yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] nFKT:
2 BT stacks could be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage as apparently the microphone that handles non BT calls is terrible, that and it looks like the HuiFei/Klyde units mostly all have 2.5" external microphone connectors. I'm assuming the mic on this unit is visible in android and thus can be used for Google Now/Utter/voice commands.

The MCU does seem to be better on this end -- for now. It seems as of late the Newsmy has been seeing more MCU updates.

The external box portion to me is a moot point, I guess it's a nice feature. I would say though, why avoid WinCE+Android? From the specs I've seen the Android side still has rk3188/2gb/8gb flash and the WinCE side has it's own separate specs. The main advantage to WinCE being instantly on. I'm assuming the Android side is still updatable with roms, recovery etc?

They included this image as a list of advantages looks like there are some on the power side too?

On the microphone side, the Newsmy only allows a microphone upgrade via USB if I recall correctly, no 2.5" connector avail to possibly reuse the OEM/car mic.

Also many thanks for your detailed/well though out replies. Hopefully this helps other users on the fence.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] uncleg:
exactly.

from recovery.

---------- Post added at 06:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:00 PM ----------

If You're not an adnroid firmware guru, You can prerooted android firmware install only.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] typos1:
NO ! The lights on is a separate issue !!

And so is the radio !!
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Tumke32:
Okay, and i can install a prerooted android firmware without a rooted device? Is there a possibility if bricking my radio and wich firmware should i pick?

I flashed a lot of custom roms om my phone in the past, but doing this on a radio is new to me.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] typos1:
Yes.

Read the first page.

As I said in my reply - an external mic can be added to the Newsmy, a lot of people say the mic is not very good on these units (if you read the thread your ll see) some people think its ok, most units come with an external mic as well, though some people say that is not very good and there are several mic mods mentioned in the thread. So mic wise with both units you may need to add one or modify them.

If you fancy using a massively outdated OS with ridiculously low processor and RAM specs that youre happy to pay extra for, then go for the dual boot one, cant see why anyone would want to personally. Not sure what you mean about including "this image as a list of advantages", if youre talking about Newsmy's marketing, then of course theyd say it was advantages, theyre trying to sell it to you ! What image are you talking about ?

Hello uncleg !

You dont have to go into recovery - if inserted into the GPS card slot, it will sense the MCU update and ask if you want to flash it. :)

---------- Post added at 04:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:12 PM ----------

Your question does not make sense !

Pick which ever you think looks better, its quick and easy so try a few.

If you read the first page then you will find out that the only way of rooting KK is to install a pre-rooted image, so if you had to have a rooted image to install the pre-rooted image then no one would be able to root their device !!

There is always a slight risk, flashing your stereo is no different form flashing your phone.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] nFKT:
Did you mean most of the HuiFei units come with an external mic? I do not believe most Newsmy units do. From reading both threads it seems like there are many complaints with the microphone on both sides, but less so on this thread. I'd assuming the varying quality has a lot to do with where each unit chose to put their respective microphones.

The price on the dual boot unit was about the same, that was the only reason I even asked. I attached the picture to the bottom of my thread. Either way the only advantage to WinCE ever would be that it is instantly on and I believe it also uses less power so it would be more manageable to have it use a battery etc.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] uncleg:
Hi typos1! :)

So, sometimes it never worked. At the previous android 4.4.4 stock build (xx012015 don't exact remember) my HU never goes to autoinstall the images on GPS sd-card :( And it was with both images MCU and Andriod.

Also I was created zero-size update.img for MCU update only, and it not worked with this stock version. Thats why I told to him go to recovery for 100% success.

For today I upgraded android to latest xx042015 build and auto upgrade is working well.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Tumke32:
Yea sorry for being so stupid.. But is there a way to flash de orginial firmware back to the device in case i don't like the new firmware? I have a MX MCU, so i can install KLD, KGL, JY etc android versions, is that wright (just to be sure)?

I did read the first page, several times. I ask these questions to be sure what i'm doing. The last thing i want is a bricket 400 euro device. I my case i actually want root acces to change de dpi of several apps and to install viper.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] mnisar:
Is there any chance to get pre rooted ROM for rk3188.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] gazdaaa:
Power management

Hi, I've asked about this before, but the answer wasn't clear, probably because it was asked with other questions.

When the car is turned off (no key in ignition), can you turn on the headunit with the power button? (Long press,like on stock radios )

What happens when you press the power button (short single press) when the unit is powered on?

Does it have any form of standby?
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] xcuter:
I updated to coudu image on my KLD unit. Now when using Google maps navigation voice guidance does not lower music volume but instead talks at the same volume as the music which is annoying. Does anyone know if there is a setting to fix this?
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Alphas:
I am running on the 12V PSU supply which also power my PC lol. Connect the yellow and red (acc) to the +12V and black to 0V, be careful not the short any wires.

1. NO, the acc wire need to be at +12V for the unit to power up. Even when the yellow (batt) and the black (0V) is connected to the battery, the unit will not power up at all.

2. The unit will power off and goes into standby, when you press the power again within 30s, it will resume from standby.

3. Apparently yes, when the car engine is running and switch off, the unit goes into standby for 30 sec, then it will totally shut down after about 30 sec. When you start the car again, the unit will then boot as normal.

Test only for Joying unit. :good:Give a thanks!
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Malaysk:
I can do this, but I do not RK3188, I have RK3066. and I'm afraid to put bad firmware, without testing it. Then yourself will scold me :D
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] mnisar:
HuiFei 2 DIN android 4.4.4 RK3188 1 GB Ram 16GB NAND

Need help to get root access. Updated to MCU 2.47 working fine.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] mnisar:
Can you guid me how can I root this? I am also ready to check your ROM on my KGL MCU2.47 1024x600 under your guidline.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] FrenchSparda:
Is there really big improvment with quadcore rk3188 compared to dual core rk3066 HU ? More responsive ? Navigation is quicker ?
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Malaysk:
Ok ... if you do not mind, I'll give you the firmware and to check if you do not mind. If all goes well then I lay out the firmware.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] typos1:
Most do, or at least they come with a socket for it. I dont think mic location is anything to do with it, with the posible exception of the internal mic which a lot of people say only works if you lean forward and put your mouth near to it. Basically either headunit you will need to add a mic and maybe do a mod if you get the ones in this thread (or maybe not, I was all ready to but didnt cos mine sounds ok and Iv e not had anyone say they cant hear me).

Soz, missed the pic, its marketing gumpf though, so I wouldnt take too much notice, WinCE is out of date pants, it was good in its day (like 10-15 years ago) but lets face it for use in these units its been easily usurped by Android.

I m confused about your comments, so you get the dual boot cos WinCE boots quicker, but then at some point youve got to boot Android, unless you dont use it, in which case why not get a WinCE only unit, or if youre suggesting you use the WinCE until Android boots then your ll be using WinCE for like 30-60 seconds !! I dont get it ?

Ok, glad to hear yours works now, was just making sure a newbie knew that they should just be able to pop it on the SD card and it would work automatically :)

Unless youre using Malaysk's custom ROM, then the new firmware will be pretty much the same as the original apart from a few basic mods like more app space, DSA's initd mod and root obviously - they look like the standard firmware.

Youre only the first or second person on this thread to have an MX so not sure what the firmware looks like, maybe you can post a pic ? Unless you get a copy of the original firmware you wont be able to go back.

As the first page clearly says, you can install ANY Android version, but ONLY MX MCUs.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Marius B:
I make update. I recived one message about e partition.

radio is more poor . No changes about light .
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Marius B:
No change about light . Can make another changes ?

Radio have poor quality like first oem firmware.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] nFKT:
I take it you are using the internal mic and it is okay? Have any links to the mods you're talking about? I just assumed people were replacing the factory mics in their car with the external or something similar.

Your point is valid there, I was just thinking it might be possible to resume Android faster on WinCE than cold boot it every time. I imagine updating the OS on a WinCE/Android device also sucks as I'm not sure how recovery would even work.

You have any idea which device boots faster between the HuiFei or the Newsmy?
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] romulus55:
saved radio channels

last day my radio restarts then my radio channels lost so if anyone knows which file have saved radio channels i save again and backup this file and if i know the file i can edit it fastly.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Malaysk:
Where is the link to the factory for firmware rk3188 for 800X480? can`t find in the forum :)
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] Marius B:
Work but what it this e mount Command error

I forghot about busybox. I make now.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] typos1:
How many times - the Android system has NOTHING to do with the lights !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mic mods have been mentioned sooo many times in this thread, do a thread search or read the first page (not sure if pakidermo has mentioned them there or not).

Dont bother assuming, read the thread to find out what people are doing ! I m using the supplied external mic with no mods.

No, I dont have a Newsmy, read/search the Newsmay thread to find out the Newsmy boot time and read/search this thread to find out the boot times people get (depends on several factors including the apps installed).
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] typos1:
They are all here Malaysk, I add them every time DSA does one, coudu adds his himself.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] rnp614:
Webdude, do you mind me asking which year/make/model and stereo version you are dealing with? I'd consider one of these units but I'm not too savvy and a ground loop hum would drive me nuts. :silly:
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
I have a 2007 Audi A4 unit with Factory Bose system. Depending on your make and model you may or may not get the ground loop hum. I was actually able to trace my down to the way the CanBus works, and the factory ground wire not being large enough to support the RCA outputs of the radio causing the hum. I could have ran another ground wire, problem was with the way german cars are put together, it was easier to buy the $15 part and install solving the problem all together. :)
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] thecharliec:
Hey guys, love the idea of this unit, and bow down to the pioneering work of members on this thread to get ROOT working.

I have an Alfa 147 GTA (2004, non Bose), which has non-standard wiring, though is CANBUS based with steering wheel controls.

I have found the following Connects2 cables for my car, which are supposed to allow it to interface 'plug and play' to Chinese Head units:

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/product.asp?s=Steering%20Control%20Adaptors&c=Alfa%20Steering%20Stalk%20Control%20Adaptors&product_code=CTSAR003.2

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/product.asp?s=Car%20Stereo%20Fitting%20Kits&c=CT%20Stalk%20Adaptors&product_code=CTCHINAHULEAD

Was wondering if anyone knows whether all Chinese head units use the same 'standard' for wiring which ought to work with the above leads?

Also, should I be looking only at the 'universal' models, or other models ok? (assuming the fascia works with my car)

Any pointers would be genuinely appreciated.

cheers, thecharliec
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] blankers:
I think it's just a case of buy that adapter and see if it works.

There is a wiring diagram on top of the unit. Using that with your vehicle audio wiring diagram, it should be easy enough to connect it.

If you're unsure, it may be easier to take it to a car audio shop for install.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
Its my understanding that CAN BUS just sends the communication signals down the power line. There is a setting in the "Factory Settings" menu that allows you to select CAN BUS type, but I honestly do not remember if Alpha Romeo was one of them, I will look when I step out for lunch.

I will be posting info on Root here in just a few minutes. I still have not gotten CWM Recovery to flash, but I have some ideas now that we have root. The problem is, my car is going into the Body Shop to have some door dings, and minor scratches fixed this evening, so I wont be able to play again till this weekend....
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
Ok, I have created a wiki page real quick and put Rooting instructions on it.

http://xdaforums.com/wiki/HuiFei_Android_Radio

I have attempted to vet the rooting program. And while there is some scripting in the program to download an ad program, if you follow my instructions, it does not appear to run or be installed. I have also scanned my unit with Lookout, AVG Antivirus and ESET Mobile, without finding any problems afterwards.

I can not be held responsible if you screw up or brick your radio, but the 1.3.6 version of the software worked for me.

I also have gotten a comprehensive list from Keylo of all the models, screen size, and US Retail Pricing, that I just added to the Wiki. This should be used for quick reference only, as I have been known to make typos. Please verify model number before you order. I am also inquiring on the pricing of the 1024 * 800 screen size. Those of you that have this radio or similar, know that some apps are a pain to use, because they were not coded to work on a 800 * 480 screen.

I am still looking at maybe adding the product line to a new business we are starting, but no decision has been made yet. Really waiting to see if we can get at least an unlocked bootloader option from Huifei.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] blankers:
You can easily enter recovery by the following process:

1 Press reset button and power button together

2 After about 5 secs release reset button, but keep pressing power button

3 When booting screen appears release power button.

4 It boots into recovery.

Works every time.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
Nice find. I was just playing when I found it, tried to find the exact sequence, but moved on.

That and currently I do not have a recovery.. I had a flash half fail, Luckily, that doesnt mean Im toast yet, as long as I dont screw up the rom, I can still use the radio, and with enough work around, I will be able to correctly fash the recovery. Still hoping, Keylo can get us an unlocked bootloader.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] blankers:
What do you mean by this ? Are you talking bootloader or system image ?
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] thecharliec:
Thanks blankers, webdude. Don't mind buying the cables, it's more I'm confused about which model of the HU to go for. Assuming the aim is to try and get the SW controls working...Are the different models essentially the same except for fascia, supplied adapter cables, and default CAN BUS settings? ...

Looking on webdude's wiki, I notice the universal models don't list CAN BUS... I know I've read somewhere you can make the HU 'learn' the signals though not sure if that's possible with this unit.

[MENTION=285276]webdude[/MENTION], appreciate you taking a look, keen to know if Alfa Romeo are 'officially' supported....Any chance you could post a pic of the wiring diagram on the unit .. would help greatly in my quest :)
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] blankers:
i would suggest you send keylo an email.She can talk direct to the engineers making these units and hopefully get you the best head unit for your vehicle.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
I attempt to flash CWM Recovery using Flashify. It got about 80% done and then errored out. I'm going to have to flash using fastboot. Just haven't had time to play.

---------- Post added at 11:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 PM ----------

The universal doesn't list Canbus not because it doesn't support it, but because it doesn't come with the external adapter. This would need to be purchased external. Since these units do have IR, you can always use a steering wheel to IR universal controller.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] katinatez:
[MENTION=517163]webdude12[/MENTION]

I read your wiki on device, good job. It states that only a 32 GB card will work. Have you tried a 64GB exfat card formatted to ntfs then fat32? I have a few devices that said only 32GB cards are good but I have all my devices with 64GB cards. Its a 2 step process; first format to NTFS/format to fat32.

Here is the program to do it with if you did not know called fat32format

http://www.ridgecrop.demon.co.uk/index.htm?fat32format.htm

on a side note have been in contact with keylo to help me find the best choice for my ford expedition 2004.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
I have not tried a 64 GB card, simply because I do not own any. :)
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
Just heard back from Keylo, looks like they are 100% against unlocking the Bootloader for us. This means we will have crack on our own. I do know there are tools out there to dowload the bootloader, etc. Just not sure we can through the standard USB ports. Its my guess that the system USB port is on the main board somewhere as a header.

My car is still in the body shop getting a few minor scratches, etc fixed. Once I get it back, I will start digging deeper into the thing.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] nwskipro:
You are awesome. Can't wait to get mine in and help if you need someone to try anything.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] shadowmyst87:
That's too bad.

So I've been looking all over the internet for some type of Android stereo in my car.

At first I was going to go with mounting a Nexus 7 tablet in my dash but it just seems liker more trouble then it's worth.

Then I considered buying a Pioneer with mirrorlink and just using AR unchained. But I just found this thread by accident!

A few questions.

There's been alot of these type of Chinese Android based stereo's for sale on places like eBay etc. And mainly the general consensus is that these stereo's are cheap and you should not buy anything like them from China because they either don't work or break down quickly.

So my question is this, what makes this stereo any different from the rest? My main concern is audio quality and functionality. Someone in this thread a few pages back mentioned that not all apps are available in the Play Store. Is there a way around this besides just side loading?

Thanks

PS I couldn't find it in this thread or from the sale page, what's the preamp voltage and does it have sub preamp outputs?

Thanks
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] gangsta101:
Well, I don't have one yet but my friend installed a windows CE based unit in his car last year. So looking at this Unit on youtube, my friend's unit and one i saw a couple of years back, one thing i can say to you with some degree of certainty is this, THE BUILD QUALITY HAS IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY.

Like you i hated most electronics made in by Chinese Companies (not the ones outsourced to them for manufacturing obviously). They had terrible User Interfaces, horribly unresponsive touchscreens, really average sound quality and could practically fall apart if you looked at them the wrong way. (prone to quick failure from tampering, high voltage spikes, fairly regular touch, etc)

But these recent builds seem to have addressed a lot of these issues, they seem sturdier, their screens look beautiful and responsive, the sound outputs to your speaker depends on your speaker quality in the first place so no real fear there, the user interfaces are not so sad anymore, and being android, it might be open to customization, and if it isn't installed by an absolute clown, you shouldn't expect too much problems i believe.

These units pack everything you would want from a car audio system into one very neat package and at an unbelievable price, i know there are still some ways to go (like if they had been made by sony or pioneer, they would have somehow looked better, but lets face it, those guys don't seem to have anything like this in mind for the immediate future).

So i am really excited about these units to tell you the truth. I'm Changing my cars soon and the ease of swapping out the car stereo just became number 2 on the list of things i am considering in the next car.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] webdude12:
As I have mentioned before, I spent almost 10 years in the car audio industry in retail sales. I also competed in sound quality stereo competitions for many years, only ever having brands like Alpine, Precision Power, MB Quart, JL Audio, etc. So ordering this unit was a leap of faith for me. My only saving grace was that I paid for it using my Business American Express card, which gives me a 3 yr warranty and buyer protection. If it fails and the seller doesnt stand behind it, I can send it to AMX and either they will repair (which they never do), or what they have done in the past is credit my account the purchase amount.

In saying that, and while I havent dis-assembled the unit yet, I can tell you the overall build quality of the unit seems solid. The metal case around the radio is solid metal, doesnt feel cheap or flimsy at all. The plastic on the front feels like good quality plastic. The thing you have to remember here is, we arent buying $99 radios. We are buying radios that retail for as high as some of the name brand touch screen units.

When I get my car out of the shop, I am going to pull my radio out and move the routing of my USB and Aux cable. At that time I will do some basic testing on the Output Voltage of the RCAs, but based on experience and when I had them hooked up, it would be my guess they are 1.0 - 1.5v standard output. I can tell you there is no way they are 4.0V out, like some radios these day.

I always ran a pre-amp eq in my custom setups, so output voltage was never a big deal to me.
[MTCB Android Head Units Q&A] shadowmyst87:
Thanks for the thorough response.

I do have a few more questions if you don't mind, I want to make sure I've covered everything before I commit to buying one of these.

How's the Play Store? Are all the apps available? I read here that only 50% of the apps are available on this unit.

How's the DVD player? Does it function well?

Does this have an AUX input?

If I plug my iPod into the usb port will it play music through it?

How's the steering wheel integration?

My car is a little unique, the saftey warning sounds and chimes are connected through the factory stereo. PAC makes an integration adapter but I dont know if it would work with this unit.

Thanks