[Miscellaneous Android Development] mrbuz:
There is an Android 2.2 800Mhz 256MB 8GB 6,2" TFT CAR DVD on sale (about 800 USD with delivery to door in Russia) that I have bought recently and after some software installations it does deliver what I have wanted to have in the car.

Nevertheless there are a few major complaints to its performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx53a6N7_ws

As well there are several other minor things that would be great to change if possible.

If there is someone interested and able to cook a custom ROM for this device - I can send this device for free as a gift and for experiments. We really want a good ROM for this CA-Fi Car Stereo and the guy's in China don't seem caring enough.

I will check this thread once in a while and provide contact details for anyone interested in developing this device. It is very close to being a great thing for a CAR! I have updated my email in the XDA profile so you can as well use this option to contact me.

I Have a ROM update file that came from the device vendor (dealer). I can send it out for revision.

The way to install this rom on the car stereo is to extract files to the root of a microSD card, insert it, switch off the device, then, while holding the screen tapped, power on – the device starts an install mode. When finished it asks for screen calibration and restarts with a new rom as after a hard reset (erases everything).

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I understand you if you only need to have music playing while driving, as well as some people who still prefer using monochrome cell phones. This is a matter of needs.

Regarding the sound quality of this particular CA-Fi device its surprisingly fine. I use its 4x45W out lines conneted directly to car OEM speakers (its a Chrysler PT) and the subwoofer RCA out channel connected via a 1KW Kenwood amplifier to a large Polk Audio woofer. With the available in this device GEQ and Bass/Treble settings the unit provides perfectly sharp and clear sound in the high+mid ranges for the OEM speakers that in company with the powerful sub make a really impressive rich and clear sound scene with no distortion at any volume.

This sound setup is very easy and efficient. Honestly, to my hearing it is not lacking comparing to my previous JVC Mosfet 192/24 DAC car stereo that was routed through amplifiers for all channels to Focal speakers instead of the OEM... That was too much trouble for the gained advantage. Again, depending on the needs. Trully - the sound of this Android Radio is fine, a sound of a branded Hi-Fi car stereo.

And if you had a Win7 Car PC setup that is quite complicated to arrange you should agree that this easy one-box Android PC solution is a great idea. It provides the music and all the tablet PC advantages. It's really nice after switching on the ignition to hear from your car that you have a new e-mail arrived, and enjoy other goodies like that.

---------- Post added at 08:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by leppie

And there is the Parrot as well.

yes, I considered the Parrot, but found it limited for modifications and with a too small screen. There is as well a Clarion at present under development, but it does not appeal to me neither. It is a concept from the Clarion Malaysia division and most likely will be limited for modifications; if it will ever be released at all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNQC56S5NFI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1TFiy2Dsdg

I really have spent some plenty of time on the web before selecting this CA-Fi device and I couldnt find anything better. To be honest I even went trough a mistake and loss of money by ordering an Android/WinCE dual OS device first. Result - I installed it into my dad's car (its better than his OEM 2003 Mercedes device anyway). But that one is wierd. My advice: be aware not to get one of those by mistake. For example, mine had GPS only in WinCE and 3G only in Android - so I couldnt have the Navigation system working along with traffic updates.... this spoiled everything for me.

PS

Important to know that CA-Fi offer a few dozens of versions of the same model with different front panels to match many of original car dashboards without the need of modifying the panels - the device fits in as a replacement for the OEM unit! As well for those who think that there are many different Android car stereos to choose from - this may be the same model with different front facing.

Like all of theese are the same device: