227&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Android-Carplay-Support-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B07D7MZHM5/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=android+headunit+carplay&qid=1549664380&sr=8-3

Check out the Soundstream VRCP-65, it’s the best budget CarPlay headunit in my opinion. Been having mine for over a year and it’s unbeatable for the features & price.

I originally bought it for around $240 but it’s currently $189 on Amazon. CarPlay, Android Link, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, DVD, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HGF1F6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sTeHDb0VFGG20

I’m pretty sure there’s no setting that will do what you want. As an alternative, you could use a USB “condom” to let your phone charge without triggering CarPlay.

I've been looking at this on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8B7CFS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1GRTT9GHGRY0B

I really like the minimal look of the interface.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8NQJX1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BRMFDbA80ZY5Z

It’s a part of a multi-product page, so the reviews aren’t all about this exact one. But the few I’ve read about this one say it’s great. It’s $178 but there’s a $60 coupon you click to activate.

Amazon have some but it’s a little pricey
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pioneer-SPHDA120-Apple-CarPlay-Stereo/dp/B00O8B7CFS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=Pioneer+Apple+CarPlay+Stereo&qid=1565109647&s=gateway&sr=8-1